SBFN Newsroom
The SECP, established in 1999, serves as the primary regulator of the country's capital markets, corporate sector, insurance, and non-banking financial companies. Recent initiatives by the SECP to promote sustainable finance include the issuance of Green Bonds Guidelines in 2021, facilitating the corporate sector in raising funds for environmentally beneficial projects.
Leading global institutions and initiatives convened a roundtable in Geneva to discuss implementation of the Roadmap for Advancing Interoperability and Comparability of Sustainable Finance Taxonomies (Taxonomy Roadmap). Launched during COP29 in Azerbaijan last November, the initiative is a joint effort by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBAR), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the International Platform on Sustainable Finance (IPSF).
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through its Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN), the International Platform on Sustainable Finance (IPSF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the “Roadmap for Advancing Interoperability and Comparability of Sustainable Finance Taxonomies.” The Roadmap was officially unveiled during COP29’s Finance, Investment, and Trade Day at a high level event titled “Advancing Sustainable Finance across the Globe: Roadmap towards Interoperability and Comparability of Sustainable Finance Taxonomies.”
The World Bank Group and partners launched the “Sustainable Finance Knowledge Center for Francophone Africa” on October 1, 2024. This virtual platform, available in both English and French, is designed to equip companies and financial institutions across Francophone Africa with the knowledge and skills necessary to accelerate the transition toward sustainable finance and business models.
Sustainable finance taxonomies are important if the world is to reduce emissions and have any chance of getting to net zero. They define what is “sustainable” and how investments in each country align with broader environmental and social goals.
The IFC-facilitated Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) concluded its 8th Global Meeting on September 11-12, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, alongside the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) meeting, marking a significant milestone in the global effort to align sustainable finance frameworks and elevate the voice of emerging markets on the international stage.
BSEC, established in 1993 as the regulatory authority overseeing Bangladesh’s capital market, continues to ensure the protection of investors and maintain transparent and efficient securities markets. Through this collaboration, BSEC is taking further strides to integrate sustainable finance into the country's development agenda, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SERC plays a crucial role in regulating, supervising, and developing Cambodia’s securities sector. It has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable finance within Cambodia and the broader ASEAN region, working closely with development partners to issue guidelines and promote the issuance of sustainable bonds. To diversify the sustainable bond products, SERC is also working on developing the sustainability-linked bond guideline.
The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina has proactively established two key committees—the Risk Committee and the Investment Committee—each focused on addressing climate-related risks and promoting green investments within their respective scopes. In addition to these efforts, CBBH is poised to launch an ESG Task Force, which will be instrumental in developing a comprehensive roadmap for the bank’s ESG initiatives. A new strategy for the period 2025-2027 is also under preparation, setting forth the bank’s future goals and activities related to ESG and climate issues.
The Sustainable Finance Roadmap, developed in close collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and informed by the SBFN Toolkit for Developing National Sustainable Finance Roadmaps, sets a strategic vision for the Republic of Moldova, introducing key terms into the country’s legal framework and setting priorities for action from 2024 to 2028. It includes four main pillars, each detailing specific actions and measures to be implemented, ensuring a structured approach to achieving sustainable finance objectives.
IFC, a host of the Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) Secretariat, and the IFRS Foundation have officially signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen sustainable capital markets by improving sustainability and climate reporting.
On World Environment Day, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in the Philippines kicked off its 2nd Climate Forum, a pivotal event dedicated to fostering discussions and actions towards the net-zero transition for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Held from June 5 to June 7, 2024, the forum convened key stakeholders including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), an SBFN member since 2013, Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and significant private sector partners such as The Alliance for Green Commercial Banks, Bank of the Philippine Islands, RCBC, GCash, and Maya.
Established in 2001, the CBCG is responsible for monetary policy, and the establishment and maintenance of a robust banking system and an efficient payment system. In response to the pressing challenges of sustainability, the CBCG has enacted policies to strengthen its financial system's resilience. In line with this commitment, in 2022 it adopted the Central Bank of Montenegro Policy Related to Climate Change Challenges and also joined the Network for Greening the Financial System.
