Refining ASFI’s role in First Nations and Finance
Ongoing conversations with First Nations leaders, members and partners, have informed some important decisions about ASFI’s role in First Nations and Finance going forward.
ASFI has taken time to reflect carefully on where the organisation can add the most value, and how it should continue to show up in this space.
ASFI has concluded that it is best positioned to act as a partner to First Nations-led businesses, Peaks, projects, Nations and communities, rather than as a lead organisation.
This reflects both what we have heard directly from First Nations stakeholders and a recognition that lasting impact depends on First Nations leadership being centred and supported, not substituted.
This approach aligns directly with the priorities set out in the Sustainable Finance Action Plan, particularly:
Embedding First Nations rights in financial decision-making;
Increasing access to finance and support for First Nations communities and businesses;
Elevating First Nations perspectives and priorities across Australia’s financial system; and
Ensuring more First Nations peoples in Australia benefit from economic self-determination.
We see this not as a step back, but as a deliberate and humble step forward. It allows ASFI to walk alongside First Nations leaders, support systems change within finance, and ensure that leadership rightly rests with First Nations organisations.
ASFI extends our sincere thanks to Tyrone Glenbar for his leadership, knowledge and generosity during his time with ASFI in 2025, and congratulate him on his move to Indigenous Energy Australia (IEA).
We look forward to continuing to work together in this next chapter. We also warmly welcome Professor Deen Sanders,, who has recently joined ASFI as a Board and organisational advisor. His insights, experience and networks will be invaluable as this work continues to evolve.
As First Nations and Finance work continued to evolve in 2025, ASFI strengthened relationships across the sector,