Services Profiles Contact

Jonathan Maxwell

Founder & CEO

Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL)

London, UK

Jonathan Maxwell

Pictet Asset Management (USA) Corp.

RockWood Advisory Partners

Jonathan Maxwell’s Biography

Jonathan Maxwell is the Founder and CEO of Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL), a leading investment firm specialising in energy efficiency and low-carbon infrastructure projects. With over 25 years of experience in international finance, infrastructure, and private equity, Jonathan has been instrumental in promoting sustainable development through innovative financial solutions.

Jonathan founded SDCL in 2007 and has since led the firm's expansion across the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia. Under his leadership, SDCL has launched several energy efficiency project investment funds and also founded the SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT), where Jonathan serves as Chairman of the Committee.

Before establishing SDCL, Jonathan was a Director at HSBC Infrastructure, where he managed the IPO of the company, the first Main Market, London Stock Exchange-listed infrastructure fund, which now has an enterprise value of over £3 billion.

Jonathan is also a member of the Reuters IMPACT Climate Council, contributing his expertise to drive climate action and shape the global... Jonathan Maxwell is the Founder and CEO of Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL), a leading investment firm specialising in energy efficiency and low-carbon infrastructure projects. With over 25 years of experience in international finance, infrastructure, and private equity, Jonathan has been instrumental in promoting sustainable development through innovative financial solutions.

Jonathan founded SDCL in 2007 and has since led the firm's expansion across the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia. Under his leadership, SDCL has launched several energy efficiency project investment funds and also founded the SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT), where Jonathan serves as Chairman of the Committee.

Before establishing SDCL, Jonathan was a Director at HSBC Infrastructure, where he managed the IPO of the company, the first Main Market, London Stock Exchange-listed infrastructure fund, which now has an enterprise value of over £3 billion.

Jonathan is also a member of the Reuters IMPACT Climate Council, contributing his expertise to drive climate action and shape the global climate agenda since April 2023.

"The Edge," a book authored by Jonathan Maxwell, explores the contemporary global landscape and the war in Ukraine. drawing on his extensive experience in the energy sector.

Jonathan is a prominent voice in the field of sustainable investment, frequently participating in podcasts and interviews where he shares his insights on energy efficiency, climate change, and sustainable finance. Through these engagements, Maxwell provides expert commentary and analysis, helping to educate and inform audiences on the importance of sustainable practices in addressing global challenges.

Jonathan holds a degree in Modern History from Oxford University. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Jonathan Maxwell’s Newsfeed

King’s Speech outlines transport and energy plans

Jonathan Maxwell, CEO of Sustainable Development Capital LLP, discusses the importance of energy efficieny.

Read more

Sustainable Development Capital LLP Announces Minority Investment from General Atlantic’s BeyondNetZ

Sustainable Development Capital LLP, a leading developer, investor and fund manager in the global energy efficiency and decarbonisation solutions industry, has confirmed a minority investment from growth investor General Atlantic through this firm’s BeyondNetZero climate growth fund.

Read more

View News Archive

Jonathan Maxwell’s Background

Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL)

Founder & CEO

Oct 2007 - Present

London, UK

Sustainable Development Capital specialises in investing in energy efficiency projects and low carbon infrastructure to promote sustainable development.

HSBC

Director | Business Development

Jan 2002 - Oct 2007

London, UK

HSBC provides a wide range of financial services, including personal banking, commercial banking, wealth management, and global banking and markets.

Jonathan Maxwell’s Gallery

Jonathan Maxwell in a landscape photo with design in the background.

A photograph of Jonathan Maxwell seated and being interviewed.

Jonathan Maxwell, CEO SDCL being remotely interviewed.

Jonathan Maxwell being interviewed for a podcast.

Jonathan Maxwell in a landscape photo with design in the background.

A photograph of Jonathan Maxwell seated and being interviewed.

Jonathan Maxwell, CEO SDCL being remotely interviewed.

Jonathan Maxwell being interviewed for a podcast.

Current Board Positions

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT) | Investment Committee

Group CEO & Chairman

Dec 2018 - Present

London, UK

The Investment Committee for the SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT) is responsible for overseeing the trust's investment activities and making decisions regarding the allocation of funds into energy efficiency projects.

Current Advisory Roles

Reuters IMPACT Climate Council

Member

Apr 2023 - Present

London, UK

The Reuters IMPACT Climate Council is a collaborative body comprising global leaders, experts, and thought leaders who aim to drive climate action and shape the climate agenda. The Council focuses on providing business intelligence, fostering innovation, and inspiring solutions to tackle climate challenges.

