‘Sustainability is a key element of our safe growth strategy’ – HSBC Malta CEO

Simon Vaughan Johnson, CEO of HSBC Malta, highlighted the bank’s commitment towards implementing a sustainable growth strategy, as a survey conducted by the bank showed that European companies are leading the global effort towards carbon neutrality.

HSBC’s Sustainable Financing and Investing Survey for 2021 found that 24 per cent of European companies that raise finance in the global markets have made a net-zero commitment, as opposed to 16 per cent of companies globally.

Building upon this, 97 per cent of issuers in Europe (as opposed to 94 per cent of issuers around the world), are planning to start transitioning away from environmentally and socially challenged business models within the next five years.

“Sustainability is a key element of our safe growth strategy and we are committed to providing our customers in Malta with sustainable investment choices,” Mr Vaughan Johnson said.

“With a full range of Euro denominated Responsible Investment Funds, which offer investment opportunities to develop a functioning carbon-offset market, we aim to help build a thriving and resilient future for investors and the wider community in Malta,” he continued.

The survey also found that 99.6 per cent of European investors are demanding that companies transition away from environmentally and socially challenged business models, saying it’s either ‘important’ or ‘vitally important’ for entities they invest in to be preparing for the effects of climate change.

“While the drive towards greater sustainability is a global movement, European investors and issuers are at the forefront of it, demonstrating across many areas what change can look like,” HSBC Bank CEO Colin Bell said.

“The transition to a net-zero global economy will require collaborative and consistent efforts across our economies and societies, with sustainable finance playing a key role. We will continue to support our customers in achieving their growth and sustainability goals,” Mr Bell continued.

68 per cent of all surveyed European companies said they’re considering starting or ramping up businesses that will benefit from climate change.