News in the spotlight: TNFD launched new platform to scale to upskill companies on nature-related issues
The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) has launched two new capacity-building tools to enhance market confidence and skills in nature-related issues. The Learning Lab provides self-guided training for individuals, while the Trainer Portal offers white-label materials for in-house and third-party training providers.
ESG Data & Analytics
Bloomberg launched new Climate Risk Management Solution
Bloomberg has launched MARS Climate, a new risk management module within its Multi-Asset Risk System (MARS), to help investors assess the financial impact of climate change on portfolios. Designed for buy-side and sell-side firms, it enables users to analyze climate scenarios based on NGFS frameworks, integrating physical and transition risks. Powered by BloombergNEF’s TRACT tool, it assesses company revenue risks and opportunities. With increasing regulatory requirements for climate risk disclosure, MARS Climate supports portfolio and risk managers in managing vulnerabilities and compliance. The solution is accessible via the Bloomberg Terminal, enhancing Bloomberg’s broader sustainable finance offerings (source: bloomberg.com).
ESG and Green Bond Issuances
Canada issued its third green bond
The Government of Canada is set to issue its third Canadian-dollar-denominated green bond this week, pending market conditions. Following successful issuances in 2022 and 2024, this bond is part of the country’s commitment to sustainable finance and clean energy investment. It aligns with Canada’s updated Green Bond Framework, which now includes certain nuclear expenditures. Canada remains the first sovereign issuer to do so, reinforcing its leadership in clean nuclear power. Green bonds help fund projects in renewable energy, infrastructure, and climate action while attracting investors seeking sustainable opportunities backed by Canada’s AAA credit rating.
Leadership Announcements
South Pole appoints Data Olufon as Co-Head of Global Climate Advisory
South Pole has appointed Dara Olufon as Co-Head of Global Climate Advisory, effective March 2025. Formerly a Partner at McKinsey, Dara brings over 15 years of expertise in sustainability, decarbonization, and energy transition strategies. He will co-lead with Franziska Sinner to expand South Pole’s advisory capabilities and drive impactful climate solutions. This appointment follows key leadership investments in 2024, including CEO Daniel Klier and Board Chair Dame Inga Beale. Dara aims to help clients implement meaningful, large-scale energy transitions, aligning with South Pole’s mission to deliver measurable climate impact.
Product & Services
Mizuho Bank and GenZero enter into strategic partnership for transition credits
Mizuho Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding with GenZero, a Temasek-owned investment platform, to develop transition credits supporting the early retirement of coal-fired power plants. These credits convert CO2 reduction into environmental value, financing the shift to alternative energy sources. Mizuho aims to develop financing mechanisms using carbon credits and raise awareness among Japanese companies. This partnership will help scale carbon markets and accelerate decarbonization in Asia. GenZero’s CEO highlights Japan’s role in the clean energy transition, while Mizuho emphasizes the need for a fair cost-sharing approach to the transition (source: mizuhogroup.com).
FTSE Russell launched the FTSE Blossom World Index Series
FTSE Russell has launched the FTSE Blossom World Index Series to help investors integrate ESG considerations into their global investment strategies. Expanding on the success of the FTSE Blossom Japan Index Series, these new indices cover the US (Russell 1000), Europe, and APAC (ex Japan). They include companies demonstrating ESG practices, assessed using the FTSE Russell ESG Data Model with a transparent methodology and baseline exclusions. The indices maintain sector neutrality to align with equity markets while managing tracking error. Stephanie Maier, Head of Sustainable at FTSE Russell, highlights the indices’ role in broadening ESG integration.
TNFD launched new platform to scale to upskill companies on nature-related issues
The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) has launched two new capacity-building tools to enhance market confidence and skills in nature-related issues. The Learning Lab provides self-guided training for individuals, while the Trainer Portal offers white-label materials for in-house and third-party training providers. With over 1,700 TNFD Forum members and growing demand for practical skills, these tools aim to support businesses in assessing, reporting, and acting on nature-related risks. Developed with partners like the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, they ensure consistency and accessibility across sectors. Experts highlight their role in integrating nature into finance and business decisions, fostering sustainable investment and biodiversity resilience (source: tnfd.global).
Net Zero Commitments
HSBC pushes net-zero emission targets back by 20 years
HSBC has delayed its net-zero emissions target from 2030 to 2050, citing slow economic transition, technological challenges, and evolving carbon credit guidance. The bank now aims for a 40% emissions reduction across operations, travel, and supply chains by 2030. HSBC will take a “more measured approach” to fossil fuel lending but maintains flexibility in its financing policies. The decision follows an internal emissions target review and leadership changes in its sustainability team. Climate groups criticize the move as a weakening of commitments, reflecting broader concerns about banks backtracking on decarbonization efforts amid shifting political climates.