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🗞️ Driving the news: Lloyds Bank has launched a new Voluntary Carbon and Nature Markets (VCNM) practice within its Business and Commercial unit, aimed at helping clients navigate the expanding landscape of carbon and nature markets
• The new London-based center will support corporate clients with sustainability strategies, particularly around carbon credits and nature-based solutions
🔭 The context: This initiative forms part of Lloyds’ broader Sustainability & Client Advisory division, established in 2021 to assist large corporate clients in achieving environmental goals
• The move reflects growing financial sector engagement in voluntary carbon markets as demand for high-integrity offsets and nature-based solutions accelerates amid tightening climate regulations and corporate net-zero commitments
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As companies seek to decarbonize, voluntary carbon markets are emerging as key instruments for offsetting residual emissions and financing nature restoration
• Lloyds’ new practice could enhance market credibility by providing clients with expert guidance and due diligence, promoting transparency and alignment with science-based targets
• However, scaling such markets also requires safeguards to ensure environmental integrity and avoid greenwashing
⏭️ What's next: Co-headed by Lloyds veterans Emily Martin and Gabriella Carden, the practice will focus on advising clients on participation in voluntary carbon and nature markets
• This includes identifying credible offset opportunities and integrating nature-based solutions into corporate climate strategies
• As the UK explores expanding its carbon market mechanisms, financial institutions like Lloyds are positioning themselves to shape and capitalize on evolving climate finance trends
💬 One quote: “With deep expertise in sustainable finance, Emily and Gaby will help our clients engage effectively in voluntary carbon and nature markets – a growing part of the UK’s clean growth strategy,” — Hannah Simons, Head of Sustainability, Lloyds Corporate Markets
📈 One stat: Lloyds' Sustainability & Client Advisory division, launched in 2021, supports over 1,000 of the bank’s largest corporate clients in integrating sustainability into their business models
See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Lloyds Banking Group and its peers Barclays and HSBC
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