Dear Partners and Friends,
As we approach the end of 2024, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the humble achievements of Climate Finance Asia this year and extend my heartfelt greetings to each of you.
I am very pleased to join Climate Finance Asia early this year. Working with a highly dedicated and professional team, we have made remarkable strides toward strategic growth and has reinforced our commitment to sustainable finance in the region.
Achievements of 2024:
- Launch of the Just Transition Working Group: With support from a group of global and regional banks committed to leveraging finance for the benefit of the climate and community, as well as non-profit organizations, we established the Just Transition Working Group to develop practical guidelines for banks to integrate Just Transition best practices into their financing strategies. This initiative aims to ensure fair and inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy. During COP29, we released the draft report of the ‘Facility-level Just Transition Guidelines for Banks’ for members’ consultation to ensure it resonates with the realities faced by communities and financial institutions.
- Expand of Our Research and Insights: We have continued to expand our research and thought leadership capabilities, listing on the CFA Institute’s Asia Pacific Research Exchange, publishing on SCMP.com and contributing valuable insights on climate finance, green finance and energy transition.
- Strengthen Our Presence in Japan: Invited by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we have successfully established our infrastructure in Japan, built a competent team, formed strategic partnerships, and expanded our business operations, after a challenging year.
- Launch of AI-Driven Fintech Venture: We are excited to announce the establishment of Sustainvest Technology Limited (SIT), an AI-driven fintech venture designed to empower financial institutions with AI-driven analytics for informed ESG investment decisions. Our new venture is admitted by Cyberport.
- Global X Green J-REIT ETF has surpassed 10 billion JPY in Net Assets. Our collaboration with Global X Japan resulted in the successful launch of the Global X Green J-REIT ETF, which tracks an Asia-Pacific Green REIT Index that we jointly developed with Solactive. This year, the ETF has achieved over 70 million USD in net assets. This initiative not only enhances investment opportunities in environmentally friendly properties but also underscores our commitment to fostering innovative financial solutions that align with environmental sustainability.
- Collaborate with Islamic Countries to Advocate Energy Transition: We collaborate with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) to support their strategic objectives aimed at accelerating the integration of Islamic World countries into the global economy and fostering sustainable societies. This collaboration includes conducting various research studies, such as the development of ‘Best Practices and Standards for Small-Scale Renewable Energy Projects’. The draft report has been presented in COP29.
- Recognition of Our Chief Economist: Dr. Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary, our Chief Economist and Japan Chief Representative, has been recognized as the Top Rising Star of Science in Japan for 2024 by Research.com. His focus has been on green finance, energy policy, and economics, particularly designing policies and instruments to attract private sector investment in renewable energy, including the globally recognized green credit guarantee scheme. His insights and contributions have been instrumental in advancing our mission. Please join me to congratulate him.
In addition, our LinkedIn page followers has grown over 5 times organically this year. Please follow and stay connected.
All these achievements could not have been realized without the trust of Water Cheung, Chairman, and Chong Chan Yau, Board Director, as well as the tremendous efforts of the entire team.
As we celebrate these accomplishments, we also anticipate the opportunities and challenges that 2025 will present. Together, we will continue to drive impactful change and foster a sustainable future for everyone.
On behalf of the entire team at Climate Finance Asia, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous Winter Solstice, Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May 2025 be filled with success, happiness, and continued collaboration.
Warmest regards,
Alan To
Group CEO, Climate Finance Asia