ABANC, a non-profit organization, represents all banks in Angola while fostering inclusivity and independence within the banking sector. Founded with the aim of fortifying Angola’s financial infrastructure and fostering stronger ties with society, ABANC is committed to nurturing a resilient banking sector that aligns with the nation’s evolving needs. Prioritizing ESG and sustainable finance, ABANC has initiated a dedicated task force to execute its strategic agenda, targeting key milestones over the next 2 to 3 years: (i) promoting alignment with global sustainable finance standards, (ii) fostering innovation, credibility, and operational efficiency in banking practices, and (iii) facilitating strategic alliances for the association and its members.
In a concerted effort to embrace Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Sustainable Finance practices, Banking Associations (BAs) across the Western Balkans gathered for a Training of Trainers (ToT) event on April 26, 2024. Organized by IFC's Integrated ESG Program in collaboration with the Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) and Sustineri Partners, the event unfolded under the auspices of the ESG Adria Summit
The 2024 Global Progress Brief highlights key achievements, challenges, and opportunities within the SBFN community across three pillars of sustainable finance defined in the SBFN Measurement Framework developed by members: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Integration, Climate and Nature-Related Risk Management, and Financing Sustainability.
AMB, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the performance of the banking sector in Montenegro, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and tangible progress in fostering an environment conducive to sustainable finance. Notably, AMB has spearheaded various sustainability initiatives within the banking sector, including the Green Finance Forum, a collaborative effort with the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro. This platform provided banks with an opportunity to showcase sustainable finance projects, with a particular focus on empowering young entrepreneurs and women in business.
In an effort to raise environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, BPNG actively encouraged sustainability initiatives within the banking sector and launched the Inclusive Green Finance Policy (IGFP) project initiative in 2021, aiming to deepen insights into climate resilience and inclusive green growth in Papua New Guinea. A cornerstone of this effort is the establishment of a dedicated Green Finance Center by BPNG to spearhead the implementation of the IGFP and drive green finance-related initiatives.
The Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) is pleased to announce the official commencement of its collaboration with the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT). In a working session held on April 2, the Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan, Tolibzoda Firdavs, engaged in discussions with representatives of SBFN and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) regarding the goals and expectations of NBT’s membership in SBFN.
CRMS is an integrated framework that includes aspects of governance, strategy, risk management and disclosure to assess the resilience of bank business models and strategies in facing climate change in the short, medium and long term. The initiation of guidance development related to climate risk management in Indonesia itself has been started since 2023 through the issuance of initial guidance which is further developed to be more comprehensive as outlined in the 2024 CRMS Guideline document.
The Bank of Albania has demonstrated significant commitment and tangible progress in fostering a conducive environment for sustainable finance. This includes the development and approval of the Green Medium-Term Strategy 2023-2025 for “Management and Supervision of Climate–related Financial Risks in the Financial Sector”, which outlines a comprehensive action plan focusing on capacity building, research, risk assessment, and the promotion of international and local cooperation in the realm of sustainable finance.
Founded in 2018, MBA comprises all banks and savings houses in the country, demonstrating a unified commitment to champion sustainable finance. Notably, MBA has taken significant strides by establishing the Commission for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) to promote sustainable finance in the country.
Makhtar Diop, IFC's Managing Director, has called for global alignment of sustainable finance taxonomies to direct capital to urgent common goals, such as addressing climate change. He explains that, while each country has its own needs and priorities, policymakers and regulators can identify common design features, align impact metrics and accounting standards, and embrace an “adopt or adapt” approach — borrowing templates or criteria from others and adjusting as needed.
ABJ is the banking association of Jordan which was established in 1978. As an esteemed member of the Union of Arab Banks, ABJ is dedicated to enhancing the banking industry. The core objectives encompass safeguarding the interests of its members, modernizing banking services, fostering comprehension of banking practices and standards, and maintaining adherence to unified regulations and procedures.
The National Bank of Tajikistan is the central bank of the Republic of Tajikistan, responsible for regulating the country's monetary policy and overseeing its financial system. NBT works closely on the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of the Green Economy 2023-2037 contributing to meeting the country’s objectives of the Paris Agreement.
