Important Facts of the News
- A second group of international banks has endorsed the ICC Principles for Green Trade Finance (PGTF).
- Previous endorsements in June 2025 by Standard Chartered, Santander, ING Bank, and Commerzbank.
- Total market coverage expected to reach ~70% of Europe’s trade finance sector.
- PGTF developed by ICC and BCG with input from 100+ banks, corporates, multilaterals, and civil society experts.
- Framework aligned with Loan Market Association’s Green Loan Principles for comparability with global green finance.
- Endorsing banks: BNP Paribas, Intesa Sanpaolo, Natixis, Rabobank, Societe Generale, Standard Bank, United Overseas Bank.
- Endorsements aim to harmonise minimum thresholds and due diligence for sustainable trade finance.
- Total number of banks endorsing now reaches 11.
- Framework supports expansion of green trade finance across multiple geographies and product classes.
Expanding Adoption Across Europe
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has confirmed that a fresh cohort of seven prominent banks has endorsed the Principles for Green Trade Finance (PGTF), following the initial support by Standard Chartered, Santander, ING Bank, and Commerzbank in mid-2025. This latest wave of endorsements is expected to increase the overall market coverage to approximately 70% of Europe’s trade finance sector.
Framework for Sustainable Trade
Developed collaboratively by ICC and Boston Consulting Group, the PGTF sets out clear and standardised guidelines to evaluate the environmental sustainability of trade finance use-of-proceeds. The framework aligns closely with the Loan Market Association’s Green Loan Principles, providing consistency and comparability with broader green finance markets. Standardised assessments allow stakeholders to adopt a common methodology, enhancing the scalability of sustainable trade finance globally.
Commitment from Leading Banks
By endorsing the PGTF, institutions signal their intent to harmonise minimum sustainability thresholds and apply rigorous due diligence. The new endorsers span multiple geographies and product types, reflecting growing momentum for green trade finance worldwide.
Endorsing Banks and Perspectives
- BNP Paribas: Emphasises supporting clients’ transition to sustainable business models and value chains, highlighting Social Trade Finance and Sustainability Linked Supply Chain Finance.
- Natixis: Views sustainable finance as essential for reshaping global trade and advancing a more resilient trade ecosystem.
- Rabobank: Focuses on integrating sustainability into all operations and enhancing trade and commodity finance products.
- Societe Generale: Supports standardised ESG methodologies to maintain integrity in sustainable trade finance.
- Standard Bank: Sees clear global standards as crucial to scaling sustainable finance across Africa.
- United Overseas Bank (UOB): Highlights regional expertise and alignment with ICC Principles to facilitate resilient trade flows in ASEAN and beyond.
Global Implications
Raelene Martin, Head of Sustainability at ICC, noted that this growing coalition of endorsing banks signals a unified effort to embed sustainability into trade finance globally. The combined endorsements now represent a total of 11 major institutions, marking a significant step toward a globally recognised framework for sustainable trade finance, especially ahead of COP30 discussions.
Looking Ahead
The ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance aim to accelerate decarbonisation in complex supply chains while promoting a consistent approach to sustainable trade. With broader bank adoption, the framework is poised to play a key role in facilitating responsible and environmentally conscious global trade practices.