TO BE PUBLISHED May 2025
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This conference will discuss next steps for development of the UK transition finance market following the Transition Finance Market Review - looking at priorities for policy, regulation, and market growth.
It will be an opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the way forward in the context of sustainable finance measures set out in the Chancellor’s November Mansion House speech, including the recently closed consultation on a statutory UK Green Taxonomy, launch of the Transition Finance Council, and intentions to consult on mandatory transition plans in the first half of 2025.
Transition Finance Market Review (TFMR)
Delegates will discuss priorities for taking forward recommendations outlined in the TFMR and priorities for the Transition Finance Council in facilitating collaboration between public and private sectors, as well as supporting the scalability of finance for transition activities and transitioning entities. Tackling barriers to investment will also be discussed, as well as the role of blended finance, catalytic capital, green bonds, and insurance solutions in supporting an incentive-based approach to achieving net zero ambitions.
The conference will also be an opportunity to assess strategies for developing capabilities for high-emitting sectors and addressing capacity-building needs, as well as the way forward for a sectoral approach to transition pathways and the role of the Net Zero Council in delivery.
Transition Plans
Discussion will focus on key considerations for a transition finance roadmap, including the future for mandatory transition plans and disclosure reporting, with a government consultation expected in 2025. It will be an opportunity to consider the potential for transition plan frameworks at corporate, sectoral and national levels, as well as key considerations for incorporating nature and biodiversity.
Delegates will also assess concerns around regulatory overlap and interoperability with international frameworks. Support needed for stakeholders operating in different jurisdictions will be considered, with the European Commission expected to consult on draft Transition Plan Implementation Guidance in spring 2025.
Regulation
Attendees will consider developments in the regulation of transition finance that are due to be brought into force later this year, including the ESG ratings regime, alongside the implementation of UK Sustainability Reporting Standards. Delegates will assess implications and best practice for rating providers, and for companies as they prepare for reporting under the new requirements.
The evolving role of the Financial Conduct Authority in overseeing transition finance-related disclosures and addressing greenwashing risks will be explored, alongside potential coordination challenges between domestic and international regulatory frameworks. Areas for discussion include how regulatory development can best balance the need for increased transparency, with concerns over reporting burdens and potential impact on investment flows.
UK Green Taxonomy
Further discussion will assess the potential value of a UK Green Taxonomy and its necessity, given existing national and international frameworks.
We expect discussion on how a UK-specific taxonomy might be structured to provide added clarity and drive investment, and whether existing international frameworks, such as the EU Green Taxonomy, suffice whilst avoiding additional complexity and costs. Alternative approaches will also be discussed, including enhancing non-binding industry guidance, as well as adopting a principles-based regulatory approach to allow for greater adaptability in defining transition activities while maintaining investor confidence.
Industrial Strategy
Areas for discussion also include alignment of sustainable finance developments with wider policy aims, including in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper, with the Government having recently consulted on the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, setting out measures to facilitate private investment in transition finance and improve the UK's position as a global hub for sustainable financial services. Delegates will also assess the future for unlocking funding and the role of the National Wealth Fund in advancing net zero ambitions and driving economic growth.
We are pleased to be able to include a keynote session with Vanessa Havard Williams, Chair, Transition Finance Market Review (2023-24); and Chair, Export Guarantees Advisory Council.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from Defra; DESNZ; DfT; DBT; Department for the Economy, NI; NAO; Isle of Man Government; DfC, NI; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
