Reclaim Finance

Reclaim Finance is a non-profit organization advocating for financial actors to align their practices with climate goals. Founded in 2020, it focuses specifically on influencing the financial sector, arguing that financial institutions play a pivotal role in either perpetuating or mitigating climate change. Their core mission is to ensure that financial flows support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

A key strategy employed by Reclaim Finance is research and analysis. They meticulously examine the climate policies and investment decisions of banks, asset managers, insurers, and other financial players. This research forms the basis of their advocacy campaigns, highlighting instances where institutions are falling short of their climate pledges or actively financing fossil fuel expansion. The organization then leverages this information to publicly pressure these institutions to adopt more responsible practices.

Reclaim Finance concentrates its efforts on several critical areas. Firstly, they target the financing of fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil, and gas. They advocate for a complete cessation of new fossil fuel investments and a rapid phase-out of existing assets. They also push for financial institutions to adopt robust exclusion policies, preventing them from supporting companies that are actively involved in fossil fuel exploration and development.

Secondly, they address the issue of greenwashing. Reclaim Finance scrutinizes the sustainability claims made by financial institutions, exposing instances where these claims are misleading or unsubstantiated. They advocate for greater transparency and accountability in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, pushing for standardized metrics and independent verification of sustainability performance.

Thirdly, Reclaim Finance aims to influence policy and regulation. They actively engage with policymakers and regulators to promote stronger climate-related financial regulations. This includes advocating for mandatory climate risk disclosure, stricter rules on fossil fuel financing, and incentives for investments in renewable energy and other climate solutions.

The organization's campaigns often involve collaborating with other environmental groups, civil society organizations, and investors. By building broad coalitions, Reclaim Finance amplifies its voice and increases the pressure on financial institutions to take action. They also utilize public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the role of finance in climate change and to encourage individuals and institutions to demand more responsible financial practices.

Reclaim Finance distinguishes itself through its targeted approach, focusing solely on the financial sector. By deeply understanding the inner workings of the financial system and the specific levers of influence, they aim to achieve significant and measurable progress in redirecting financial flows away from fossil fuels and towards a sustainable future. Their impact is measured by the adoption of stronger climate policies by financial institutions, the reduction in fossil fuel financing, and the increased investment in climate solutions.