Equator Principles 2026 Annual Meeting (19-22 October)

The Equator Principles (EP) network held its 2026 Annual Meeting in Bangkok on 19-22 October. The event brought together 160 participants from around the world, including representatives of Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs), other financial institutions, consultants and industry experts, to discuss the evolving environmental and social (E&S) risk management landscape.

The agenda reflected the global nature of project-related finance and the importance of regional perspectives on E&S challenges, with strong attendance from the region enriching discussions. A diverse range of perspectives were reflected in the meeting with attendees drawing from more than 50 EPFIs and over 20 external stakeholders, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Development Bank (ADB), OECD, UNEP FI, export credit agencies, globally recognised consultancy firms and, for the first time, a major project sponsor.

A key theme throughout the week was how effective E&S risk management supports broader risk management, including credit risk, and delivers commercial and financial benefits.

Discussions also addressed challenges in the global operating environment, notably the continued proliferation of standards, regulations and guidelines. The discussions reinforced the ongoing relevance of the EPs in supporting informed E&S risk management and effective, independent decision-making across diverse markets and sectors.

EPFI sessions explored EP scope, implementation, challenges and areas of future development. Sessions also considered thematic issues including infrastructure and data centres, biodiversity, human rights due diligence, resettlement, nuclear energy, contractual risk management and artificial intelligence in E&S risk assessment. Throughout the event, the discussions, presentations and interactive question and answer sessions combined real-world practical experiences with analysis and insights into emerging sector trends.

Feedback from the meeting will inform the EP work programme for 2027 and improvements to implementation, technical guidance and our wider stakeholder engagement.

Andrew Scott, EP Chair

“It was a privilege to welcome such a diverse and experienced group of practitioners and stakeholders to Bangkok for the 2026 EP Annual Meeting. Throughout the week, discussions reinforced that strong environmental and social risk management is not separate from sound business and credit risk management, but an integral part of it. In an increasingly complex landscape of evolving standards and expectations, the depth of engagement, practical insights and collaborative spirit demonstrated by participants highlighted the continued value and relevance of the Equator Principles.”

 

Max Griffin, EP CEO

“The 2026 EP Annual Meeting confirmed the practical reality that technical knowledge, expertise and experience are best gained through meeting face-to-face. Rich conversations and honest dialogue have always been fundamental aims for EP meetings and this year, once again, these have really proved how essential they are in enabling attending environmental and social practitioners to be effective and efficient when fulfilling their roles within financial institutions.”

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MEDIA CONTACTS

EP Primary Contact:
Courtenay Smith, EP COO and Head of Secretariat
Email: secretariat@equator-principles.com