Run in partnership between ICAEW, Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) and Deloitte, the Finance for the Future Awards have been celebrated at a ceremony in London, with international delegates enjoying the ceremony virtually.

The awards recognise businesses, organisations and individuals that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in encouraging sustainable practices. Established in 2012, they aim to inspire, inform and influence those individuals working in the finance sector to embed sustainability in business decision-making. 

“Chartered Accountants and finance professionals have a vital role to play in enabling and driving forward the transition to a net-zero, fair and nature-positive world economy, and this was our proposition more than 10 years ago when the Finance for the Future Awards were first established,” said ICAEW Chief Executive Michael Izza at the event.

“It has been an inspiration to see the awards evolve and to witness the quality and ambition of our finalists today, and I congratulate all the winners.” 

The winners in each category were:

• Embedding an integrated approach (non-listed companies): Forico
• Embedding an integrated approach (listed companies): Metro Pacific Investment Corporation
• Communicating integrated thinking: NatWest Group 
• Moving financial markets (large organisations): Aviva Investors
• Moving financial markets (small and medium organisations): First Nations Financing Authority
• Driving change in the finance community: Make My Money Matter

Underscoring the importance of finance in combating climate change, and the scale of the challenge in responding, the judges presented additional Climate Leadership Awards to: 

• Forico 
• NatWest Group
• Deutsche Post DHL
• SSE
• Moodys
• Deshkan Ziibi Conservation Impact Bond
• Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets
• Make My Money Matter
• Global Alliance for Banking on Values

Speaking at the awards, Veronica Poole, Vice-Chair of Deloitte UK, said that a devastating string of extreme weather events over the past year had shown clearly that “we are already living in a climate crisis”.

“If we are to turn back the tide of climate devastation and unlock a resilient, sustainable, clean energy economy to preserve our planet, we need to act now. Today we celebrate organisations that are showing climate leadership, innovation, commitment and progress. They provide an inspiration and a learning opportunity for us all.” 

Jessica Fries, A4S Executive Chairman, praised the event, saying the stories of innovation and impact had truly impressed the judging panel. “As we mark the 10th anniversary of the awards, it's incredible to have a line-up of finalists that show the tangible actions organisations are taking to tackle the social and environmental crises we face.

“Together, they highlight the role finance leaders play in shaping sustainable, successful business models. Finance professionals from around the world must take inspiration from the progress on display.”