The Azerbaijan Micro-Finance Association (AMFA) has joined the Sustainable Banking and Finance Association (SBFN), solidifying AMFA’s commitment to advancing sustainable and equitable economic growth in Azerbaijan. Established in 2001, AMFA has grown to become a prominent professional association representing 27 members, consisting of 22 non-bank credit organizations, three banks, a credit union and a leasing company.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) has become a member of the Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) in conjunction with its efforts to advance sustainable finance practices and fortify the financial system's resilience to climate-related and environmental risks. CBK regulates and supervises a range of financial institutions, including banks, insurers, pension funds, microfinance institutions, non-bank financial institutions, and insurance intermediaries.
Observing its 40th anniversary under the theme “ECCB@40: A Year of Reflection, Celebration and Implementation,” the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) recently held a three-day Global Conference in collaboration with Central Banking Publications. The forum, which attracted 120-plus central bankers, including 15 governors and deputy governors from all seven continents, addressed crucial topics such as greening the financial system, reserves management, fintech, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
The aim of the strategy is to transform Jordan’s financial sector into a leading force for green finance mobilization and enhanced resilience against climate-related and environmental risks while also enabling Jordan to become one of the regional leaders in sustainable finance. The preparation of the strategy was supported by the World Bank Group.
As the central bank of the Republic of Moldova, NBM is committed to fostering green and sustainable finance in the country by developing regulatory and supervisory environment and by guiding the country’s banking sector and other financial institutions on matters related to environmental, including climate, social, and governance risks.
TBA was formed in 1995 as an association of banks and financial institutions in Tanzania. TBA together with its members act as a main contributor and facilitator of economic growth in the country ensuring the sustainability of the banking sector in the country. TBA supports the development of sustainable finance in the country by formulating and implementing sustainable finance policies with clear environmental, social, and governance (ESG) guidelines.
During a recent 39th Chairs’ meeting of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum hosted by the Financial Services Authority of Indonesia (OJK) focusing on sustainable capital markets, several key actions were taken to enhance sustainability practices in the financial sector. The meeting attendees endorsed the ASEAN Transition Finance Guidance, establishing a common standard for transparent and inclusive transition finance. Additionally, they approved the revised ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard, aligning it with the updated G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance, emphasizing sustainability-related governance.
IFC and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) with support from the Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) convened the inaugural Africa Climate Business Forum, bringing together approximately 300 senior executives. The IFC/CBK Climate Forum created a platform for dialogue and collaboration among private sector stakeholders, government officials, and thought leaders on crucial economic and business issues related to accelerating climate finance.
The Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) welcomes Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ) as its newest member. Founded in 2008, BAZ is a membership- based organization representing 17 registered and licensed commercial banks in Zambia. The Association supports its members in developing sustainable green solutions, builds capacity in green finance, and contributes to important sustainability discussions in the country.
The State Bank of Pakistan, a SBFN member since 2015, launched its Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) Manual in November 2022. A set of monitoring and evaluation indictors for banks to report ESG performance improvement over time are also launched in conjunction with the Manual
Central Bank of Armenia (CBA), a SBFN member since 2021, unveiled the first national Sustainable Finance Roadmap in October 2023. The Roadmap is a response to growing climate risks facing the country, as well as an existing gap to finance sustainable development. It outlines the CBA’s expectations and planned actions to advance sustainability in the financial sector covering a range of financial market participants, including banks, credit institutions, insurance, and asset managers.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK), Kosovo Banking Association (KBA), Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN), and International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank, in partnership with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), on 5 October 2023 convened the Sustainable Finance Forum in conjunction with efforts to promote sustainable banking and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration in the country.
The Bank of Thailand launched Thailand Taxonomy on July 5, 2023.
The Taxonomy is a result of Phase 1 of the taxonomy development co-led by the Bank of Thailand and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Thai Bankers Association, an SBFN member since 2012, also contributed to the development.
On May 25, 2023, the Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan organized the 8th annual Bishkek International Financial Forum (BIFF) with the theme "Technologies, Opportunities, Sustainable Development." The forum aimed to facilitate professional communication, partnership, and growth within the financial sector. Co-organized by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the event featured speakers from various countries.
