Don’t let the name of SIEGE, IEX’s employee sustainability group fool you: They’re not storming castles or enemy lines. Short for Sustainability Initiatives and Environmental Green Engagement, SIEGE is waging a different kind of battle—one against waste and inefficiency—and helping IEX take steps to be greener by creating actionable change within the company.
Established in 2023 by Business Operations Specialist Jacob Beam and IEX Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Ronan Ryan, SIEGE operates as a tactical team dedicated to taking deliberate actions to make IEX a leader in sustainable business practice.
“SIEGE was created from the belief that IEX staff should engage in sustainable actions conscientiously and purposefully to drive significant change,” Jacob explains.
In just over a year, SIEGE’s efforts have led IEX to a standout achievement: Level 3 “Adopting Member” status in Sustainable Trading’s ESG framework. (There are 5 levels total.)
The recognition from Sustainable Trading, a non-profit focused on helping financial services companies become greener, reflects the team’s hard work and the vales that define IEX’s culture.
Out of 55 member firms, IEX is the only one to reach this level, which reflects significant progress in adopting sustainability practices. (And don’t forget to check out our beautiful new badge, marking this achievement at the bottom of this blog.)
Being an “Adopting Member” means IEX has successfully met key criteria in Sustainable Trading’s framework, including completing a detailed baseline assessment of over 200 ESG metrics, implementing more than 20 environmental best practices, and contributing leadership on key topics like the environmental impact of digital assets. This recognition underscores the work of the SIEGE group to make sustainability a priority across IEX.
Ultimately, the goal is to reach the level 5 “Delivering Member” status, where sustainability becomes fully embedded in everything IEX does.
“It’s an ambitious roadmap, but one we’re ready to tackle,” says Jacob Beam. “As a smaller firm, we can move quickly and make meaningful changes, especially with leaders like Ronan Ryan and employees who are so passionate about sustainability.”
Among their accomplishments:
• Completing a rigorous baseline ESG assessment with over 200 metrics.
• Implementing 20+ environmental best practices outlined by Sustainable Trading.
• Leading discussions on industry topics, like the environmental impact of digital assets.
“We have the agility to act quickly,” says Jacob. “As a smaller firm, we can move more quickly.” Having an executive like Ronan, who really cares about sustainability, and employees who share that passion, set us apart.”
The next big goal on their to-do list: Moving IEX toward “Integrating Member” and eventually “Delivering Member” status. It’s an ambitious roadmap, but one Jacob and the team are determined to achieve.
“We founded SIEGE with the belief that we have to be practical and deliberate in our initiatives to drive meaningful change,” Jacob. “Much like our Think Big, Do Good council focuses on community-based efforts, SIEGE is about creating a sustainable future through intentional green initiatives. “That sense of purpose fosters pride among employees and creates an environment where big, innovative ideas can thrive.”
