Goldman Sachs has announced its departure from the UN-backed Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), becoming the first major financial institution to leave the coalition of banks committed to aligning financing activities with net-zero emissions by 2050.

In a statement, Goldman Sachs reaffirmed its dedication to sustainability, stating it has "the capabilities to achieve our goals and to support the sustainability objectives of our clients." The firm also emphasized its focus on meeting elevated regulatory standards for sustainability reporting globally.

Continued Climate Goals

Despite its exit, Goldman Sachs remains committed to aligning its financing activities with net-zero pathways by 2050. The firm has set interim sector-specific targets, including for carbon-intensive industries such as Oil & Gas, Power, and Auto Manufacturing. It also plans to expand its climate goals to additional sectors in the coming months.

Goldman Sachs joined the NZBA in October 2021 after announcing its net-zero commitment earlier that year. The NZBA, launched in 2021, includes 145 banks across 44 countries managing $74 trillion in assets. Members commit to transitioning financed emissions to align with net-zero pathways and setting interim 2030 targets for high-emission sectors.

Broader Challenges for Net-Zero Initiatives

The NZBA is part of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), which encompasses several financial sector coalitions focused on climate action. Other GFANZ groups, such as the Net Zero Insurance Alliance (NZIA), have faced mounting political pressure, particularly in the U.S., leading to several high-profile exits. Earlier this year, the NZIA was disbanded following criticisms from anti-ESG policymakers.

Goldman Sachs’ exit from the NZBA follows its asset management division’s decision to withdraw from Climate Action 100+, another climate-focused investor initiative, amidst similar pressures.

Goldman Sachs’ Future Sustainability Focus

The firm highlighted its progress toward its net-zero goals and reiterated its priorities to support client sustainability objectives and enhance its reporting practices. Goldman Sachs’ departure from the NZBA signals a shift in its approach to climate alliances but does not indicate a retreat from its long-term environmental commitments.

As the financial sector grapples with political and regulatory challenges, Goldman Sachs’ decision underscores the complexities of balancing climate action with external pressures while pursuing its sustainability strategy independently.