Sustainable Finance Week 2023 was held in Ulaanbataar, Mongolia from 13 to 16 June in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Initiative, a globally recognized example of public-private partnership to scale up sustainable finance. The event was hosted by the Office of the President of Mongolia in partnership with the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association, Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS), and Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia (TDBM).
Established in 2006, FRC is one of Mongolia’s two financial regulators; supervising and regulating the non-bank sector. Regulated areas include insurance and securities markets, non-bank financial institutions, savings and credit cooperatives, real estate agents, precious metals and stones, and virtual asset service providers.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has launched a new free, interactive and practical e-learning course on Sustainable Finance Taxonomies, developed with technical input from SBFN and two pioneering SBFN members: the National Treasury of South Africa and the Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia.
The Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) welcomes the Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana (SEC) as its newest member.
SEC Ghana is the securities market regulator of Ghana and is responsible for regulating and promoting the growth and development of an efficient, fair, and transparent securities market in the country.
In May, IFC launched the first-of-its-kind self-paced video online training: “Guide to Green Bond Issuance for Financial Institutions”
The training provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how financial institutions can structure a green bond and go to market.
The Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) welcomes the Association of Banks of Chile (ABIF) as its newest member. ABIF is the banking industry association of Chile which brings together 14 banks and four foreign representation offices.
The Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN), Bank of Central African States (BEAC), and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, hosted an international forum on sustainable finance in Douala, Cameroon, on May 8-9, 2023. The event was attended by nearly 200 senior officials representing financial sector regulators and industry associations from more than 20 African countries.
The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBAR), a Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) member since 2022, published the country’s first Sustainable Finance Roadmap in February 2023.
The Roadmap sets out the country’s ambition for sustainable finance for the period 2023-2026 and aims to ensure both sustainability of the financial sector to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and the realization of green finance opportunities.
The Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) welcomes the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia (SEC) as its newest member.
SEC is the regulator of the capital markets in Zambia and was established in 1993 through an Act of parliament. The SEC is responsible for the supervision and development of the Zambian Capital Markets, as well as licensing, registration and authorization for financial intermediaries, issuers of debt and equity instruments and collective investment schemes.
Mexico’s Ministry of Finance unveiled its Sustainable Taxonomy, a financial public policy tool that seeks to encourage investment in economic activities that protect the environment and reduce social and gender gaps.
The Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) welcomes the Union of Banks of Armenia (UBA) as its newest member. UBA is a banking union bringing together all 18 commercial banks operating in the Republic of Armenia.
SBFN welcomes Azerbaijan Banks Association as our newest member.
Azerbaijan Banks Association’s (ABA) membership covers all 25 banks in the country, 2 non-banking credit organizations, 2 processing centers, and the Azerbaijan Credit Bureau.
In December 2022, at the invitation of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and under the guidance of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC), the China Banking Association (CBA) held a side event on Bank’s nature and climate initiatives during the second phase of the 2020 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15).
The World Bank and Beijing Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS) published a report "Unleashing Sustainable Finance in Southeast Asia". The report explores the urgent need for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in Southeast Asia and the important role of the financial sector.
The Central Bank of Egypt issued a binding regulation requiring banks to integrate sustainable finance into banks’ credit and investment policies and procedures and to create an independent department for sustainability and sustainable finance.
National Bank of Georgia, IFC, and SBFN co-hosted the 4th annual Sustainable Finance Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia, in partnership with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs in Switzerland (SECO). The event has increased its global reach over the years and was attended by over 300 participants from 55 countries both in person and virtually.
SBFN Welcomes the Banking Association of Georgia (BAG) as our newest member.
The European Union (EU) Platform on Sustainable Finance published “Platform recommendations on Data and Usability as part of Taxonomy reporting” and a "Final Report on Minimum Safeguards of the EU Taxonomy", which provide important insights into the implementation of the EU Taxonomy and application of minimum safeguards.
The IMF released its 2022 Global Financial Stability Report “Navigating the High-Inflation Environment”, which featured the challenges and opportunities of scaling up private climate finance worldwide.
