Programme / session 2A

Banking on resilience: can banks meet the climate adaptation finance challenge?

09:45 – 10:45
in
Court room
Challenge session
In partnership with UNEP FI’s Principles for Responsible Banking, this session will bring together leading banks to explore how adaptation finance can be embedded in strategies, portfolios and risk practices. Through case studies and peer exchange, it will identify scalable, profitable models for financing resilience in climate-vulnerable markets.
Head and shoulders photo of Alexander Kennedy.
Alexander Kennedy
Head of sustainable finance solutions
Standard Chartered Bank
Head and shoulders photo of Ariane Pevide.
Ariane Pevide
Blended and climate finance director
MUFG
Head and shoulders photo of Luke Disney.
Luke Disney
Executive vice-president
Rabobank

This session will bring together leading banks to explore how adaptation finance can be integrated into core banking strategies, portfolios and risk management practices. 

In collaboration with UNEP FI’s Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), the discussion will focus on unlocking profitable and scalable models for financing climate resilience, particularly in markets most exposed to physical climate risks. 

The session will feature case examples, structured dialogue and facilitated exchange among peers. The goal is to identify practical steps for strengthening the role of banks in financing adaptation – both as a business opportunity and a climate risk imperative.