AUSTRALIAN SUSTAINABLE FINANCE INSTITUTE LIMITED

The Australian Sustainable Finance Institute Limited (ASFI) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming Australia’s financial system to support a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future. Established in 2021, ASFI brings together major financial institutions including asset owners, asset managers, banks, insurers, and other financial services companies to redirect capital flows towards activities that generate positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes across Australia.

Mission and Vision

ASFI’s mission is to realign Australia’s financial system so that more money flows to activities that create a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Australia. Its vision is for a financial system that is stable and capable of withstanding systemic risks, meets the long-term needs of all Australians, and integrates sustainability risks and opportunities into financial decision-making. This system aims to enhance financial inclusion, wellbeing, and informed choice, while supporting Australia’s transition to a net-zero, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive economy.

Main Objectives

• Drive emissions reductions and climate mitigation across key economic sectors
• Increase private capital investment in climate adaptation and resilience
• Integrate nature valuation and protection into financial decisions
• Embed First Nations rights and economic self-determination in finance
• Improve financial inclusion and community resilience through place-based financial products
• Build capability, leadership, and mindsets for sustainable finance across the sector

Benefiting Groups

• Financial institutions seeking to embed sustainability into their practices
• Communities gaining access to inclusive financial products and improved wellbeing
• First Nations peoples through enhanced economic self-determination and representation
• Government and regulators collaborating to develop supportive policies and frameworks
• Environmental and social stakeholders benefiting from increased investment in climate and nature outcomes

Services and Activities

• Leading cross-sector collaborations and convening stakeholders to drive sustainable finance initiatives
• Developing and piloting tools and frameworks such as the Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy to guide capital allocation
• Providing tailored sustainable finance education and training through ASFI Learn, including courses on taxonomy, responsible investment, and policy tools
• Engaging in public policy advocacy to promote regulatory reforms that support sustainable investment flows
• Supporting blended finance structures to accelerate capital deployment for climate, nature, and social outcomes
• Elevating First Nations voices and perspectives in financial decision-making and disclosures
• Building leadership and capability within financial institutions via mentorships, working groups, and capability frameworks