Hong Kong Unveils 2025 Roadmap to Pioneer Sustainable Finance in Asia
The Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group in Hong Kong has recently announced its strategic priorities for 2025, aiming to solidify the region’s status as a leader in sustainable finance. This initiative is a response to evolving global standards and aims to foster a more robust sustainable finance ecosystem in the region.
Strategic Priorities for Sustainable Finance in Hong Kong
1. Comprehensive Sustainability Disclosure Ecosystem
The Steering Group’s first priority is to develop a comprehensive sustainability disclosure ecosystem in Hong Kong. This effort is in line with the Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure introduced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Key initiatives include:
- Aligning with the International Financial Reporting Standards Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards).
- Providing technical support and developing a sustainability assurance framework.
- Offering capacity-building programs in collaboration with local industry stakeholders.
2. Reinforcing Hong Kong’s Role in Sustainable Finance
The second priority focuses on reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a premier hub for sustainable and transition finance. The Steering Group aims to:
- Expand the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance by incorporating transition elements and new sustainable activities.
- Develop operational guidance for transition finance.
- Create a Transition Finance Knowledge Hub to facilitate knowledge sharing.
Additionally, there are plans to enhance stakeholder engagement and provide regional capacity-building programs, reaffirming the commitment to transform Hong Kong into a carbon trading hub in the Asia-Pacific region following advancements discussed at COP29.
3. Utilizing Data and Technology for Sustainability Reporting
The third strategic priority is to leverage data and technology to improve sustainability reporting and promote sustainable financing activities. The Steering Group is set to:
- Publish the Hong Kong Green FinTech Map in the first half of 2025.
- Enhance public utility data tools, including greenhouse gas emissions calculation tools.
- Launch a Climate and Environmental Risk Questionnaire for non-listed companies and SMEs available throughout the year.
This initiative aims to facilitate the mobilization of sustainable capital and ensure greater transparency in sustainability efforts.
These priorities reflect Hong Kong’s commitment to strengthening its sustainable finance framework and enhancing its global competitiveness in this crucial sector.