The Integrative Project is a culmination of the HKUST-NYU Stern MS in Global Finance (MSGF) program. The group project aims to sharpen the analytical, critical thinking, and teamwork skills of financial leaders to demonstrate the financial and communication competencies they have developed throughout the program.
Over the years, the students have addressed a wide spectrum of leading financial issues and market gaps, examining various areas that demand well-researched, analyzed, and actionable strategic solutions. Their projects have ranged from exploring women-empowered bonds to eSports competitiveness, and the role of bitcoin as an alternative asset class.
A recent Integrative Project offers groundbreaking insights into the decarbonization within the steel industry – a critical component of global infrastructure. Focusing on ArcelorMittal – the world’s second-largest steel producer ranked by Reuters (1), the project examines how decarbonization efforts affect the company’s valuation. In today’s dynamic global landscape, companies like ArcelorMittal must navigate the imperative of sustainability. Labeled as “the planet’s largest carbon-emitting manufacturing sector” by the World Economic Forum (2), transitioning towards decarbonization has become both an environmental and financial endeavor. Leveraging a team of four financial leaders’ diverse expertise, this project offers practical recommendations on business policies and the necessary competitive strategies for ArcelorMittal to reach carbon neutrality.
Collaborating Across Continents
This Integrative Project unites a dynamic team of four senior executives from the MSGF Class of 2023 in South Africa and Mexico. Each member boasts over a decade of professional experience across education, finance, asset management, and entrepreneurship sectors:
Abraham Monroy Zermeño, CFO of Semper Altius school network, draws on his engineering and accounting backgrounds to oversee the company’s complex financial operations.
Alan Martinez Velazquez, Head of Infrastructure, Energy and Credit Alternative Investments of Profuturo Afore – Mexico’s second-largest pension fund, leads a team specializing in alternative investments, with a focus in infrastructure, energy, and private debt.
Naledi Makiwane, Investment Specialist of Coronation Fund Managers, is responsible for fund distribution across IFA and corporate channels in South Africa.
Selaelo Ramusi, CEO of Bonheur Ventures, is a visionary entrepreneur with extensive experience in deal origination, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic advisory, driven by a passion for driving growth, innovation, and social impact in Africa.
Representing a spectrum of functional expertise and industry diversity, these seasoned executives and emerging leaders are united by their dedication to developing impactful and actionable insights. Their commitment to the project also transcends the 8-hour time difference between South Africa and Mexico, reflecting their resolve to achieve excellence through their project.
Research and Regulation Complexities
The team’s shared commitment for better, more sustainable practices guided them to focus on the manufacturing sector. They leveraged on Salaelo’s extensive knowledge in the steel industry, gained through his previous consultancy experience at Deloitte, to navigate the sector’s unique challenges. “Selecting the company was a critical decision for us,” Salaelo recounts. “After extensive discussions with Professor Veronique LAFON-VINAIS, we opted for ArcelorMittal because of its global presence, including significant operations in South Africa and Mexico.”
During the research phase, the team undertook the complex task of deciphering sustainability regulations across different countries – an essential step to develop an effective valuation model and assess the financial impact of decarbonization on ArcelorMittal. “Addressing this challenge was essential for us to establish a common context using the data we gathered,” says Alan. “This allowed us to develop a model that effectively incorporates various regulations and economic factors.”
As regulatory changes in sustainability gain momentum, “Developed countries often provide subsidies to promote environmentally friendly practices,” Naledi notes, “but developing countries may lack the necessary regulations and incentives.” This disparity presents unique challenges for ArcelorMittal, where the speed of decarbonization will vary between regions, demanding significant capital investments.
To address this issue, Associate Professor Alminas ZALDOKAS offered critical guidance, enabling the team to develop and present an effective model. “Professor Zaldokas proposed various methodologies,” Abraham explains, “from running stress tests and exploring multiple scenarios, which helped us better understand the impact of different variables.”
Recognizing these regional differences and the need for a tailored approach, the team crafted a recommendation that leverages ArcelorMittal’s global reach to position it as a global leader in green steel production. Their analysis suggests that full decarbonization could enhance ArcelorMittal’s stock value, particularly in Europe, due to the green premium effect. However, failing to decarbonize could lead to a reduction in EBITDA by 40% by 2035. The strategy involves adopting green technologies in emerging markets to gain a competitive edge and prioritize investments in Europe’s stable regulatory environment.
Driving Impact and Personal Growth
While the project began as an academic exercise, the team quickly recognized its real-world relevance and applicability to industry stakeholders. Their extensive research and analysis of ArcelorMittal’s decarbonization strategy offer actionable insights that highlight the importance of sustainability as a strategic factor in the manufacturing sector. By leveraging their diverse experience, the team developed a comprehensive understanding of varying regulatory factors across regions that can influence ArcelorMittal’s path towards net zero.
Beyond the project's practical implications, this experience has significantly contributed to the team’s personal and professional development. The Integrative Project’s focus on teamwork and communication has also enhanced their capacity to solve complex challenges and champion impactful solutions. As the team moves forward, the skills and experience they gained will continue to inform their careers and personal growth as influential voices in their industries.
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