Global banking climate alliance reviews rules after major exits

The world’s leading banking climate coalition is reassessing its membership rules following the departure of major banks and slower-than-expected progress on climate goals, its chair told Reuters.

The Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) is consulting members on potential rule changes, including dropping the requirement to align lending with a 1.5°C warming cap, a source familiar with the talks said.

The move comes as several major U.S., Australian, Canadian, and Japanese banks have exited the coalition, especially following U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to office.

NZBA Chair Shargiil Bashir said the review, flagged to members on Tuesday, reflects developments in science, policy, and regulations. While he did not disclose specific proposals, he acknowledged the evolving challenges banks face in supporting the net-zero transition.

Since its founding four years ago, the alliance has aimed to push the financial sector toward climate-friendly lending practices. However, mounting political and economic pressures have led some banks to scale back their climate commitments.

Last year, Morgan Stanley became the first major bank to lower its emission reduction targets. The exits of six top U.S. banks before Trump's inauguration marked a turning point, raising doubts about the alliance’s long-term influence.

"NZBA is evolving its offer in response to changing external circumstances and member needs," Bashir said.

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