Our approach to sustainability

Sustainability Aspirations

Our approach to sustainability is underpinned by our Stands and shaped by our Sustainability Aspirations to reflect our commitment to our brand promise, here for good, in support of sustainable social and economic development.

1

Mobilise $300 billion of Sustainable Finance

We leverage a full suite of Sustainable Finance solutions – including loans, bonds, trade finance and carbon trading – to support their transition.

2

Operationalise our interim 2030 financed emissions targets to meet our 2050 net zero ambition

We aim to reach net zero in our financed emissions by 2050 and in our operations by 2025.

3

Enhance and deepen the sustainability ecosystem

We're utilising our expertise and networks to actively contribute in a leadership position to global partnerships and initiatives that enhance and further develop the sustainability ecosystem.

4

Drive social impact with our clients and communities

We partner with our clients and communities to mobilise social capital and drive economic inclusion and entrepreneurship through our Futuremakers initiative. We foster collaboration with local partners to support young people and economic development across our markets.

Visit our Sustainability website to learn more

Promoting a sustainable future

We believe finance has a key role to play in building a cleaner, fairer world. Our four Sustainability Strategic Pillars represent our near-term strategic focus.

Scale our Sustainable Finance income

We're building a scalable Sustainable Finance franchise, supporting our clients on their transition journeys by developing customised solutions.

Leverage our four innovation hubs

Further embed sustainability across our organisation

We foster collaboration internally to embed sustainability across our business operations and functions.

Deliver our annual milestones in our net zero roadmap

We plan to reach net zero carbon emissions in our own operations by 2025, and in our financing activity by 2050.

Our hubs help advance emerging areas of sustainability that offer significant potential for scale.

Watch Marisa Drew, our Chief Sustainability Officer, explain why innovation in sustainability is critical.

Visit our Sustainability website

We're taking a stand

^{We believe that banking and finance can play a crucial role in creating a brighter future. Our long-term ambitions on climate, financial inclusion and globalisation help us make a difference across our footprint.}

The world is resetting, we must do our part. We're setting long-term ambitions on climate change, financial inclusion and globalisation.

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Accelerating zero

The world must reach net zero carbon by 2050 or Face a climate catastrophe. We've pledged to transition all our activities by 2050, and to provide the advice and Financing our clients need to reduce carbon emissions as quickly as possible, without slowing development. Our ambition is to help provide clean energy to one billion people in AFrica, drive carbon-Free transport in the Middle East, decarbonise Asia's manuFacturing industry, and develop innovative businesses in the 'blue economy'.

Lifting participation

Women and small businesses in our core markets struggle to gain access to the financial system, preventing them From saving For their Futures and growing their businesses. Through partnerships and technology, we will expand the reach and scale of financial services to promote economic inclusion. Our ambition is to improve the lives of one billion people and their communities.

Resetting globalisation

Globalisation has lifted millions out of poverty, but left too many behind. As division and inequality have grown, so has the negative impact on our planet. We advocate a new model of globalisation based on transparency to build trust, and promote dialogue and innovation. We can connect the capital, expertise and ideas needed to drive new standards and create innovative solutions. Our ambition is to help 500,000 companies improve working and environmental standards.

Helping communities to thrive

Established in 2019, Futuremakers by Standard Chartered is our global youth economic empowerment initiative, which aims to help disadvantaged young people learn, earn and grow.

Nearly 517,000 of the over 2.1 million young people reached participated in intensive Futuremakers activities

More than

46,000

young people improved their business-related knowledge and skills

Over

40,000

girls and young women showed increased confidence and self-esteem

More than

39,000

young people secured employment

More than

12,000

jobs created by entrepreneurs that were supported by Futuremakers activities

More than

72,000

adolescent girls were supported to continue in secondary education