Standard Chartered mobilises Sh97 billion in sustainable finance since 2021
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has mobilised more than Sh97 billion in sustainable finance since 2021, supporting renewable energy, affordable housing, sustainable infrastructure and women-led businesses as demand for climate-focused investments continues to grow.
According to the bank’s 2025 Sustainability Progress Report, the funding has also supported financial inclusion initiatives, reinforcing the banking sector’s role in financing Kenya’s climate action and long-term development goals.
The bank said sustainability has become a core part of its business strategy as it continues to provide financing solutions that promote inclusive and environmentally responsible growth.
“We have continued to support our clients in their sustainability journeys through sustainable finance solutions while strengthening our own environmental performance,” the bank said in the report.
“Our ambition remains to be the leading cross-border bank connecting capital with sustainable growth opportunities in Kenya and beyond.”
Standard Chartered said it has integrated sustainability into its lending decisions by aligning its operations with the Central Bank of Kenya’s Green Finance Taxonomy and the Climate Risk Disclosure Framework, which require financial institutions to consider climate-related risks when assessing loan applications.
During 2025, the bank evaluated 21 large corporate clients under its climate risk assessment framework, representing approximately 19 percent of its Corporate and Investment Banking portfolio. The assessment found that none of the clients fell within the highest climate-risk categories.
The report also highlighted improvements in the bank’s own environmental performance.
According to the lender, greenhouse gas emissions from its Kenyan operations, covering Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, declined by 9.7 percent during 2025.
The bank also recorded lower energy consumption, reduced water usage and less waste sent to landfills. It recycled nearly 68 tonnes of waste during the year and achieved an 84 percent landfill diversion rate, reflecting ongoing efforts to minimise its environmental footprint.