Climate Action in Finance: What is Bankers for Net Zero?

According to the WWF, a subsection of the UK finance sector was responsible for financing 805 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2019.

This means that if the UK banks and investors studied by the WWF were a country, they would be the 9th largest CO₂ emitter in the world.

To help tackle this issue, Bankers for Net Zero was set up in October 2019, with the aim of helping the financial sector to work together for climate action.

The net zero transition in finance

Bankers for Net Zero (B4NZ) is a not-for-profit initiative that brings together banks, businesses, regulators and policymakers.

Its aim is to accelerate the transition to a resilient net zero economy.

The initiative’s goals are rooted in the UK’s policy framework, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in sustainable finance.

It works to identify where strategic policies can unlock the full potential of the banking sector to enable the shift to net zero.

Bankers for Net Zero says it exists for three purposes:

• To turn net zero commitments into action at a national level
• To clear potential roadblocks on the path to net zero for banks operating in the UK
• To enable cross-sector collaboration that delivers practical results

It works alongside initiatives and organisations including the Green Finance Institute, UK Finance and UNEP FI to build upon existing efforts for maximum impact.

Eric Usher, Head of UNEP FI, says: “This initiative is an important step in helping banks deliver on their commitments under the UN Principles for Responsible Banking.

“Bold leadership and a collaborative approach will be required in the coming years as we grapple with the transition to net zero.

“We look forward to working with the B4NZ team, as the UK forges a path to deliver, on the ground, real change that enables the most effective transition to a net zero economy.”

By creating clarity on areas of the net zero transition which could require policy changes, B4NZ helps support banks to optimise their contribution to the economy.

Its main focus is to create a positive feedback loop between government, regulators, industry, business and the banking sector to accelerate action towards a more sustainable future.

B4NZ’s Chief Executive Officer, Heather Buchanan, will be speaking at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit in 2026.

Secure your tickets to The Summit and save more than £200 with our Early Bird offer.

Who leads Bankers for Net Zero?

The Chief Executive Officer of Bankers for Net Zero is Heather Buchanan, who also co-founded the initiative.

She has extensive experience advising Government, trade bodies and civil society on the relationship between banks and their customers.

Heather’s work came together in 2023 when B4NZ took to the global stage as a core partner of the UK Pavilion at COP28.

In 2024, Heather was recognised as one of the twenty Trailblazing Women in Climate by Reuters and was shortlisted as Sustainability Leader of the Year by Business Green.

Heather Buchanan, Chief Executive Officer of B4NZ, says: “By its nature, Bankers for Net Zero are conveners.

“Predominantly, we bring together banks, businesses and regulators to accelerate this transition and we are extremely proud to work as the UK Country Chapter of the NZBA and serve as a piece of the huge puzzle of collaboration needed to achieve climate action.”

Secure your tickets now to hear Heather speak at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit in 2026.

Women in Sustainability at The Net Zero Summit

Heather Buchanan will take the stage at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit in London, joining the Women in Sustainability panel.

The event will take place on 4-5 March 2026 at the QEII Centre, Westminster, as the premier event for senior sustainability leaders driving decarbonation at scale.

The Women in Sustainability panel will highlight the leadership, innovation and impact of women advancing sustainability across industries.

Heather will share personal stories, strategic insights and lessons from the field to show how diverse leadership can shape climate action.

Buy your tickets now to hear from Heather at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit and save more than £200 with our Early Bird offer.