Lina Osman

Lina is the Regional Head of Sustainable Finance, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan at Standard Chartered Bank. She has over 19 years of banking experience across Sustainable Finance, Corporate Finance, and investment banking, delivering innovative deal origination and execution across various industries and regions. In her current role, Lina has developed key relationships with clients advising them on sustainable finance solutions and instruments, and on suitable transition opportunities for their businesses. She also sits on various working groups with the objective of mobilizing capital towards green, social, and transition projects. Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance (Magna Cum Laude) from the American University of Sharjah with a minor in Economics, and an MBA with distinction from London Business School. Lina was also a board member of the MENA Clean Energy Business Council (“CEBC”).

Session Overview

Tuesday, 4 November

10:45

Finance & Investment Conference Room A 10:45 - 11:25

Financing the future: innovative mechanisms for energy projects

Overcoming the financial and structural barriers that are hampering the fast-tracking of low-carbon energy projects will require significant innovation. Models such as blended finance solutions, green bonds and first-loss equity funds could help mitigate exposure for investors in high-risk projects. Impact investing and crowdfunding also offer opportunities to generate both financial returns and positive environmental impacts. Regulatory predictability, international cooperation, and engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will also be critical if these mechanisms are to deliver on their innovation and market development potential. At the same time, tailored regional solutions will aid the evolution of global project funding, leveraging local resources and policies to overcome unique challenges, while development finance institutions and export credit agencies can be leveraged to mobilise capital and reduce investment risks in emerging economies. By fostering an inclusive and attractive landscape, our industry has an opportunity to bridge the investment gap through innovative finance mechanisms, ensuring a resilient, low-carbon energy future.

Attendee insights:

Join industry leaders, energy businesses, startups and financiers to explore how our sector can engage development banks, institutional investors and private equity firms.