May 28, 2025 – On May 15, Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) held luncheon for Latin American and the Caribbean members during the III Latin American Congress on Sustainable and Inclusive Banking organized by FELABAN, a SBFN member, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The event brought together representatives from 14 SBFN member institutions in Latin America, alongside key regional stakeholders from the financial sector—including local institutions—totaling 68 participants. For members unable to attend in person, the meeting was also streamed live.
The luncheon featured discussions on new initiatives led by the Latin America and the Caribbean SBFN members, including the launch of IFC’s Silver Economy Program, the rollout of the 2025 Resilient Banking Survey, and the introduction of the Circular Economy Finance Guidelines.
The Guidelines, the first comprehensive guidelines on circular economy finance, define eligibility criteria and quantify the volume of eligible transactions. This practical tool supports financial institutions and corporations in identifying, evaluating, and tracking financial flows for circular economy projects.
During the meeting, attendees also had the opportunity to share key regulatory developments in sustainable finance across Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the growing momentum around climate-related frameworks, social inclusion, and digital transformation. Discussed initiatives included the development of green taxonomies, the issuance of thematic bonds, the introduction of open finance regulations, and the strengthening of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and gender-related governance standards, most of which have been supported and promoted by the SBFN team in Latin America.
The event fostered fruitful dialogue, timely updates, and stronger connections—supporting the collective advancement of the sustainable finance agenda in the region.