• Deutsche Bank sets €900 billion sustainable and transition finance target for 2030
• New Transition Finance Framework defines clear rules for funding net zero pathways
• Focus includes hard to abate sectors and financing technologies that cut emissions
• Bank adds nature ambition with 300 biodiversity and conservation transactions by 2027
• Framework distinguishes sustainable finance from transition finance for greater transparency
• Governance, reporting and second party review aim to ensure credibility and integrity

Deutsche Bank has set a new long term target to facilitate €900 billion in sustainable and transition finance by the end of 2030 as part of a significant expansion of its global sustainability strategy. 

The bank also published its first Transition Finance Framework and introduced a new nature ambition aimed at accelerating investment in biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.

The new target covers sustainable finance, ESG investments and transition finance and reflects the bank’s intention to play a leading role in the global move toward a low carbon economy. 

Deutsche Bank said €440 billion of this goal has already been achieved since January 2020.

The bank distinguishes sustainable finance from transition finance to provide clarity for clients and regulators.

Sustainable finance covers pure play ecological or socially sustainable activities such as solar power projects or green hydrogen production using renewable energy. 

Transition finance applies to activities that are necessary for a credible pathway to net zero, including retrofitting gas plants for hydrogen co firing or producing turquoise hydrogen where carbon is captured in solid form.

Jörg Eigendorf, the bank’s chief sustainability officer, said the expanded target reflects both a continued commitment to sustainability and a shift toward financing real world transition pathways for clients. 

He said the framework will help mobilise capital for technologies that cut emissions and strengthen long term resilience.

The publication of the Transition Finance Framework creates the foundation for the updated target and will be effective from January 2026. 

It operates alongside the existing Sustainable Finance Framework and defines three categories of transition finance.

The first covers activities that are not inherently sustainable but are required for emissions reduction. The second relates to corporate purpose transactions with companies pursuing credible transition strategies. The third includes sustainability linked solutions that set ambitious performance targets for borrowers.

The framework has been fully embedded into Deutsche Bank’s governance processes and has received a positive second party opinion from ISS Corporate, confirming alignment with emerging market standards. 

From 2026, only activity level and sustainability linked transactions will count toward the new target. Entity level transactions will be reported separately in recognition of the need for robust system based processes.

Alongside its climate focus, Deutsche Bank also introduced a nature ambition aimed at supporting biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. 

The bank plans to facilitate 300 nature related transactions by the end of 2027, aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including clean water, life below water and life on land.

These transactions are intended to support regenerative value chains, protect natural resources and advance the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 

They may include emerging instruments such as biodiversity credits and financing models linked to ecosystem restoration.

The new ambition was developed with input from the bank’s Nature Advisory Panel, established in 2023, and represents one of its first publicly visible outcomes. 

Deutsche Bank also announced that during COP30 in Brazil it entered a partnership with Honduras, Suriname, Bayer, Siemens, Symrise and the Coalition for Rainforest Nations to work on a new asset class focused on rainforest protection.

Deutsche Bank said the updated strategy reflects its intent to support clients through the transition while maintaining transparency, scientific credibility and measurable progress as the global economy accelerates toward net zero.