Media

Mayor announces new £100 million fund to accelerate London-wide decarbonisation, in partnership with leading UK investor

Article

Dec 2023

London, UK

In this article, Jonathan stated that London is a global centre for servicing the transition and finding innovative methods for private capital to fully participate in unlocking projects that are crucial for achieving net zero.

Substack | Jonathan Maxwell

Profile

View Jonathan's Substack Profile here.

View all Hide

Interviews

The Infra Insider | Exploring 'The Edge' with Jonathan Maxwell | Episode 6

Interview

Nov 2023

London, UK

Jonathan offers profound insights from his recent book, "The Edge," which incisively examines global events, the war in Ukraine, and the crucial connections between resource competition, crises, and sustainability.

Checkpoint 2023 | Energy Efficiency Investment | Ep113

Podcast

Jan 2023

London, UK

Jonathan returns for the first in a series of 'checkpoints' on Cleaning Up, where he gives an update on Energy-Efficient Investment.

View all Hide

Publications

The Edge

Author

London, UK

‘The Edge’ offers a highly contemporary perspective on how recent events have transformed the world, focusing on climate change, the war in Ukraine and the challenges the world faces regarding energy, security, the environment, and the economy.

Awards & Recognition

UK Green Business Awards 2024 Winners

ESG Investor of the Year | SDCL | Winner

London, UK

Impressing the judges with their systemic approach to investment, engagement with public bodies, and its focus on improving energy efficiency, SDCL was also praised for new funds launched.

UK Green Business Awards 2024 Winners

Sustainable Leader of the Year | Jonathan Maxwell | Highly Commended

London, UK

The UK Green Business Awards celebrate excellence in sustainability across various sectors in the UK. The awards recognise companies, projects and individuals that demonstrate innovation and leadership in environmental practices. Jonathan was Highly Commended in the Sustainable Leader of the Year category.

Environmental Finance Awards

Nominee | Green Energy Solutions Fund | Environmental Fund of the Year | 2024

London, UK

The "Environmental Fund of the Year 2024" is an award given by Environmental Finance as part of their Sustainable Investment Awards. This award recognises funds that have made substantial impacts through their sustainable investment strategies, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.

Environmental Finance Awards

Nominee | SDCL | Renewables Fund of the Year | 2024

London, UK

The "Renewables Fund of the Year" is part of the Environmental Finance Sustainable Investment Awards. This award honours renewable energy funds that have shown significant impact through their sustainable investment strategies.

Environmental Finance Awards

Nominee | "The Edge"| Thought leadership initiative of the Year | 2024

London, UK

The "Thought Leadership Initiative of the Year" is an award within the Environmental Finance Sustainable Investment Awards. It honours initiatives that have significantly impacted sustainable investing through innovative strategies and thought leadership.

Environmental Finance Awards

Nominee | Jonathan Maxwell | Sustainability Thought Leader of the Year | 2024

London, UK

The "Sustainability Thought Leader of the Year" award, run by Environmental Finance, recognises individuals who significantly advance sustainability practices and thought leadership within their industries.

Environmental Finance | Energy Efficiency Initiative of the Year 2023

Winner | SEEIT

London, UK

The "Energy Efficiency Initiative of the Year, EMEA" is an award presented by Environmental Finance as part of its Sustainable Company Awards. This accolade recognises significant achievements in enhancing energy efficiency within Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The award highlights initiatives that demonstrate substantial energy savings and environmental benefits.

Investment Week unveils finalists for Sustainable Investment Awards 2022

Finalist | SDCL | Outstanding Contribution to the Sustainable Investment Industry

2022

London, UK

The Investment Week Sustainable Investment Awards 2022 recognised excellence in the sustainable investment sector, focusing on the UK wholesale market. The awards honoured portfolio managers, fund providers, research and ratings teams, service providers, and individuals who significantly contributed to the evolution of sustainable investing.

Investment Week unveils finalists for Sustainable Investment Awards 2022

Finalist | SDCL | Best Sustainable Specialist Fund

2022

London, UK

Environmental Finance | Boutique Investment Manager of the Year 2021

Winner | Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL)

London, UK

The Sustainable Investment Awards 2021 Boutique Investment Manager of the Year recognises the achievements of smaller investment firms that excel in sustainable and ESG investing. In 2021, Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL) won this award for its significant contributions to energy efficiency and clean energy projects

View all Hide

Speaking Engagements

SuperReturn Infrastructure

Speaker

London, UK

SuperReturn Infrastructure is a premier private equity and venture capital event that gathers all the top performers in the industry.

Jonathan Maxwell’s Education

University of Oxford

Modern History | BA (Hons)

1992 - 1995