The Equator Principles (EP) Association Working Groups are created by the EP Association Steering Committee to discuss and provide guidance to Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs) and/or their stakeholders on issues associated with the management, administration or development of the EPs.

EPFIs are not required to join a Working Group, however, they are encouraged to do so if they have any specific expertise or interest, and believe they can contribute.

From 2021, there are new Working Groups in place to support the delivery of the EP Strategy, as well as continuing thematic specific Working Groups. As the Association’s work program changes, the Working Groups may be revisited each year.

In 2021, the EP Association is also taking on the role of Chair of the Cross Sector Biodiversity Initiative (CSBI). On behalf of the EPA, the Chair will be Bank of Montreal, closely supported by the Biodiversity Working Group.

The Cross-Sector Biodiversity Initiative (CSBI) is a partnership between IPIECA, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the Equator Principles Association, for developing and sharing good practice related to biodiversity in the extractive industries. Affiliated members include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

CSBI is a unique collaborative platform for convening the collective knowledge and expertise of practitioners working across the three participating sectors: finance, oil and gas and mining.