Catalysing bank climate action: Lessons from the inside

This report explores the role of ‘climate intrapreneurs’—banking professionals embedding climate action within their institutions—based on lessons from the 2021/22 Climate Safe Lending Fellowship. It examines how banks shape the real economy, particularly via fossil fuel and deforestation financing.

The report shares insights across four lenses:

1.     The banking system must shift its purpose toward enabling human thriving on a healthy planet.

2.     Banks need to embed climate action across strategy, structure, and culture, supported by internal capability and inclusive change.

3.     Banking professionals gain traction by focusing on what they control, building networks, and fostering decision-maker buy-in.

4.     Climate campaigners can help by pushing for stronger regulation, driving accountability, and shared expertise.

This report is for climate advocates, inside and outside banks, seeking approaches to accelerate climate-safe banking.