SBFN welcomes Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (BEAC, Bank of Central African States) as our newest member.
The KBA supports the development of the banking sector and is the representative voice of the banking industry in the Republic of Kosovo.
Established in 1992, Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan believes that sustainable finance can support transformation of Azerbaijan towards a sustainable and green economy.
CBA has established a working group to conduct research aimed at establishing a green financing system in Armenia.
ECCB was established in October 1983. It is the Monetary Authority for a group of eight island economies, namely Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Banking Association of Ecuador, Asobancos, comprising 14 member banks, joined SBFN on 19 September 2022.
ASBA comprises banking supervisors of North, Central and South America and Spain. ASBA’s mission is to contribute to the strengthening of bank regulation and supervision and financial system stability in the region by actively sharing information, disseminating knowledge, and providing support and services that lead to increased technical capacity and leadership.
South Africa’s National Treasury (NT) has been an SBFN Observer since 2016 when it started its journey to develop a national vision and roadmap on sustainable finance for all parts of the financial sector, supported by IFC and SBFN.
Trillions of dollars will be needed to fund the world's human development goals, and domestic banking sectors in rich and poor countries will be part of the solution.
IFC and IFC-supported Sustainable Banking Network laud the Association of Banks in Cambodia
SBFN welcomes South Africa’s Prudential Authority, which operates within the administration of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB, the central bank of South Africa)
ARDFM is committed to moving Kazakhstan’s financial sector towards sustainability and contribute to collective action on sustainable finance through SBFN.
In April 2021, Climate Bonds released the Sustainable Debt-Global State of the Market report, which assesses the scale and depth of the green, social, and sustainability (GSS) debt markets as of the end of 2020.
Established in 1981, MMA is the central bank of the Maldives and the main regulator of the financial sector in the country. MMA recognizes that sustainable finance is vital for Maldives and is committed to develop and implement a national sustainable finance framework in the near term.
There is an enormous business opportunity for climate finance in emerging markets. Over the next decade, it is estimated that there are at least US$23 trillion in climate-smart investment opportunities, including green buildings, renewables, transportation, energy efficiency, waste management, and agriculture.
"The NBU intends to keep its status as a leader in financial sector reform. Our track record includes initiatives to promote sustainable and green finance in Ukraine. "
The World Bank today published a guide to help public debt managers improve their engagement with investors on ESG topics.
Sustainable Banking Network (SBN) welcomes National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), Ukraine’s central bank, as our newest member.
The Association of Serbian Banks (ASB) joined the Sustainable Banking Network (SBN) in October 2020.
This paper is a first attempt to improve the understanding of the sustainable finance ecosystem, its partnerships, actors and emerging network characteristics related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The MSFA, and a co-chair of the SBN IDA Task Force), with IFC support, translated the Mongolia Green Taxonomy from Mongolian into English
The Indonesia Government has issued Sovereign Global Green Sukuk, totaling US$2.75 billion
EBRD published its first stand-alone report on the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
This report examines the sustainable finance definitions and taxonomies in five jurisdictions: the European Union, China, France, Japan, and the Netherlands
FSD Africa, in partnership with the Climate Bonds Initiative has recently launched the Africa Green Bond Toolkit
The metrics were released Tuesday by the World Economic Forum in conjunction with the fourth annual Sustainable Development Impact Summit
120 of the world’s largest companies supported efforts to develop a core set of common metrics and disclosures on non-financial factors for their investors and other stakeholders.
The MSCI SDG Alignment Tool is designed to provide investors with a complete view of a company’s net contribution towards addressing each of the 17 UN SDGs
The Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association (MSFA) joined SBN in September 2020.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the central bank of the Philippines and a member of SBN since 2013, issued the country's first Sustainable Finance Framework in April 2020, amid the COVID pandemic.
The Financial Superintendence of Colombia launched its Sustainable Finance microsite,
Overview of Environmental Risk Analysis by Financial Institutions and Case Studies of Environmental Risk Analysis Methodologies
It is increasingly recognized that climate change generates major macroeconomic and financial risks
An innovative public-private-academic collaboration to promote sustainable finance
A guide outlining the processes that financial regulators can use to develop a green taxonomy.
