As the global demand for climate action rises, financial institutions and professionals are navigating a new paradigm. Stakeholders need to be thinking strategically to navigate these complexities with precision and agility, adopting best-in-class strategic models to facilitate decision-making for a more sustainable future.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has released a new policy restricting financing for greenfield and brownfield oil and gas projects, aligning with global peers like HSBC. CBA’s policy requires clients to present verifiable transition plans by 2025, though it allows exceptions for LNG infrastructure, raising concerns about Australia's energy security and climate alignment.

The report examines the integration of ESG factors into mainstream finance in the Asia-Pacific region. It highlights challenges like greenwashing, regulatory uncertainty, and macroeconomic instability. It also outlines opportunities for sustainable finance growth, driven by data integrity, net-zero commitments, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

The report highlights the challenges financial institutions face in embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies. It covers topics such as governance, skills gaps, data issues, and the critical role of the front office in driving sustainability goals, offering practical steps for overcoming these hurdles.

Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act requires firms to disclose if they source conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The report shows that increased public attention leads to responsible sourcing, which mitigates conflicts in mining regions. Certified smelters play a key role in these efforts.

Action Exchange connects professionals and organisations to collaborate on tackling complex sustainability challenges. The platform facilitates partnerships, sharing resources and expertise to drive impactful solutions across various sectors. It supports meaningful, action-oriented progress towards environmental and social goals.

Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) sets global standards for responsible mining practices through independent third-party assessments. IRMA's mission is to protect communities and the environment by ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in the mining sector. The organisation's Standard for Responsible Mining covers diverse issues, from worker rights to environmental protection.

Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a global partnership working to reduce short-lived climate pollutants like methane, black carbon, and HFCs. By focusing on key sectors, CCAC promotes strategies that simultaneously improve air quality and combat climate change. Explore their initiatives to support sustainable development and climate resilience.

The report details how the oil and gas industry has systematically opposed renewable energy and electric vehicles through a long-standing narrative playbook. This opposition has hindered the global energy transition, contributing significantly to continued high emissions and delaying critical climate action.

The report presents a method called "storylines" for assessing future physical climate-related financial risks. It emphasises plausibility over probability, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of uncertainties and risks in financial disclosures, particularly in the context of extreme climate events. This approach enhances risk assessment by integrating climate science with traditional financial analysis frameworks.

This guide provides essential guidelines for companies and investors to enhance human rights due diligence, particularly in supply chains. It emphasises transparency, risk assessment, and responsible purchasing practices to combat forced labour. The guide also offers practical examples and benchmarks, helping stakeholders align with global standards and improve corporate disclosures.