Alexey Akulov is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of practical experience in sustainability, environmental and social safeguards, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risk assessment and management. As the Principal E&S Specialist at the New Development Bank (NDB), he is responsible for ensuring implementation of the Bank’s ESG policies, safeguards and best practices in the Bank-financed projects across the BRICS+ countries. Before joining NDB, Alexey held E&S practitioner and management positions in the consulting, industry and finance sectors. Notably, he served as the Head of Sustainability for an internationally funded major liquefied natural gas (LNG) development project in the Arctic, where he was in charge of aligning the project with international lenders’ E&S requirements based on the Equator Principles. Additionally, Alexey contributed significantly as the Head of Responsible Finance and Safeguards at a national development bank in Russia. His background also includes work as an Environmental Consultant with a prominent global environmental and sustainability consultancy.