Overview

Banking on Climate Chaos is a global benchmark series initiated in 2019 that examines how large international banks engage with fossil fuel-related financing. The series provides a consistent, repeatable framework to assess bank involvement in fossil fuel activities across multiple years, enabling structured comparison over time.

Purpose

The purpose of the benchmark is to improve transparency around bank financing practices related to fossil fuels. It is designed to support comparative analysis of banks’ financing activities and to provide a common reference point for assessing trends in alignment with climate-related transition considerations. The series is research-focused and does not constitute investment advice.

Methodology

The benchmark applies a standardised methodology across all editions. It analyses bank participation in corporate lending and underwriting using commercially available financial data and public disclosures. Coverage, sector definitions, and analytical scope are applied consistently to support comparability, with any methodological refinements documented in each edition to maintain transparency across years.

Use for finance professionals

Finance professionals can use this benchmark to support peer comparison, trend analysis, and internal assessments of exposure to fossil fuel-related finance. It can inform risk analysis, policy development, stewardship activities, and broader climate-related financial analysis by providing a structured, longitudinal evidence base.