Financial System Benchmark
Shaping a financial system where institutions drive sustainable, inclusive, and responsible economic activity for society.
As the financial system underpins the global economy, shaping how capital is mobilised, allocated, and governed, the world’s most influential financial institutions hold the power to steer economic activity towards sustainable outcomes. The Financial System Benchmark assesses how effectively these institutions align their strategies and operations with planetary boundaries and societal expectations.
2026 Financial System Climate Assessment
Our latest analysis of 400 of the world’s most influential financial institutions (covering banks, insurance companies, asset managers, asset owners including development finance institutions) shows that the global financial system is beginning to build the architecture for transition planning, but capital allocation and fossil fuel phase-out remain far behind what is required for an orderly and resilient economic transition.
2025 Financial System Benchmark
The latest iteration of the Financial System Benchmark assessed 400 influential banks, insurers, asset managers and asset owners globally – including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and development finance institutions. Published in January 2025, the assessment covered key sustainability areas in governance, climate, nature and social issues.
Methodology
The 400 financial institutions in scope of the benchmark were assessed using the Methodology for the 2025 Financial System Benchmark. This methodology includes 39 indicators across five distinct measurement areas: Strategy, governance and stewardship, Financing climate and nature protection and restoration, Environmental footprints, Inclusive finance and Responsible business conduct.
The development of the methodology and its indicators was informed by extensive stakeholder consultations and aligns with existing frameworks, benchmarks and accountability mechanisms.
Access the data
Explore the 2025 data set, containing information on the scores of each of financial institutions, also at an indicator and element level.
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