Inside HSBC’s US$54.1bn Investment to Transition to Net Zero

The World Economic Forum reports that financing a lower carbon economy is one of the largest challenges today.

It says that public funding cannot meet the scale of the challenge alone. 

In its 2025 Interim Report, HSBC outlines some of the ways it is contributing to sustainability and inclusivity, highlighting its sustainable finance and investments figure of US$54.1bn.

HSBC says that it focuses its efforts on three areas: the transition to net zero, building inclusion and resilience and acting responsibly. 

HSBC's transition to net zero 

The company says it aims to transition to net zero by 2050.

In order to reach this goal, HSBC says that it is committed to supporting its customers in addressing transition needs, pursuing opportunities in the transition that help enable value creation for shareholders and leveraging expertise to support the transition and clean growth at scale.

The bank has an ongoing review of its 2030 interim financed emission targets and associated review to guide the company towards its net zero emissions.

HSBC aims to facilitate an overall US$750bn to US$1tn of sustainable finance and investments by 2030 as a part of a scheme to help customers reach a sustainable future.

In the first half of 2025, the bank provided and facilitated a sustainable finance and investment figure of US$54.1bn.

Julian Wentzel, Group Sustainability Officer, HSBC said on Linkedin: “I am pleased to share that we have provided and facilitated US$54.1 billion of sustainable finance and investments in the first half of 2025, as part of our ambition to support customers in their transition to net zero and a sustainable future.

“We also see strong growth in Asset Management.

“Against the backdrop of increasing global demand for energy and increasing focus on energy security, resilience and affordability, we are committed to supporting our customers to help address their transition needs and leveraging our expertise to support the transition and clean energy growth at scale.”

HSBC's AI Academy 

HSBC says that it equips colleagues with the skills and knowledge to use AI technologies responsibly.

The company says it is utilising AI to drive efficiency in operations, increase resilience and create better experiences for customers and employees.

It has more than 600 AI cases in operation in areas like:

• Detection
• Cyber security
• Transaction monitoring 
• Customer service 
• Risk assessment 

In the first half of 2025, the bank says it built on its Group AI Review Committee, embedding AI Review Councils into the organisation and refining AI lifecycle management.

Stuart Riley, Group Chief Information Officer at HSBC, says: “Whilst some overestimate AI’s short-term impact, I believe many significantly underestimate its long-term potential.

“At HSBC, we’re investing in foundational AI capabilities alongside our ongoing projects. which will enable us to accelerate and expand AI utilisation across the bank.

“These foundations are crucial as they allow for rapid AI deployment whilst maintaining the necessary safeguards for responsible usage.

“I anticipate that within the near future every employee will be using AI in their daily activities.”

HSBC global inclusion strategy

Within the 2025 Interim Report, HSBC reported on its global inclusion strategy which aims to reflect the communities it serves, encouraging colleagues to embrace diverse perspectives. 

The company has ambitions to reach 35% of women in leadership by the end of 2025, as well as 3.4% of leadership being held by Black heritage colleagues and overall to reach a minimum score of 75% in its inclusion index.

HSBC’s four main priorities:

• Creating a fair, transparent and inclusive hiring process to enable everyone to have equal opportunity and demonstrate skills and potential
• Ensuring that all colleagues have access to development opportunities to achieve potential 
• Focusing on having an inclusive environment where different perspectives are valued, so colleagues want to stay and develop careers
• Providing an accessible and inclusive banking experience and working within communities to create a positive impact

In the first half of 2025 the company delivered targeted risk leadership training for senior leaders, as well as specialised learning for high risk roles, specifically in areas like anti-money laundering, sanctions, bribery and corruption. 

Dinesh Sharma Interim Global Chief Commercial Officer, International Wealth & Premier Banking at HSBC, said on Linkedin: “As a father of three young children and as a leader in a global organisation like HSBC I I feel compelled to do my part to create progress for my family, my colleagues and our future generation.

“I look forward to delving deeper into our inclusion efforts across the bank to create a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.”