Standard Chartered and Engie Launch Innovative Carbon Market Platform to Drive Sustainability
Standard Chartered has partnered with Engie Group to introduce Qatalyst, an innovative due diligence platform designed specifically for the carbon finance markets. This collaboration aims to simplify the intricate processes associated with carbon markets, thereby encouraging sustainable investment practices.
What is Qatalyst?
Qatalyst is a pioneering platform developed by SC Ventures, the fintech investment and incubation arm of Standard Chartered, in collaboration with Engie Group’s startup studio. The primary objective of Qatalyst is to enhance the identification, due diligence, and oversight of carbon abatement projects, which are crucial for achieving sustainability goals.
The Role of SC Ventures
SC Ventures acts as a catalyst for innovation within Standard Chartered, partnering with disruptive financial and technological entities to create transformative solutions. This partnership with Engie Group’s startup studio is part of an ongoing effort to explore and capitalize on new market opportunities.
Key Features of Qatalyst
- Enterprise-Grade Solution: Qatalyst is designed to expedite the assessment of carbon credit projects.
- Advanced Technology Integration: The platform utilizes advanced technologies to ensure assessments are objective, transparent, and data-driven.
- Enhanced Workflow: It improves investment workflow and documentation management, facilitating seamless information exchange and decision-making.
- AI-Enabled Verification: The platform incorporates AI tools to verify the credibility and impact of carbon abatement projects.
Commitment to Ethical Practices
Qatalyst emphasizes the importance of including indigenous communities in the project consent process. By obtaining first-hand insights and recorded approvals, the platform demonstrates its commitment to ethical practices and community engagement in environmental projects.
Statements from the Leadership
According to Poyan Rajamand, the founder of Qatalyst, “There are several levels of due diligence that the Qatalyst platform supports. We have an enterprise-grade solution that expedites carbon credit project assessments to support objective, transparent data-driven decisions.”
Harald Eltvedt, a member of SC Ventures and director of Qatalyst, added, “Qatalyst is working to ensure the credibility of carbon abatement projects by leveraging new technology such as AI-enabled tools, to help investors understand a project is a sound investment, whilst providing the carbon impact promise.”
For more information about sustainable investments and carbon finance, visit Standard Chartered’s Sustainable Investing Solutions or check out this article on Finextra for insights on recent developments in carbon finance.