Australia needs a financial system that can properly address sustainability related risk and opportunity – supporting a prosperous and inclusive Australia now and into the future

Our Work

At ASFI, we bring the perspectives and power of private capital to solve social and environmental challenges across both public and private sectors.

We lead change across the financial services system by driving initiatives, convening cross-sector collaborations, connecting across organisations, and enabling people and organisations to navigate the rapidly evolving field of sustainable finance. 

Our work supports Australia’s financial system participants to transform finance through policy and regulatory reform; tools and frameworks; leadership and capability, and new products and partnerships. 

This work unlocks capital to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for all Australians. 

Guided by the Australian Sustainable Finance Action Plan (2025-27), we are driving 26 priority actions across 8 key domains to reshape Australia’s financial system. These actions aim to:

    • Reduce emissions;

    • Build climate resilience;

    • Protect and restore nature;

    • Enable First Nations economic self-determination; and

    • Support financial inclusion and community resilience.

What is sustainable finance?

Sustainable finance is the allocation of capital to fund activities that advance sustainability goals – such as building a clean and reliable energy system, reducing damage to peoples’ homes from extreme weather events, or restoring our natural ecosystems.

Government policy plays an important role in enabling sustainable finance, as does industry leadership and market development. As an open economy, settings that support sustainable finance are critical to maintain Australia’s access to international capital. They can help Australian businesses invest with confidence in our domestic transition, natural capital, and social well-being, and help ensure we are not left behind as the world transitions to green.

Theory of Change

ASFI’s Theory of Change demonstrates how our activities and outputs create the outcomes and impact that we’re aiming for.

ASFI’s 2025 Work Program

  • 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.

    Learn more

  • Sustainability standards and practice

    Domestic Implementation: Supporting financial institutions 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.

    Learn more about the Australian Taxonomy

    Learn more about our Natural Capital work

  • 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.

    Learn more

  • 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.

    Learn more

Read ASFI’s 2025-27

Strategy and Business Plan