Equator Principles 2025 Annual Meeting (20-23 October)

The Equator Principles (EP) successfully concluded their 2025 Annual Meeting in Istanbul. For the first time, the meeting extended beyond Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs) to include an invited group of stakeholders from the broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ecosystem. This expansion reflects the EP Steering Committee’s recognition that the EPs operate as a risk management framework within a dynamic landscape, influenced by and contributing to a wide range of global ESG and sustainable finance initiatives.

The four-day event convened 110 representatives from 50 EPFIs for the initial two days, followed by an additional 60 participants from institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), other financial entities, consultants, and technical experts.

The agenda was structured to balance discussions on enhancing the quality of EP implementation with broader conversations addressing global operational and regulatory challenges. Attendees engaged in substantive dialogue on complex issues, learning from one another’s experiences and approaches, supported by contributions from EP Working Groups and the EP Office, as well as technical and thematic presentations on specific areas of interest. Insights from these discussions will inform the development of the EP 2026 work plan, identifying priority areas for further action.

The EP community was also pleased to welcome representatives from the IFC, who provided updates on the ongoing revision to the IFC Sustainability Framework, including the Performance Standards. These standards remain the foundational benchmark for the Equator Principles and continue to underpin implementation across EPFIs.

Release of the Third Equator Principles Activity Report

Coinciding with the meeting, the EP Office published its third Equator Principles Activity Report, covering data submitted by EPFIs for the 2024 calendar year. The report builds on the format established in previous years, incorporating enhanced commentary and showcasing projects from six EPFIs. Notably, the number of in-scope transactions reaching financial close increased by 25% compared to 2023, reflecting the growing adoption and influence of the Equator Principles across global financial markets.

“It was a privilege to welcome such a diverse and engaged group of participants to Istanbul for this year’s EP Annual Meeting. As Chair, I recognise the increasingly complex regulatory and operational landscape that EPFIs must navigate, and I was pleased to see  the depth of discussion and learning that took place. It was an engaging, productive and enjoyable week of robust conversations and I thank all those that joined us.”

Andrew Scott, EP Chair, ING

“Gathering up to 170 E&S Practitioners over 3.5 days to discuss, share and engage in dialogue has reinforced that the fundamental business case for robust and effective environmental and social risk management keeps growing. The financing of global development holds huge opportunities as well as risks, and the meeting has helped to identify and clarify the current benefits of applying good practice implementation in order to assist profits, people and the planet”.

 Max Griffin, EP CEO

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
EP Primary Contact: Courtenay Smith
Email: secretariat@equator-principles.com
Telephone: +44 7764 435 921