9 months ago

Major Banks Back ICC's Green Trade Finance Principles

Major Banks Back ICC's Green Trade Finance Principles
Second cohort of global banks endorse the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance · thehindubusinessline.com

Big banks from around the world are joining together to make sure the money they lend for trade is used in ways that don't harm the environment.

They're doing this by following special rules called the Principles for Green Trade Finance.

This helps everyone understand what's okay and what's not when it comes to using money for trade in a way that's good for the planet.

Key facts

Principles Developed By
ICC and BCG in collaboration with over 100 stakeholders
Total Market Coverage
Approximately 70% of Europe’s trade finance sector
Endorsing Banks
BNP Paribas, Intesa Sanpaolo, Natixis, Rabobank, Societe Generale, Standard Bank, United Overseas Bank
Principles Alignment
Closely aligned with the Loan Market Association’s Green Loan Principles

Quotes

Raelene Martin, Head of Sustainability at ICC

Raelene Martin is the Head of Sustainability at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

“We are delighted to welcome seven more leading banks in endorsing the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance. This continued wave of support reflects strong market alignment around a common methodology to embed sustainability into the core of global trade. We are deeply grateful for the leadership these institutions are showing in helping shape a framework that is both globally relevant and operationally practical. With COP30 on the horizon, this growing coalition signals that the trade finance industry is stepping up to play a pivotal role in the transition to a more sustainable global economy.”
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Jean François Denis, Global Head of Trade Solutions at BNP Paribas

Jean François Denis is the Global Head of Trade Solutions at BNP Paribas.

“As a leading international trade finance bank with a pioneering role in sustainable and low carbon finance, BNP Paribas is honoured to endorse the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance. We have been vocal from the inception of the ICC initiative about the necessity for the industry to leverage a common understanding of what is sustainable trade finance, as we want to move swiftly and consistently on supporting our clients in their business models and value chains transition. This is a first important step of the industry towards a global ‘sustainable trade and trade finance’ framework, and as a responsible bank, we are keen to participate in the guidance for Social Trade Finance and Sustainability Linked Supply Chain Finance, being two major pillars conducive to creating positive impact to our clients, environment, and society.”
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Stefano Favale, Head of Global Transaction Banking, IMI Corporate and Investment Banking Division at Intesa Sanpaolo

Stefano Favale is the Head of Global Transaction Banking, IMI Corporate and Investment Banking Division at Intesa Sanpaolo.

“Intesa Sanpaolo is proud to endorse the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance. This initiative reflects our support for these crucial market standards and aligns with our strategy of actively supporting the transition toward a more inclusive, responsible, and resilient global economy. Intesa Sanpaolo places particular emphasis on promoting sustainable solutions that generate positive impact for businesses, communities, and territories. Through a comprehensive and integrated approach, the Group supports clients in their sustainability journey, fostering innovation, transparency, and social responsibility.”
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Orith Azoulay, Global Head of Sustainable Finance, Corporate and Investment Banking at Natixis

Orith Azoulay is the Global Head of Sustainable Finance, Corporate and Investment Banking at Natixis.

“As a pioneer in green and sustainable finance, Natixis CIB is pleased to endorse the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance. Sustainable finance practices are not just a passing trend, but a fundamental necessity to reshape the future of financing, especially across global trade. This endorsement reaffirms our commitment to fostering a more sustainable trade ecosystem and collaborating with industry partners to drive meaningful, impactful change.”
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Françoise Roche, Head of Trade Finance and Christine Dirringer, Global Head Trade and Commodity Finance at Rabobank

Françoise Roche is the Head of Trade Finance and Christine Dirringer is the Global Head Trade and Commodity Finance at Rabobank.

“As an international cooperative bank, Rabobank aims to integrate sustainability into all of its business operations. We are pleased to endorse the ICC Principles for Green Trade Finance, which provide clear market standards to further support and develop our product offerings for Trade and Commodity Finance. Sustainable trade is a pivotal element to drive sustainable impact in complex value chains. We believe the ICC Principles help to drive the necessary transitions from a financing perspective.”
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Marie-Laure Gastellu, Global Head of Trade Finance at Societe Generale

Marie-Laure Gastellu is the Global Head of Trade Finance at Societe Generale.

“Clear, standardised and reliable methodologies are essential to preserving the integrity of sustainable trade finance. By endorsing the ICC Principles for Green Trade Finance, we are pleased to support a consistent ESG approach across the Global Transaction Banking industry, alongside our peers, to drive meaningful impact across global trade.”
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Noloyiso Mpanza, Executive Lead, Sustainable Finance, Transaction Banking at Standard Bank

Noloyiso Mpanza is the Executive Lead, Sustainable Finance, Transaction Banking at Standard Bank.

“Standard Bank is proud to endorse the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance. As Africa’s leading bank, we are committed to partnering with ICC, our peers, and—most importantly—our clients to drive the adoption of transparent, harmonised standards that unlock sustainable trade opportunities across our continent. This endorsement reflects Standard Bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainable trade finance, and we believe that clear, globally aligned standards are essential to scaling green finance solutions for Africa’s future. Together, we can accelerate the transition to a greener and more inclusive growth for the African continent.”
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Lim Lay Wah, Head of Sector Solutions Group and Global Financial Institutions Group at UOB

Lim Lay Wah is the Head of Sector Solutions Group and Global Financial Institutions Group at UOB.

“UOB supports ICC’s initiative to standardise sustainable trade finance, a critical step toward global alignment in ESG practices. Since the launch of our Sustainable Trade Finance Framework in 2021, we have been at the forefront of driving industry-wide adoption of credible and transparent standards. By aligning our framework with the ICC Principles, we reinforce our commitment to providing clients with a robust and accessible pathway to sustainability. Leveraging our deep sectoral expertise and strong ASEAN connectivity, we continue to facilitate resilient trade flows across the region and beyond—empowering businesses to grow confidently and responsibly.”
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Ravi Hanspal, Partner and Associate Director at BCG

Ravi Hanspal is a Partner and Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

“Accelerating sustainable trade is a critical enabler in decarbonising some of the world’s most complex supply chains, and the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance are at the forefront of this mission. This second cohort of banks endorsing the principles, taking the total to 11 and growing, is a major milestone towards realising a global consensus view of how sustainable trade finance can be defined and delivered at a global level.”
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Sources

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