Press release
Standard Chartered is the first global bank to integrate ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance Framework
Clients will benefit from greater transparency, efficient processes, and access to innovative sustainable finance solutions.
Singapore – Standard Chartered today announced the integration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance Framework (PSTF) in its trade finance operations.
The ICC PSTF is recognised as the first comprehensive, globally standardised framework addressing all major sustainability aspects within trade finance. By becoming the first global bank to integrate the framework, Standard Chartered underscores its leadership in mobilising capital for sustainable and inclusive trade flows. This achievement sets a new benchmark for the industry, highlighting the Bank’s commitment to driving progress in sustainable finance and marking a crucial milestone in the Bank’s commitment to reach net zero across the bank’s financing activity by 2050.
The ICC PSTF is made up of four pillars integrating a robust methodology to assess, validate and communicate sustainability performance.
- Green Trade Finance (PGTF) – driving environmentally sustainable trade
- Social Trade Finance (PSoTF) – enabling measurable positive social impact
- Sustainability Trade Finance (PSL-TF) – linking trade pricing to measurable ESG performance targets rather than a restricted use of proceeds
- Sustainability-Linked Supply Chain Finance (PSL-SCF) – embedding sustainability performance incentives across supply chains.
The implementation of the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance Framework is expected deliver a range of key benefits for clients and the industry, including:
- Greater level of transparency: Standard Chartered’s adoption of the ICC PSTF ensures clients benefit from clear, consistent standards and transparent reporting, boosting confidence in their trade finance arrangements.
- Value generated from market-leading solutions: Full implementation of the PSTF gives clients access to innovative sustainable trade finance products and partnerships, addressing evolving environmental and social needs.
- Efficient processes: The framework’s common language and methodology streamline communication, onboarding, and decision-making, making sustainable finance easier to implement.
- Measurable impact: Clients can create tangible environmental and social benefits through the three sustainability pillars, supporting responsible growth and positive stakeholder engagement.
- Future-ready finance: The PSTF’s scalable approach helps clients adapt to changing regulations and market expectations, ensuring their trade finance remains resilient.
“The integration of the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance is a significant milestone for both our clients and the wider industry,” said Sofia Hammoucha, Global Head of Trade & Working Capital, Standard Chartered. “By setting clear, transparent and consistent standards, we empower our clients to achieve measurable sustainability outcomes and navigate an evolving regulatory landscape with confidence. This full commitment demonstrates our determination to drive responsible growth and positive impact across global supply chains.”
“Standard Chartered’s adoption of the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance framework marks an important step for the industry and reflects continued market engagement in establishing common approaches to sustainable trade finance. It demonstrates that a globally consistent, practical and scalable framework is achievable and can support greater transparency, comparability and consistency across markets.” said Andrew Wilson, Deputy Secretary General, Policy at ICC.
Presently, the PGTF pillar has already been endorsed by 11 leading global trade banks, demonstrating strong early market momentum and confidence in the framework. The ICC remains committed to supporting market adoption, providing ongoing guidance and capacity building, and firmly establishing the PSTF as the definitive global benchmark for sustainable trade finance. By uniting around these standards, the industry can accelerate the transition to more responsible, inclusive and resilient trade flows, benefiting economies and societies worldwide.
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