Trillions at Stake: IFC’s Overhaul to Transform Global ESG Rules by 2028

Today’s ESG Updates:

• IFC to Redefine ESG by 2028: Launches review of $4.5T Sustainability Framework; focus on climate, Indigenous rights, and financial risks.
  
• NYS Pension Adds $2.4B to Green Investments: Total commitment hits $26.5B; targets $40B with focus on climate tech and fossil fuel divestment.
  
• Roche to Invest $50B in U.S., Create 12K Jobs: Expands U.S. manufacturing, gene therapy, and weight-loss drug facilities.
  
• RBI’s LCR Reforms to Unlock $35B: New liquidity norms to boost credit growth by up to 2% from April 2026.

IFC Launches Landmark Review to Redefine Global ESG Standards by 2028

The IFC has launched a multi-year review of its Sustainability Framework, influencing over $4.5 trillion in emerging market investments. Last updated in 2012, the framework guides environmental and social standards for IFC and Equator Principles-aligned institutions. The updated version, expected by 2028, aims to address climate change, Indigenous rights, and financial intermediary risks. With two phases of stakeholder engagement, the review offers a unique chance to reshape ESG standards across global financial institutions and private sector investments.

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Further reading: IFC Launches Overhaul of Sustainability Framework Guiding $4.5 Trillion in Emerging Market Investments

New York State Pension Fund Commits $2.4 Billion to Sustainable Investments and Climate Solutions

The New York State Pension Fund has committed an additional $2.4 billion to sustainable investments through its Sustainable Investments and Climate Solutions (SICS) Programme. This brings its total commitment to over $26.5 billion, aiming for $40 billion in sustainable projects. The Fund is divesting from fossil fuel companies and focusing on climate technologies, with investments in climate transition indices and funds. This move aims to mitigate climate risks, capitalize on climate solutions, and secure long-term financial returns.

Photo Credit: wikimedia commons

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Further reading: NYS Pension Commits Extra $2.4B for Sustainable Investments

Roche Announces $50 Billion Investment in U.S., Creating 12,000 Jobs

Roche announced a $50 billion investment in the U.S. over the next five years, creating over 12,000 jobs, including 6,500 in construction and 1,000 at new and expanded facilities. The investment supports the U.S. manufacturing sector amid President Trump’s tariffs policy, with plans to expand operations in Kentucky, Indiana, New Jersey, and California. Roche will also build a gene therapy factory in Pennsylvania and a new plant for weight loss medicines, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and growth.

Photo Credit: wikimedia commons

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Further Reading: Roche to invest $50 billion in U.S. to avoid Trump tariffs, create 12,000 jobs

RBI’s New LCR Guidelines to Unlock $35 Billion, Boost Credit Growth

The Reserve Bank of India’s new guidelines on banks’ liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) will free up up to 3 trillion rupees ($35.24 billion), boosting credit growth by 1-2 percentage points, analysts estimate. By lowering the required proportion of high-quality liquid assets, banks will have more lendable resources. The changes, effective from April 2026, aim to address slowing credit growth and are expected to improve margins by 2-4 basis points for lenders in the current financial year. To navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability, see ESG solutions.

Photo Credit: wikimedia commons

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Further reading: Indian central bank’s new liquidity norm to free up $35 billion, likely boosting credit growth

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: wikimedia commons