About
The SBFN intends to facilitate the collective learning of members and support them in developing national frameworks and other initiatives intended to create drivers for sustainable finance in their home countries.
In addition, the SBFN focus on gaining and sharing knowledge, exchange experiences and networking through among biennial global meetings, as well as regional events. The International Financial Corporation (IFC) acts as a technical assistant, knowledge partner and connects the SBFN members with its global network of financial sustainable development partners.
SBFN consists of the following four working groups:
- Measurement Working Group
- Sustainable Finance Instruments Working Group
- Data & Disclosure Working Group
- Inclusive Sustainable Finance Task Force
In October 2025, the SBFN published the '2025 Global Progress Report', highlighting sustainable finance trends and initiatives across member countries. The report can be found here.
Who does it impact?
The community impacts the banking and financial regulatory bodies in the emerging markets by creating a networking platform for development of policies, guidelines and related initiatives within the financial sector relating to environmental and social risk management and green lending.
Further, the SBN has a green impact on developing countries, as they experience progress towards a national sustainable economy.
The SBN welcomes regulators, officials, and specialists to join the network and encourages them to share experiences, learn from others, and to benefit from network activities.
Status: Launched
The Sustainable Banking Network was established in September 2012.
Participants
As of November 2025, the 103 member institutions represent 74 countries and US$ 79.5 trillion in assets; that is 96 percent of total banking assets in emerging markets. Most members are from developing countries. A list of all members can be found here.
Thommessen's comments
The SFNB targets emerging markets and most SBFN members come from developing countries. The Network is currently funded by the International Financial Corporation and other international donors, meaning a membership for the financial regulators and banking associations from emerging markets in SBN is easily accessible. In our view, membership is uncontroversial and facilitates movement towards sustainable banking practice in the emerging markets.
The Sustainable Banking and Finace Network is open to all banking and/or financial regulatory bodies and banking associations in emerging markets that have an interest in policies, guidelines and related initiatives that support the financial sector to adopt environmental and social risk management and green lending. Core members are banking regulatory bodies.