FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

WHY MUST BANKS ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE FINANCE TO DRIVE THE CLIMATE TRANSITION?

BANKS NEED TO CENTRE CLIMATE ACTION FOR LONGEVITY

Banks play a critical role in accelerating sustainable finance and driving the climate transition. As major financiers of economic activities, banks have the power to shape investment flows and influence the sustainability practices of their clients. To align with the global shift towards a low-carbon future, banks must proactively integrate climate considerations into their core business operations.

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE PRODUCTS ARE RAPIDLY EMERGING

The emergence of new sustainable finance retail and wholesale products, such as green mortgages, electric vehicle loans, and sustainability-linked corporate loans, presents opportunities for banks to cater to the growing demand for environmentally responsible financial solutions. By offering these products, banks can attract environmentally conscious customers and support the financing of sustainable projects and technologies.

ESG AND CLIMATE RISKS NEED TO BE INTEGRATED IN CORE BUSINESS

Moreover, banks need to integrate climate risks into their lending processes, including credit underwriting and risk management. Climate change poses significant risks to the financial sector, including the potential for stranded assets and non-performing loans (NPLs) as a result of shifting market preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Banks need to assess and manage these risks to ensure the long-term stability and resilience of their portfolios.

REDUCING FINANCED EMISSIONS AND TRANSITIONING BORROWERS IS A KEY PRIORITY

Climate-related risks can also impact the debt serviceability of borrowers, particularly those in carbon-intensive industries. Banks must carefully evaluate the climate exposure of their clients and work with them to develop transition strategies. This may involve setting science-based targets for emission reductions, providing sustainable finance solutions, and gradually phasing out investments in high-carbon sectors.

To effectively contribute to the climate transition, banks must significantly reduce their financed emissions and decarbonize their portfolios. This requires measuring and disclosing the carbon footprint of their loans and investments, setting ambitious emission reduction targets, and developing comprehensive decarbonization strategies. Banks should also collaborate with stakeholders, including regulators, investors, and clients, to create an enabling environment for sustainable finance and drive systemic change.

Instituting long-term transition plans is crucial for banks to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the climate transition. These plans should align with the goals of the Paris Agreement and include interim targets, regular progress monitoring, and mechanisms for continuous improvement. By embedding sustainability into their core strategies and decision-making processes, banks can position themselves as leaders in the low-carbon economy and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.

auctusESG works with large financial institutions including public and private sector banks, investors, non-banking finance companies, and institutional investors such as pension funds and insurance companies.

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FEATURED PROJECTS

Gender-Responsiveness Clean Energy Climate Finance Facility

Long-term transition plans that align with the Paris Agreement’s goals are essential. Financial institutions must set interim targets, monitor progress, and collaborate with stakeholders to drive systemic change. Participating in industry initiatives like the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Banking and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) facilitates best practice sharing and global standard development. Accelerating sustainable finance is a strategic necessity for financial institutions. By embracing sustainable products, supporting taxonomies, adapting to regulations, calculating financed emissions, decarbonizing portfolios, and instituting transition plans, financial institutions can become leaders in the low-carbon economy. This proactive approach mitigates climate risks and unlocks growth opportunities, positioning financial institutions to thrive in a sustainable future.

Gender-Responsiveness Clean Energy Climate Finance Facility

Long-term transition plans that align with the Paris Agreement’s goals are essential. Financial institutions must set interim targets, monitor progress, and collaborate with stakeholders to drive systemic change. Participating in industry initiatives like the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Banking and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) facilitates best practice sharing and global standard development. Accelerating sustainable finance is a strategic necessity for financial institutions. By embracing sustainable products, supporting taxonomies, adapting to regulations, calculating financed emissions, decarbonizing portfolios, and instituting transition plans, financial institutions can become leaders in the low-carbon economy. This proactive approach mitigates climate risks and unlocks growth opportunities, positioning financial institutions to thrive in a sustainable future.

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