More than 500 HSBC staff will receive training on sustainable and responsible banking practices to ensure “every professional financial decision includes climate change”, the company has announced.
Employees will join the Chartered Banker Institute's Green and Sustainable Finance e-learning over the next year to help develop their expertise and support UK businesses transitioning to net zero.
“We must ensure every finance professional develops the expertise required to manage climate risks and identify the opportunities from the transition,” said Simon Thompson, chief executive of the Chartered Banker Institute.
"As the leading global voice for responsible and sustainable banking, and with an advanced curriculum of learning content and professional qualifications, the Institute is uniquely placed to support HSBC UK.”
HSBC’s most recent Navigator report found that 78% of UK companies believe that a greater focus on sustainability will result in a growth of sales over the next year, as consumers are more attracted to doing business with firms who have clear ESG ambitions.
The bank said that it is committed to helping customers transition to a low carbon economy, offering a wide range of Green and Sustainable products to support businesses.
Amanda Murphy, Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC UK added: “Many of our business customers understand that a strong sustainability strategy is key to improving their financial position today, as well as protecting their growth aspirations in the future.
"We’re delighted to be working with the Chartered Banker Institute to ensure that we are best placed to support customers as they transition to net zero.”
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