The State of Net-Zero Investment in Asia benchmark series was initiated in 2020 by the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC). It provides an annual assessment of how institutional investors across Asia are integrating climate-related risks and opportunities into governance, investment processes and stewardship practices.

The purpose of the series is to track the development of investor climate action across the region and to provide a consistent framework for evaluating progress over time. It examines institutional investors against structured focus areas, including governance, investment strategy, corporate engagement, policy advocacy and disclosure.

Methodologically, the benchmark combines a large-scale desktop review of significant asset owners and asset managers headquartered or active in Asia with detailed survey responses from a subset of participating investors. Assessments are aligned with recognised frameworks, including the Investor Climate Action Plans (ICAPs) Expectations Ladder and the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF). This allows for comparability across institutions and reporting periods.

The series evaluates publicly available policies, disclosures and transition planning documents, alongside survey data covering portfolio targets, emissions measurement, asset alignment, stewardship activities and climate-related governance structures.

Finance professionals can use this benchmark to understand prevailing market practice in Asia, compare organisational approaches to peers, and identify areas where governance or investment processes may require strengthening. It also provides context for regulatory developments and evolving expectations regarding climate-related fiduciary duties and disclosure standards.

As a recurring benchmark, the series enables year-on-year tracking of investor practice and supports more consistent climate integration across institutional portfolios in the region.