2025-27 Strategy and Business Plan

 
 
 

ASFI’s Value Proposition

We know sustainable finance are well connected and influential across the finance sector. We continue to grow our expertise and networks in Australia and globally. We take an analytical, evidence-based approach to our work. We are non-partisan and we are not a lobby group. n text goes here

We collaborate to achieve more. We have a track record of facilitating multi-stakeholder processes to deliver strong outcomes and we value diversity. We partner with other intentionally and invest in the health of the overall partnership as well as the work that we’re doing together.

We are committed and adaptable. Systems change is challenging and we know there will be set backs and course corrections along the way. We are willing to roll up our sleeves and make things happen.

We continually improve and are not afraid to innovate. We set stretch goals for ourselves, admit honestly when we make mistakes and are committed to continual improvement. We have the courage to try new things and innovate.

We bring a whole of finance sector perspective and work across climate, environment and social aspects of the sustainable finance agenda. We work with government, financial institutions and other partners, acting as a bridge between private capital and government policy.

We are independent, yet deeply connected to financial institutions across investment, banking and insurance. Our membership base comprises the most progressive, large organisations across the finance sector from superannuation, asset management, banking, insurance and financial services who are committed to supporting the growth and credibility of sustainable finance in Australia.

 

Priority Work Streams for 2025

ASFI is driving the alignment of Australia’s financial system with a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future. In 2025, our work will focus on key areas that build on previous efforts and deliver tangible outcomes:

  • Climate Mitigation – Supporting emissions reductions across key sectors.

  • Climate Resilience – Mobilising private capital for climate adaptation and resilience.

  • Nature – Embedding nature into financial decision-making.

  • First Nations – Strengthening First Nations participation and access to finance.

  • Community Finance – Expanding financial inclusion through place-based solutions.

  • Capability – Building skills, leadership, and mindsets for sustainable finance.

These priority areas reflect input from ASFI’s members, Board, and partners, ensuring our efforts drive meaningful change across the financial system.

  • First Nations and Finance

    Elevating First Nations voices and perspectives in sustainable finance, Australian First Nations Major Projects organisation, disclosures project, continuing to connect and convene the sector.

    In partnership with First Nations Projects Group (FNPG), First Nations Reference Group (FNRG) and other partners.

  • Sustainability standards and practice

    Domestic Implementation: Supporting financial institution to embed sustainable finance into practice through piloting the taxonomy and working in partnership with the Australian Government, through Treasury and financial regulators, to feed lessons and practical insights to inform future guidance and uses.

    International Harmonisation: Promote Australia's approach to green and transition finance, and bolster Australia’s leadership in sustainable finance through a range of bilateral and multilateral fora as technical and private sector partner to the Australian Government, through Treasury and DFAT.

  • Public Policy

    Engagement to promote effective public policy and regulation to support the flow of finance and investment for climate, nature, and social outcomes in Australia and in particular supporting implementation of the Government’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap

    In partnership with ASFI members, DCCEEW, other partner organisations.

  • Blended Finance

    Supporting the design and implementation of effective blended finance structures to accelerate the flow of capital into projects and organisations that deliver strong outcomes for climate, nature, First Nations, and broader social wellbeing.

    In partnership with Government, in particular DFAT, and other public and private sector organisations.

  • Leadership and Capability

    Unlocking financial institution skills, leadership, and ambition on sustainable finance through targeted courses, mentor programs, working groups, member delegations and implementing a Capability Framework for sustainable finance professionals.

    In partnership with ASFI members, Australian Government and other partners.

 

How ASFI will deliver on its mission

Much of our work is done through multi-stakeholder partnerships, demonstrating how new approaches to sustainability outcomes can be implemented.

Our work:

The approaches that we use to do this are:

Policy engagement and government advisory

to shift policy and mechanisms

Building capability

of industry, government and other partners on partnerships and sustainable finance, to enable shifts in policy, practice and leadership

Building and facilitating collaborative projects

to build, demonstrate and scale up better practice

Financial institution advisory

to mainstream sustainable finance

Building and facilitating multi-stakeholder networks

to share and elevate new practice

 

Our Structure

The work that we’re doing means working with many different organisations to drive change.

Our formal structures reflect the whole of sector, inclusive approach that is a core strength of ASFI, and these formal structures are complemented by many more informal partnerships and networks.

ASFI has been established as a company limited by guarantee and is a registered charity, regulated by the ACNC.