Sam Soltani is a distinguished entrepreneur, ex-banker, and risk manager with nearly two decades of experience in capital markets, sustainable finance, and risk management. His expertise spans risk governance, ESG, debt financing, global sustainability frameworks, climate transition, and strategic financial planning, making him a sought-after leader in both corporate and philanthropic finance. Throughout his career, Sam has played a critical role in shaping risk frameworks, developing sustainable finance strategies, and influencing financial decision-making at the highest levels.
As the founder and CEO of Sola View Network, Sam is catalyzing public-private partnerships and philanthropic capital for Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero targets focusing on climate transition, healthcare, and educational programs aimed at upskilling and reskilling, particularly in disadvantaged communities. With a strong vision for sustainability, Sam continues to bridge the gap between financial markets and environmental responsibility, ensuring long-term economic and social impact.
Prior to founding Sola View Network, Sam spent five years at Société Générale as a senior risk manager specializing in enterprise, strategic, and ESG risks and stress testing. He was instrumental in enhancing risk management frameworks and risk identification process and strengthening regulatory compliance for both U.S. and U.K. entities. His expertise in risk appetite setting, stress testing, and capital adequacy made him a key figure in guiding risk culture transformations within the organization.
From 2016 to 2019, Sam served as a finance manager at Deutsche Bank, where he contributed to the bank’s capital planning and stress testing programs, including CCAR and DFAST. His work in scenario design, financial forecasting, and regulatory compliance positioned him as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, ensuring robust financial stability and operational resilience in a complex regulatory landscape. He was also selected for Deutsche Bank’s VP Acceleration Program, a prestigious leadership initiative for the top 3% of global VPs.
Earlier in his career, Sam honed his expertise in financial risk management as an advisory manager at KPMG, a fixed income credit analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and a credit portfolio manager at U.S. Bank. His tenure in these roles provided him with deep insights into credit risk analysis, public finance, and market risk assessment, skills that continue to inform his strategic approach to financial decision-making.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Sam has a passion for education and knowledge sharing. He served as a lecturer at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, where he taught systemic risk in the enterprise risk management program from 2019 to 2022. His ability to translate complex financial concepts into actionable strategies has made him a respected educator and thought leader in the field of risk and finance.
Sam is also a published author, having written “Sustainable and Responsible Banking: A Guide for Students and Future Bankers,” which was released in 2024. His book serves as a roadmap for the next generation of financial professionals, emphasizing the critical role of responsible banking in shaping a sustainable and equitable future.
He holds an MBA from Duke University – The Fuqua School of Business, where he specialized in corporate restructuring and private equity. Additionally, he earned an MS in Finance from Brandeis International Business School and a BA in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His academic background has equipped him with a well-rounded perspective on financial management, economic analysis, and strategic decision-making.
Sam is an active member of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association, further reinforcing his commitment to ethical finance and sustainability. Previously, he was a member of the Municipal Analysts Group of New York and the National Federation of Municipal Analysts. These affiliations highlight his dedication to advancing best practices in risk and finance.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Sam enjoys American football and cooking, finding balance between his high-level corporate engagements and personal interests. He remains committed to causes such as economic empowerment, education, environmental sustainability, and sustainable business models, continuously seeking opportunities to create meaningful impact both in and outside of the financial sector.
Character:
Sam Soltani is a principled leader with a strong ethical foundation, committed to responsible finance, sustainability, and social impact. His resilience and integrity drive his dedication to creating meaningful change in the financial and environmental sectors.
Knowledge:
With nearly two decades of expertise in risk management, ESG, and financial strategy, Sam has a deep understanding of complex regulatory frameworks and global financial markets. His experience spans banking, capital markets, public finance, and sustainable investment, making him a trusted expert in financial governance.
Strategic:
Sam excels at integrating risk management, finance, and sustainability into comprehensive, forward-thinking strategies that align with long-term economic and environmental goals. His ability to navigate corporate and regulatory landscapes has helped institutions strengthen financial resilience and drive impactful decision-making.
Communication:
As a lecturer, author, and corporate leader, Sam translates complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights for executives, students, and stakeholders. His strong interpersonal and presentation skills have positioned him as an influential voice in risk management, sustainability, and responsible banking.
