Japan’s Mizuho Bank has announced a US$20 million investment in Pollination, a UK-based climate and nature solutions provider.

The investment grants Mizuho Bank a minority equity stake in Pollination, enhancing the firm’s investment strategies and decarbonisation projects while expanding its influence in key markets such as Japan, Southeast Asia, EMEA, and Australia.

Meanwhile, it will also enhance Mizuho Bank’s ability to assist clients in developing and implementing decarbonisation and nature-focused strategies.

The collaboration will prioritise assisting clients in hard-to-abate sectors with their climate and nature transition strategies.

This includes offering strategic guidance, facilitating access to investment opportunities, and developing innovative approaches to sustainable finance.

A key focus will be on supporting clients in expanding their work on nature, including natural capital and biodiversity strategies, and participating in carbon markets.

Strategic partnerships have been an integral part of Pollination’s approach since it began five years ago.

These include an investment by ANZ Bank in 2022 and the establishment of Climate Asset Management, a joint venture with HSBC Asset Management in 2020, which recently reported raising over US$1 billion for natural capital projects.

To support its growth ambitions, Pollination has recently appointed Kalika Jayasekera as COO and Audrey Zibelman to its board.

Martijn Wilder, Founder and CEO of Pollination said,

“Mizuho Bank is a highly sophisticated partner in sustainable finance.

This investment is a significant vote of confidence in our business, marking the beginning of a powerful strategic partnership that will accelerate our reach and impact.”

Yasuhiko Ushikubo, Mizuho Financial Group’s Group Chief Sustainability Officer said,

“Clients face a wide range of issues and needs related to sustainability, and the pace of change is increasing. 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.”

Featured image credit: Edited from Freepik