NSSMC is a state collegiate body subordinated to the President of Ukraine and accountable to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Social Bonds are use of proceeds bonds that raise funds for new and existing projects with positive social outcomes
Green financing is rapidly gaining traction in the Bangladesh market thanks to the country's specific focus on issuing green loans, according to an International Finance Corporation (IFC) report.
The International Finance Corporation Tuesday said that Bangladesh along with two other Asian countries had identified green finance as a top priority for developing their financial sectors in a sustainable manner.
A new report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) facilitated Sustainable Banking Network (SBN) shows that Bangladesh, Mongolia, and Nepal have identified green finance as a top priority for sustainably developing their financial sectors
a Guide for Supervisors Integrating climate-related and environmental risks into prudential supervision
The World Bank Group today announced its emergency operations to fight COVID-19 (coronavirus) have reached 100 developing countries – home to 70% of the world’s population.
Banco de México and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), presented the report "Climate and environmental risks and opportunities in Mexico's financial system: From diagnosis to action,
The main objective of this Interim Advice is to assist IFC clients in identifying alternative approaches and mechanisms for engaging stakeholder
Banks have three years to integrate sustainable finance into their operations that will protect their businesses from climate change and other environmental and social risks
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper was developed to support thinking on how to respond to the pandemic from a sustainable finance perspective.
With global stock markets having plunged into bear market territory, the conventional wisdom is that the coronavirus storm sinks all boats. Or does it?
The Global Meeting attracted over 100 participants from nearly 40 countries.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka launched the Roadmap for Sustainable Finance in Sri Lanka
All 24 commercial banks in the Ghana have signed up
the experiences of SBN Latin American members in developing national frameworks for sustainable finance.
The traditional means and methods used to achieve ambitious economic goals driven by profit maximisation, particularly in emerging economies, is simply not ecologically sustainable.
European policymakers should use a two-tier approach to define sustainable investments
The Technical Expert Group (TEG) published its final report on EU taxonomy.
The Commission presents a proposal to enshrine in legislation the EU's political commitment to be climate neutral by 2050, to protect the planet and our people
The Central Bank of Nigeria established the Anchor Borrower’s Program (ABP) in 2015 to deepen financial inclusion through the creation of economic linkages between smallholder farmers and large-scale agricultural processes.
Today, celebrities and youth activists met with UN officials, governments and civil society to launch Mission 1.5, a campaign that aims to bridge the gap between people and governments on ambitious climate action.
The State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) recently joined forces with IFC to build a social and environmental risk assessment toolkit for 10 industry sectors to help credit institutions integrate E&S issues in credit decision making.
The European Union is committed to becoming the first climate-neutral bloc in the world by 2050.
2019 was the year where issues such as sustainability and climate concern dominated public debate
The momentum on ocean protection and restoration has rapidly accelerated particularly since the 2017 Ocean Conference.
IDB launched a research program on the relationship between climate change and financial markets in the LAC region
IFC published the report titled "Green Bonds Development in Bangladesh"
Climate Bonds has released Version 3.0 of the international Climate Bonds Standard; a significant development for green finance.
More than 630 investors who collectively manage over $37 trillion in assets are calling on governments across the world to step up action
This year the threats from climate change spurred demonstrations across the world and prompted the parliaments in the United Kingdom and many other countries to declare a “climate emergency.”
Climate change is already a reality. Ever-more-ferocious cyclones and extended droughts lead to the destruction of infrastructure and the disruption of livelihoods and contribute to mass migration.
The latest version of the Equator Principles (EP) - EP4, referencing the IFC Performance Standards, was launched in Singapore
The latest version of the Equator Principles (EP) - EP4, was launched in Singapore with over 100 attendees
SBN and the National Bank of Georgia co-hosted the Sustainable Finance Conference in Tbilisi
– Progressive green bond and loan issuance for 2019 has just passed USD200bn
Climate change is a source of financial risk.
