By Standard Chartered has officially adopted the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) new Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance, becoming the first international bank to align its sustainable trade finance solutions with the global standards.
The principles, released by the ICC in October 2024, are designed to give banks, companies, and investors clear and consistent guidelines for channeling capital into sustainable and inclusive trade finance. This move signals Standard Chartered’s intent to lead in shaping the future of green finance.
Sofia Hammoucha, Global Head of Trade & Working Capital at Standard Chartered, said the bank first introduced its sustainable trade finance offering in 2021. By adopting the ICC framework, they hope to help set industry-wide standards for sustainability.
“We are committed to offering our clients innovative solutions that empower them to achieve their sustainability goals while effectively managing associated risks,” Hammoucha stated, underscoring the bank’s broader climate and ESG agenda.
The adoption comes at a time when global investors and businesses are under increasing pressure to ensure their supply chains and financial flows support environmental and social goals, not just profits.
By aligning with these global standards, Standard Chartered aims to set an example for the wider financial sector — proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand in global trade finance.
