A Think Tank for Independent Investment Research & Sustainable Finance
Exploring the future of finance through data-driven analysis and collaborative research.
Get in TouchAbout The Founder

Ziko Townsend
With over 15 years of experience in finance, including a decade in investment management and eight years specialising in ESG, Ziko offers expert investment advisory, portfolio management, and sustainability consulting. With a presence in both the UK and Trinidad and the ability to serve clients worldwide, his mission is to provide clients with exceptional, efficient solutions for their investment and sustainability issues.
Ziko brings extensive hands-on experience in international finance, investment research, and sustainability consulting. His journey, which began at the Unit Trust Corporation in Trinidad and Tobago, has been enriched by impactful roles at Rathbones and KPMG UK, and experiences across the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean.
He earned a B.S. in Economics from The University of Florida and an MBA (with Honours) in Investment Management from Bayes Business School (formerly Cass Business School, City University of London). Ziko also holds professional certifications in Sustainable Investing from CFA UK and ESG Transformation from the University of Cambridge.
Residing in London, Ziko finds joy and fulfilment in family life with his wife Kristen and their daughter. Drawing on a rich cultural background from the U.S. and Trinidad & Tobago, he brings a unique, global perspective to his work. Beyond his professional life, he's an avid footballer and fan, known for a soft first touch on the pitch and as a developing amateur golfer who's still working on his swing.

Partnership & Collaboration
Shared Experience
My diverse background, from Big 4 consulting to investment management, provides a unique foundation for collaborative projects and research partnerships.
Innovative Technology
We leverage AI tools for faster, more efficient research, creating opportunities for joint development of analytical models and data-driven insights.
A Common Mission
A passion for financial empowerment and sustainability drives our work. I seek to partner with those who share a mission to create a positive impact.
Agile Collaboration
As a nimble think tank, we offer the strategic discipline of a large firm with the agility and focus required for deep, meaningful collaboration.
Core Research Areas
Investment Strategy & Analysis
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AI-Powered Investment Research
Developing and applying proprietary AI tools to accelerate in-depth security analysis, test trading strategies, and build automated market dashboards.
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Thematic & Algorithmic Strategies
Researching and developing thematic investment approaches, including ESG-aligned portfolios, algorithmic trading models, and automated trading tools.
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Education & Empowerment
Creating and sharing knowledge through bespoke seminars, workshops, and educational content to foster financial empowerment and confident decision-making.
Sustainable Finance & ESG
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Sustainability Framework Alignment
In-depth analysis of leading frameworks, including TCFD, CSRD, SASB, ISSB, SECR, GRI, SFDR, and SDR, to guide strategic alignment.
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Strategic ESG Integration
Developing methodologies for embedding sustainable practices into core business and investment strategy, utilizing AI to assess alignment in corporate disclosures.
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Carbon Accounting & Climate Risk
Researching and applying methods for carbon footprint measurement, management, reporting, and the assessment of climate-related financial risks.
Experience
Before establishing Carlos Street Capital, Ziko developed a track record of success through impactful roles and consulting engagements with the following global leaders.
KPMG
Baringa
Morgan Stanley
Rathbones
Shawbrook Bank
Credit Suisse
Volkswagen Financial Services
Vestey Holdings
Sequoia Capital
Goldman Sachs
GIIA
Leading Point Financial
Euromonitor
The Trade Desk
UNFP
Unit Trust Corporation
Albemarle Asset Management
Market Commentary
Coming soon: Periodic market updates covering the US market, the ESG landscape, and Caribbean finance. Stay tuned for video podcasts and in-depth analysis.
Carlos Street Capital Lab
Welcome to the CS-Lab, our hub for data-driven innovation. Here we develop and share proprietary AI-powered tools to navigate complex markets. From sovereign credit analysis to US equity research, our dashboards are built to give you a decisive analytical edge.

Trinidad & Tobago Macro-Economic Dashboard
Our first tool is the Trinidad and Tobago Macro-Economic dashboard, which was used for a client to empower sovereign credit analysis for a particular security. Powered by Perplexity AI.
Launch DashboardESG Regulation Dashboard
Navigate the complex landscape of ESG regulations with our interactive dashboard, designed to keep you informed on the latest standards and compliance requirements. Powered by Perplexity AI.
Launch DashboardUS Equity Sector Analysis
An AI-powered dashboard providing in-depth analysis of US equity sectors, helping to identify trends and opportunities in the market. Powered by Perplexity AI.
Launch DashboardGet In Touch
Have a question or want to discuss a project? Reach out by phone or fill out the form below and I'll get back to you shortly.
+44 7900873554