The Superintendence of Banks and Financial Institutions (SBIF) joined SBN in October
In a massive boost for climate action and sustainability, leading banks and the United Nations today launched the Principles for Responsible Banking
Building upon the momentum from last year’s event, the Bangkok Sustainable Banking Forum 2019 continues to deepen adoption of sustainability practices in the Thai financial industry
In collaboration with 15 commercial banks, the Bank of Thailand will establish guidelines for responsible lending as part of their sustainable business operation.
On the eve of Climate Week, UNEP Inquiry has published a short report about how policymakers can accelerate the availability of financial flows to fund sustainable development.
HKMA today unveiled three sets of measures to support and promote Hong Kong’s green finance development.
Amundi and IFC published a new report on green bonds in emerging markets, which specifically addresses current gaps in the green bond market
The Network for Greening the Financial System collectively acknowledges that climate-related risks are a source of financial risk.
IOSCO´s Growth and Emerging Market Committee (GEMC) published the consultation report Sustainable finance in emerging markets and the role of securities regulators
The Brazilian Federation of Banks (FEBRABAN) implemented the first phase of an institutional project to support Brazilian banks in the adoption of the recommendations published by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) of the Financial Stability Board.
The Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC) joined SBN in December 2018.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the launch of a global task force
In a bid to define the banking industry’s role and responsibilities in shaping a sustainable future, UN Environment Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and 28 banks from around the world are launching the Principles for Responsible Banking for global public consultation today at its Global Roundtable in Paris.
UNEP FI announced a partnership with 16 of the world’s largest insurers
The 2nd Global Green Finance Leadership Program (GFLP) was co-hosted by the Tsinghua Center of Finance and Development and SBN
New regulations and market-level guidance is enabling rapid growth and innovation in green bond issuance, vital to achieve both global climate targets and the (SDGs).
A new initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to help channel private investment and capital to meet the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Equator Principles - a global benchmark for sustainable project finance - have been established for 15 years.
"Many regulators in emerging markets are working with IFC through the Sustainable Banking Network"
The SFC is the Colombian government agency responsible for overseeing financial regulation and market systems
Trillions of dollars will be needed to fund the world's human development goals, and domestic banking sectors in rich and poor countries will be part of the solution. But before emerging economies can play an active role in financing social and green projects, their banking sectors need new strategies for evaluating risk
The Union of Banks of Kyrgyzstan joined SBN on March 30, 2018. The Union now comprises 24 commercial banks, two large microfinance institutions, one leasing company and three associate members.
On the basis of the recommendations set out by the High-Level Expert Group on sustainable finance (HLEG), the European Commission announced an EU strategy on sustainable finance
The International Finance Corporation, IFC, has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for implementing sustainable banking principles in the country.
Kenya is one of 34 countries that have introduced banking reforms to expand sustainable lending, making emerging markets a major force in driving development and fighting climate change.
Việt Nam, together with seven other countries – Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Mongolia and Nigeria – have reached an advanced stage where large-scale reforms have been implemented and systems have been put in place to measure results.
Advancing sustainable development across emerging markets is both critical and expensive. The UN estimates that up to $7tn in investment is needed each year to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
The State Bank of Pakistan has taken a phased approach whereby the Guidelines will be complimented by relevant tools and additions subsequently.
The European Commission has proposed giving the European Supervisory Authorities broader powers
The Commercial Banks Association (ABA) of the Dominican Republic joined SBN in September 2017.
The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) officially joined SBN in September 2017.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is responsible for securing its core objectives of economic and price stability and financial system stability with a view to encouraging and promoting the development of the productive resources of Sri Lanka.
The Brazilian Federation of Banks joined SBN in February 2017.
Panama Banking Association (ABP as per its acronym in Spanish), founded in 1962, includes 91 local and international banking institutions, with international institutions representing circa 80% of the banking sector assets.
At the 4th SBN Annual Meeting in Bali, 1-2 December 2016, members called for enhanced technical support, knowledge products, training, and tools to assist members in designing and implementing national initiatives and guidance on sustainable banking, starting with the member-led Measurement Working Group.
UNEP Inquiry's paper "Green Finance for Developing Countries – Needs, Concerns and Innovations," was launched on the occasion of the United Nations Environment Assembly
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