Introduction

Industry experts shared the latest developments, outlooks, challenges, and opportunities for asset managers in climate transition strategies and investments at Session 3 of HKGFA’s Transition Planning Webinar Series, “Disclosures and Standards: Transition Considerations for Asset Managers”.

Date: 13 May 2025 (Tue) 3pm – 4:30pm HKT

Format: Live-streamed virtually on Zoom and YouTube by HKGFA

This webinar is open for registration.

*SFC licensed persons are eligible to claim 1 SFC CPT hour subject to employer approval.

Watch the replay here: https://youtu.be/iEerXmns11M

This session features

AIGCC Asia Climate Transition Investor Report

• Monica Bae, Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC)

Fireside Chat

Moderator

• Monica Bae, Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC)

Panellists

• Vivien Teu, Partner – Head of Asset Management & ESG, Dentons
• Paul Milon, Director, Sustainable Investing, Fidelity International
• Alexander Chan, Head of ESG, Asia Pacific, Invesco
• Elaine Ng, Associate Director, International Affairs and Sustainable Finance, Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)

The following key trends were identified for investors to further advance climate transition:

1. There is an uptake of focus around climate transition considerations and engagement amongst investors, including transition finance and sustainability issues, such as deforestation and fossil fuel policies, as well as significant advancements in sustainability disclosures on physical climate risks.  However, there is still a pressing capacity building need to integrate climate considerations into governance and transition implementation processes.
2. Greater transparency, proactivity, and credibility in sustainability disclosures will drive sustainable investments: The current uncertainties and lack of definitions are one of the biggest obstacles for sustainable investments and climate financing. The adoption of ISSB standards amongst other reporting standards and performance ratings is useful in encouraging companies, financial institutions, and asset owners and asset managers to understand their sustainability goals and practically implement strategies in a timely manner.
3. Climate mitigation and adaptation go hand-in-hand: Despite the positive coverage on climate mitigation strategies, both aspects must be considered in parallel to ensure the delivery of a successful transition plan beyond the present.  This unveils the opportunities for the government, financial sector, and real economy to clarify and define adaptation strategies to create meaningful impact.
4. The future calls for a holistic approach to sustainable investing: A siloed approach may ignore the delicate interplay between different risks and opportunities.  Asset managers should be more proactive in developing innovative products and strategies for climate transition, whilst also taking into account the importance of social elements and governance to ensure a just transition.
5. Look ahead but act now! The consumer demands and market landscape are constantly evolving, and geopolitical affairs often heighten the uncertainties and obscure progress.  Nonetheless, climate change poses imminent risks and requires united action.  HKGFA will continue to serve as a platform for our members to learn and collaborate to build a more sustainable future.

Additional Resources:

1. Green Technology Landscape in Hong Kong: Opportunities for Finance, HKGFA: https://www.hkgreenfinance.org/research-report/hkgfa-report-green-technology-landscape-in-hong-kong-opportunities-for-finance/
2. Transition Planning Knowledge Repository, HKGFA: https://www.hkgreenfinance.org/transition-planning-repository/
3. State of Investor Climate Transition in Asia 2025, AIGCC: https://aigcc.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/AIGCC-Climate-Transition-Report_April2025.pdf
4. Financing Asia’s National Adaptation Plans, AIGCC: https://aigcc.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AIGCC-NAP-Adaptation-Policy-Assessment-Report_Proposed-Final-For-Distribution.pdf?utm_campaign=9983501-AIGCC%20National%20Adaptation%20Plan%20Report&utm_source=Website
5. Updated Net Zero Investment Framework, the most widely used net zero guidance by investors, published as ‘NZIF 2.0’, AIGCC: https://aigcc.net/updated-net-zero-investment-framework-the-most-widely-used-net-zero-guidance-by-investors-published-as-nzif-2-0/
6. Investor Climate Action Plans, The Investor Agenda: https://theinvestoragenda.org/icaps/

This webinar is kindly supported by Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI).

For more details, please contact the HKGFA Secretariat at info@hkgreenfinance.org.