Reforming the rules
Driving the uptake of responsible investment across the UK and globally
A critical decade
We are in a critical decade. Emissions are rising, wildlife declining, and inequality and health issues are increasing. These challenges are fueled by an economic system that is not accountable to society or the environment. A system that puts profits above people and planet.
Trusted with the savings of ordinary people, the financial sector has a critical role to play. The frameworks of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development give us the tools to build a better future. Now we must use them. This will only be possible by harnessing the power of the financial system. We work to reform the rules, and build a system to protect savers and ensure a fair, healthier future for people and planet.
The role of the financial system
Globally, the volume of privately invested financial assets is expected to reach US$145.4 trillion by 2025 – a 250 per cent growth in less than 20 years.
If the UK’s biggest banks and investors were a country, they’d rank 9th in the world for the carbon emissions they are responsible for – emitting a total of 805 million tonnes of greenhouse gases.
The world’s wealthiest 26 people own the same wealth as the poorest 3.6 billion people.
In the UK alone, pensions assets amount to almost £3 trillion. Globally the amount of money invested through pensions accounts for half of all the money in the world.
How we’re reforming the rules
The Responsible Investment Bill
The UK Government has taken steps to strengthen laws around responsible investment. Our Responsible Investment Bill aims to address blind spots and encourage investors to think long-term.
Find out moreThe All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sustainable Development
The challenge of reaching net zero is no easy task. But it is a huge opportunity. We’ve joined with UK100 to establish an APPG on Sustainable Finance to put the UK financial sector at the heart of this change.
Find out moreEuropean policy reforms
We bring our distinctive perspective and expertise to the European sustainable investment debate and drive up ambition of the EU Commission's key initiatives.
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