Annabel Nelson

Co-Founder and Senior Partner, Fairlight Partners LLP

Annabel Nelson FCA is co-founder of Fairlight Partners LLP, which helps financial institutions close the judgement gap: turning sustainability obligations into governance they can defend to regulators, stakeholders and investors.

With over 25 years in capital markets and financial leadership, including a £7 billion cross-border debt restructuring, Annabel works at the intersection of financial management, capital allocation and systemic risk. Fairlight provides the frameworks and tools to translate systemic risks into defensible financial judgement, equipping teams to build and own the governance infrastructure rather than depend on external support.

As Chief Sustainability Officer at M&G plc (£342 billion AUM), reporting directly to the Group CFO, she established and led the sustainability function, integrating climate and nature risk into strategy, capital allocation and board governance. She authored CDP's industry-endorsed guidance on water-related financial risk and held senior Finance roles at Prudential plc.

Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Member, ICAEW Sustainability Committee. Sole individual finalist, Finance Changemakers category, Finance for the Future Awards 2025.