Breaking news:ICC welcomes Standard Chartered’s full adoption of ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) announced that Standard Chartered has fully adopted the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance (PSTF) on 23 April 2026. This is a major step forward for consistency, transparency, and scalability in sustainable trade finance.

Andrew Wilson, Deputy Secretary General, Policy at ICC, said, “Standard Chartered’s adoption of the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance framework marks an important step for the industry and reflects continued market engagement in establishing common approaches to sustainable trade finance. It demonstrates that a globally consistent, practical and scalable framework is achievable and can support greater transparency, comparability and consistency across markets.” 

The ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance framework

The ICC PSTF are recognised as the first comprehensive, globally standardised framework addressing all major sustainability dimensions in trade finance. Standard Chartered’s adoption shows growing market engagement with the framework and the importance of common standards in supporting sustainable and inclusive trade flows.

The PSTF framework integrates three complementary pillars. They provide a common language and a robust methodology for assessing, validating, and communicating sustainability performance. 

These include i) Green Trade Finance (PGTF), driving environmentally sustainable trade ii) Social Trade Finance (PSoTF), enabling measurable positive social impact iii) Sustainability-Linked Supply Chain Finance (PSL-SCF), embedding sustainability performance incentives across supply chains.

These pillars improve transparency, comparability, and accountability in trade finance, helping financial institutions and clients align with changing sustainability goals.

Sofia Hammoucha, Global Head of Trade Finance & Working Capital at Standard Chartered, said, “The integration of the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance is a significant milestone for both our clients and the wider industry.”

“By setting clear, transparent and consistent standards, we empower our clients to achieve measurable sustainability outcomes and navigate an evolving regulatory landscape with confidence. This full commitment demonstrates our determination to drive responsible growth and positive impact across global supply chains,” she added. 

The market impact and way forward

The Green Trade Finance pillar has already been endorsed by 11 leading global trade banks, indicating early momentum and confidence in the framework. 

Broader adoption of the full PSTF is expected to support harmonisation and interoperability across sustainable trade finance standards.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG), ICC’s long-standing strategic partner on the Sustainable Trade programme, co-led the working groups that developed the PSTF.

ICC encourages banks and financial institutions to consider endorsing and adopting the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance, either in full or through individual pillars, to advance a more aligned and effective sustainable trade finance ecosystem. 

The ICC will continue to support market adoption through guidance, capacity building, and industry dialogue, aiming to advance a common framework for sustainable trade finance.