US carbon-credit insurance carrier Oka, has added former Verra CEO, David Antonioli, to its advisory board as the company sets its sights on international carbon markets.
During his 15-year tenure at Verra, Antonioli oversaw the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program and corresponding registry.
Prior to working at Verra, he served as a director at carbon project investor and developer EcoSecurities, and Global Climate Change Advisor to the US Agency for International Development.
From what we understand, Antonioli is the first adviser to join Oka’s Advisory Board. In the role, he is expected to provide strategic support to Oka, as the company evolves its policy coverage to meet new regulatory and risk requirements.
Chris Slater, Oka Founder and CEO, commented: “David has been at the forefront of and instrumental to the growth of the voluntary carbon market for over two decades. His expertise and insight is unmatched, and invaluable to us as we work with standards setting bodies, project developers, investors, and other ecosystem stakeholders towards insuring global carbon markets. We’re delighted to have him on board.”
Addressing his appointment, Antonioli said: “Oka addresses one of the key missing pieces in the voluntary carbon market. Its dedicated insurance solutions mitigate some critical risks facing the market and have the potential to mobilize investment and innovation, accelerating progress towards net zero. I look forward to working with the team.”
In related news, Oka recently entered into a partnership with Australia’s Clima, a carbon solutions platform, to roll out insured carbon credits in the country via broker PSC Paragon (Australia).
