Mizuho buys minority stake in climate-focused investment firm for US$20 million
Investment by the Japanese bank aims to accelerate Pollination’s growth, including its investment strategy and decarbonisation projects
MIZUHO Bank is buying a minority equity stake in climate change investment and advisory firm Pollination for US$20 million.
The investment by the Japanese bank aims to accelerate Pollination’s growth, including its investment strategy and decarbonisation projects, said the climate investment company on Tuesday (Nov 5).
It aims to also extend Pollination’s reach in key markets, including Japan, South-east Asia and Europe, as well as enhance Mizuho Bank’s ability to support their clients in development and implementation of decarbonisation and nature strategies.
The focus on nature finance and natured-based solutions will remain for Pollination, with an aim to eventually mobilise capital into its projects and investments businesses.
The company, along with its new investor, are also looking to support clients in hard-to-abate sectors to implement their climate and nature-transition strategies. This will include providing strategy and advisory support, access to investment opportunities and assets in transition sectors, as well as working together to create new approaches to transition and sustainable finance.
The partnership will look to specifically support clients expanding their work and investment on nature, including their natural capital and biodiversity strategy, participation in carbon markets, as well as readiness to make disclosures aligned with recommendations by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures.
Yasuhiko Ushikubo, chief sustainability officer of Mizuho, said that the bank’s clients face a wide range of issues and needs related to sustainability at an increasing face.
“In order to support them, specialised knowledge on sustainability on a global basis is essential. Through this alliance with Pollination, a strong partner, we will support our clients in developing and implementing strategies to deal with these sophisticated problems, and contribute to resolving climate change issues and realising a nature-positive future not only in Asia but the rest of the world as well,” he added.
Martijn Wilder, founder and chief executive officer of Pollination, said that the investment from Mizuho is a “powerful strategic partnership that will accelerate our reach and impact.”
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
