Seeking Expressions of Interest for ASFI's Taxonomy Project
As we advised in our update last week, ASFI's project to develop an Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy is underway, off the back of strong support for ASFI to drive an industry-led process to develop a sustainable finance taxonomy for Australia.
The Taxonomy Project
The ASFI Taxonomy Project is an industry-led initiative, working closely with others including government, to develop an Australian sustainable finance taxonomy (more here). Building on work done on sustainable finance taxonomies internationally, including by the EU, the Common Ground Taxonomy, Japan and Singapore, this project will work with experts and stakeholders across the Australian financial system to determine what a sustainable finance taxonomy should look like in Australia. Key to the success of the project will be to ensure international credibility and inter-operability, while reflecting the Australian economy and context. It will coordinate with the development of taxonomies In other jurisdictions, including work under development in New Zealand.
In addition to industry support, ASFI has strong support from the Council of Financial Regulators (CFR 2021) to drive this work forward. The CFR recognise the risks to Australia and our financial system if we are not actively shaping emerging international norms in this area to suit Australia’s interests, particularly regarding transition finance. The CFR will remain actively engaged in the ASFI taxonomy project as it progresses.
Project governance
Given the scale and importance of the project, ASFI is establishing a governance structure that balances the need for rapid progress on this work with the ability to draw on technical expertise and senior level buy-in from across the finance system in Australia.
Seeking Expressions of Interest to join the Technical Advisory Group
We are currently seeking EOIs from individuals with suitable experience, knowledge and interest to join the Technical Advisory Group for the ASFI Taxonomy Project. The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is an expert group of key financial market stakeholders and subject matter experts who will provide technical input to the ASFI Taxonomy Project. Further information on the TAG, including the TOR's can be found here.
We are looking for people who have expertise in the development or application of sustainable finance taxonomies or other sustainable finance policy, regulation and tools, or who may be able to bring this expertise through their organisations. In appointing members of the TAG we will assess the skills, expertise and networks of the individual, and the contribution they could bring to the TAG from their organisation or networks. We will select TAG members not only based on their individual skills and what they could bring, but will seek to ensure the group includes diverse perspectives from the financial services sector and the broader financial system.
We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and those who can bring this perspective to this work. ASFI is committed to ensuring Indigenous perspectives, priorities and knowledge are included in our work.
Please submit your EOIs of no more than 350 words to info@sustainablefinance.org.au by COB on the 12th April. You will also need to include a 2 page CV and a letter or endorsement from your organisation (if applicable) as part of your application.
Yours sincerely
Kristy Graham, Executive Officer