The Net-Zero Banking Alliance is a global member-led initiative supporting banks to lead on climate mitigation in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Members look to the Alliance for insights on how to unlock opportunities and demonstrate progress as they develop and execute their individual net-zero strategies for financing the transition.
The Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) provides technical support, increases understanding of rapidly evolving areas such as transition planning and transition finance, works with members to develop emerging practice around new approaches and metrics, and builds member capacity for sectoral engagement.
The role of banks in the net-zero transition
Alongside governments and business, banks can play a major role in enabling the transition to a net-zero emissions economy by providing financing solutions.
By supporting businesses and people to cut waste and pollution, to invest in new technologies that drive growth and long-term savings, and to protect their homes and businesses, member banks are taking a responsible and ambitious approach to climate, one of their biggest sources of risk and opportunity.
History of NZBA
The Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) launched on the 21st of April 2021 at the US Leaders Summit on Climate with 43 member banks. In the years since, NZBA membership has tripled in number to well over 120 members from more than 40 countries.
Member banks have made important progress since 2021. They contributed to the development of NZBA’s internationally recognized Guidance for Climate Target Setting for Banks and further groundbreaking guidance and analysis to help meet regulatory, investor, and civil society demands for credible and transparent disclosures. As of April 2024, well over one-hundred banks had set individual and independent, sector-specific climate targets supported by this guidance. Many are now developing and implementing transition plans.
In April 2025, a year-long strategic review of NZBA’s framework and activities concluded with members voting overwhelmingly in favour of adopting a series of proposals designed to enable NZBA to better support its members.
The member–approved changes will propel NZBA into its next phase, supporting member banks to progress against their individual climate-related strategies.