Overview

This benchmark series provides a structured, recurring assessment of progress in implementing Australia’s sustainable finance agenda. Initiated in 2021, it was developed by the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute to track alignment of the financial system with nationally agreed sustainability priorities set out in the Australian Sustainable Finance Roadmap and subsequent Action Plans.

Purpose

The purpose of the benchmark is to provide a consistent, system-wide view of how policy, regulation, market practices and institutional capabilities are evolving over time. It supports transparency and comparability across reporting periods, while maintaining continuity as the sustainable finance policy landscape develops.

Methodology

The series applies a structured assessment framework covering leadership, integration of sustainability into practice, financial system resilience and market development. The methodology combines desk-based review of publicly available policy, regulatory and market information with structured engagement and qualitative input from financial institutions, regulators and industry stakeholders.

Use for finance professionals

Finance professionals can use this benchmark series to understand the direction and maturity of sustainable finance reform in Australia. It can support internal benchmarking, inform strategic planning and risk management, and provide context for regulatory engagement, investment decision-making and organisational capability development.