The Australian Sustainable Finance Institute Limited (ASFI) is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the financial sector to promote sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. Established to realign the Australian financial services system, ASFI focuses on directing capital towards activities that foster positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes.

Mission and Vision

ASFI’s mission is to create a sustainable and resilient financial system that meets the present and long-term needs of Australians, the environment, and the economy. The institute envisions a financial system that:

• Is sustainable, resilient, stable, and capable of withstanding systemic risks and shocks.
• Integrates sustainability risks, impacts, and opportunities into financial decision-making processes.
• Enhances financial inclusion, wellbeing, and informed choice.
• Channels capital to support Australia’s sustainable development goals, especially facilitating the transition to a net-zero carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive economy.

Activities and Approach

ASFI operates by coordinating, facilitating, and driving the implementation of the Australian Sustainable Finance Roadmap, which outlines strategic priorities and actions to reshape the finance system. Its work involves collaboration with representatives from the financial sector, civil society, academia, and financial regulators.

Key aspects of ASFI’s approach include:

• Policy reform to integrate sustainability considerations into finance.
• Capacity building to empower financial institutions and stakeholders with knowledge and tools for sustainable finance.
• Collaborative partnerships that leverage expertise and foster shared benefits.
• Continuous learning and innovation to adapt and enhance impact.
• Maintaining integrity and transparency to build trust within the sector.

Values

ASFI is guided by core values such as being mission-driven, embracing continuous learning, fostering collaboration, and upholding the highest standards of integrity.

Impact and Public Engagement

In recent years, ASFI has made significant progress in advancing sustainable finance agendas in Australia. It has published reports that highlight milestones and outline priority actions for 2025–2027, emphasizing the importance of a financial system that supports prosperity and inclusiveness. The institute also actively participates in consultations on nature-related financial disclosures and transition plans, reflecting its commitment to addressing systemic environmental risks.

Organizational Structure

ASFI functions as a collaboration platform involving a broad range of stakeholders across Australia’s financial ecosystem, including financial institutions, civil society organizations, academic experts, and regulatory bodies. This multi-sector collaboration strengthens its capacity to influence policy and industry practices towards sustainability.

The Australian Sustainable Finance Institute Limited plays a pivotal role in aligning Australia’s financial system with sustainable development imperatives, aiming for a resilient economy that supports the wellbeing of people and the planet.

[1] https://www.asfi.org.au/about-asfi [2] https://www.asfi.org.au [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/4eaf8472-ac00-ec11-94ee-00224810de62/profile [4] https://www.accc.gov.au/public-registers/authorisations-and-notifications-registers/authorisations-register/australian-sustainable-finance-institute-limited [5] https://app.beapplied.com/apply/aavrt28be5