Building a broader picture of nature finance

Although natural capital is essential to much of the economic activity that makes up global GDP, finding ways to finance its maintenance and improvement has historically been challenging.

In this second edition of Nature Finance Focus, we highlight a number of models that we think present the scale and depth needed for financial institutions to engage meaningfully on nature. Some models are well established, alongside others in which we see significant promise and growth. By showcasing these tangible case studies, we aim to provide ideas and options which can be taken up by the global bank or investor, or by the major corporate.

The report also details the findings of our biennial survey of 500 institutional investors across the UK, USA, Australia, Singapore and Japan. The survey is of investors that currently consider nature in their investment portfolio – either as a risk or investment opportunity – and finds that nature is solidifying its place in global investment portfolios, despite an increasingly volatile political landscape.

The stakes for getting nature finance flowing are high. We know now that nature underpins supply chains, production systems and long-term value creation. Building resilience into our economic foundations, starting with nature, is critical.