Banking giant Credit Suisse was an early leader in the development of microfinance and impact investing. It is now looking closely at how it can better mobilize private capital to protect conservation hotspots around the world.
“Our best contribution is in applying classic banking services to respond to the real world challenges of today,” René Buholzer, the bank’s Head of Public Policy and Sustainability says.
“It is only by pursuing a responsible and forward-looking approach to business that we can achieve long-term success.” René Buholzer, Head of Public Policy and Sustainability, Credit Suisse
Public funds and charitable donations by themselves will not provide enough money to protect valuable areas of conservation, the bank believes. Working with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and consultancy McKinsey, Credit Suisse has developed new products which enable private investors to allocate their capital to conserving vulnerable ecosystems, while also making a financial return.
“It is our responsibility as a bank to help bring more private money into protecting these hotspots,” Buholzer says
