Sustainable finance technology solutions provider Arabesque announced a series of high-profile senior appointments today, including the addition of former Deutsche Bank CEO Jürgen Fitschen to the board of AI-based sustainability data and insights services provider Arabesque S-Ray. Additionally, the company has appointed former Allianz COO Dr Christof Mascher and Dr Lars Jaeger, the head of Alternative Risk Premia at GAM Systematic, to the Senior Advisor Committee of AI-based portfolio management tool provider Arabesque AI.

Georg Kell, Chairman of the Arabesque Group, and founding Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, said:

 “Arabesque is on a path to help transform finance and industry by the intelligent application of market-leading sustainability know-how and innovative technology. It’s an approach based on the understanding that ESG and AI will re-shape the global marketplace over the next decade.”

 “I am delighted to welcome Mr Fitschen, Dr Mascher and Dr Jaeger as new Senior Independent Advisors at Arabesque, all three of them global leaders in their field with exceptional careers. Their wealth of experience at the forefront of finance and digital transformation will be invaluable as we grow to become the leading sustainable technology company.”

Fitschen joined Deutsche Bank in 1987, and served as co-CEO of from 2012 to 2016. He also served as acting as President of the Association of German Banks from 2013 to 2016. Prior to Deutsche Bank, Fitschen worked at Citibank where he was a member of the German Executive Committee.

S-Ray focuses on advisory and data solutions by combining big data and ESG metrics to assess the performance and sustainability of companies worldwide, with offerings ranging from ESG scores, to portfolio screening tools, in depth company analysis and bespoke ESG solutions. The platform utilizes big data and machine learning models to draw on more than four million ESG data points daily from over 30,000 sources to drive key sustainability insights. Earlier this year, global professional services firm Accenture announced a strategic investment in Arabesque S-Ray, through its venture arm Accenture Ventures.

Fitschen said:

“The global mega-trends of sustainability and technology are a unique opportunity for the finance industry to reinvent itself. Today I am honoured to join Arabesque in its mission to help the industry embrace sustainability and artificial intelligence as a force for good.”

Mascher retired from Allianz in December 2020, after working for the company for more than 30 years, most recently serving as a Member of the Board of Management and Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure at the company, he also held roles including CFO and COO of Allianz Austria, and Head of Information Management (Information Technology and Business Organization) of Allianz Austria.

Mascher said:

“Artificial Intelligence will shape and determine the finance industry in this next decade. I am convinced that Arabesque AI has the capacity to write a new chapter through research-based design and outstanding technology”.

Jaeger joined GAM Investments in 2014, and currently heads the firm’s Alternative Risk Premia business. Prior to joining GAM, he founded and served as CEO of alternative beta strategies and insurance linked securities-focused investment boutique Alternative Beta Partners.

Jaeger said:

“I am delighted to join Arabesque as an independent advisor to further develop the state-of-the-art technology that pursues the goal of integrating financial and environmental goals optimally. Arabesque combines AI, data management technology and new scientific discoveries – going as far as quantum computing – with top-level investment skills.”