Yet, just 60 per cent of the financing needed to achieve the 17 Goals in low and middle-income countries is being met. In Africa, this is as low as 10 per cent.
Innovation has been our hallmark for 160 years and we are determined to use our expertise to direct capital to where it is needed most.
Our footprint in Asia, Africa and the Middle East includes some of the markets worst hit by environmental and social challenges. We want to make the world a better, cleaner and safer place and minimise the negative impact of our financing. In other words, do more good and less harm.
Promoting sustainable finance where it matters most
We provide financial products and services to people and businesses to help drive sustainable development, economic growth and job creation. Our sustainability aspirations set out how we aim to promote social and economic development through our core business of banking.
We are creating sustainable finance products to support sustainable development. Our frameworks, developed in collaboration with Sustainalytics, the leading provider of ESG and corporate governance research, set out what qualifies as ‘sustainable’ and ‘green’ products.
Managing environmental and social risks
We have a comprehensive approach to managing environmental and social risks. We actively engage with our stakeholders to mitigate the impact that stems from our financing decisions.
Our position statements outline the standards we encourage and expect from our clients, and are based on industry-wide benchmarks such as the International Finance Corporation and the Equator Principles.
We will not provide financial services to clients who breach, or show insufficient progress in aligning with our position statements.
