On 9 September 2025, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) co-hosted a roundtable during Hong Kong Green Week to advance sustainable finance in Asia-Pacific markets. Senior officials from twelve jurisdictions participated in the Asia Climate Finance Dialogue Project, reflecting growing regional cooperation on green bonds, blue bonds, and ESG-linked funds. The dialogue brought together representatives from the Asian Development Bank, ADBI, and private sector experts to discuss frameworks for transition finance, climate disclosures, and thematic investment mechanisms. The initiative forms part of ongoing cross-border policy work to scale up sustainable-related thematic instruments and mobilise capital for the low-carbon transition. The session represents the fifth roundtable under the Asian Climate Finance Dialogue Project, signalling momentum in regulatory collaboration across Asia.
In para 1 of the SFC announcement dated 9 September 2025, “sustainable-related thematic instruments” include green bonds, blue bonds, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds.
In para 2 of the same announcement, “transition finance” is described as frameworks and mechanisms to facilitate the utilisation of these investment instruments as well as the mobilisation of transition finance.
Hong Kong SFC and ADBI Emphasise Cross-Jurisdictional Collaboration
The HK SFC in its statement appreciated that the dialogue convened senior officials from twelve jurisdictions including India, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and others. This broad participation underscores Hong Kong’s positioning as a hub for sustainable finance policy exchange in the Asia-Pacific region.
5th Asian Climate Finance Dialogue Project
The event marked the fifth roundtable of the Asian Climate Finance Dialogue Project, a joint initiative between the Asian Development Bank Institute and the Asian Development Bank. The project is designed to promote policy actions enhancing climate-related disclosures, fostering innovation in thematic instruments, and mobilising private capital for climate objectives across Asia.
Geopolitical and Regional Insights
The roundtable demonstrates Asia’s attempt to develop a cohesive position on sustainable finance as part of the global transition finance agenda. With jurisdictions like India, Japan, and Korea actively participating, the initiative reflects growing regional consensus and provides Hong Kong with strategic visibility in global ESG capital markets.
(Source: https://apps.sfc.hk/edistributionWeb/gateway/EN/news-and-announcements/news/doc?refNo=25PR141)
