Cathay FHC Hosts Asia's Largest Climate Finance Forum, Sets Participation Record
More than 850 companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, representing over 80% of market capitalisation, participated in the 10th Cathay Sustainability Finance & Climate Change Summit on 1 July. The record attendance reinforces Cathay Financial Holdings’ (Cathay FHC) position as a key driver of dialogue on climate finance and sustainable transition in Asia. Policymakers, global investors, businesses, and international experts gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities in moving towards a more sustainable economy.
Amidst global geopolitical uncertainty, a rapidly accelerating energy transition, and the growing need for funding to support the shift to a low-carbon economy, Asia plays a crucial role in mobilising investment, innovation, and technological development. The annual Cathay FHC forum has evolved into a leading regional platform, bringing together regulators, investors, businesses, and academics to discuss the direction of more resilient and inclusive economic growth.
The event opened with a video message from former US Vice President Al Gore, who inspired the inaugural forum in 2017, and remarks from Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Chairman Jin-lung Peng. Other international speakers included Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chin-Tsang Ho, Taiwan Stock Exchange Chairman Sherman Lin, FSC Vice Chairperson Sherri Chuang, Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) CEO Rebecca Mikula-Wright, University of Tokyo Professor Ryo Kohsaka, Climate Group Energy Director Sam Kimmins, and Taiwan Power Company Chairman Vincent Tseng. The speaker profile reflects the forum’s role in uniting international perspectives with Asia’s climate transition agenda.
Cathay FHC President Chang-Ken (CK) Lee stated that climate change has become a systemic risk, impacting economic growth, industrial competitiveness, financial market stability, and daily life. Citing his recent experience at London Climate Action Week, where temperatures reached 37-38 degrees Celsius, Lee highlighted the tangible impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable communities with limited resources to cope with extreme weather. He reaffirmed Cathay FHC’s commitment to three core principles: creating long-term value, fostering innovation, and strengthening collaboration. Lee noted that the forum’s focus has expanded from initial discussions on climate awareness and governance to encompass water resource management, natural capital, blended finance, and impact investing. He stressed the need to scale proven solutions and turn shared commitments into tangible results.
FSC Chairman Jin-lung Peng commended Cathay FHC’s decade-long contribution to advancing sustainable finance and climate action in Taiwan. He emphasised that financial institutions are not merely capital providers but also engines of industrial transformation. The FSC will continue to strengthen the development of green and transition finance markets in Taiwan and encourage innovative financial solutions to help businesses accelerate their transformation and enhance resilience. In his video message, Al Gore expressed delight at the forum’s growth since 2017, praising Cathay FHC and participants for their leadership in sustainability amidst global uncertainty. He noted that despite challenges, the global investment shift from fossil fuels to clean energy is increasingly difficult to reverse and urged the financial sector to continue directing investment towards sustainable economic development and climate-resilient communities.