Tokyo-based banking and financial services company Mizuho Bank announced today that it has acquired a minority equity stake in climate and nature solutions firm Pollination, forming part of a new strategic partnership between the firms, aimed at supporting Mizuho’s clients in implementing decarbonization initiatives, and accelerating Pollination’s growth and international expansion.

Founded in 2019, London-based Pollination works with financial institutions, large companies, and governments to implement net zero and nature-positive transition strategies, with expertise provided in areas including finance, investment, corporate governance and strategy, technology, law, and policy. Since launch, Pollination has expanded its presence to encompass 250 clients across Australia, North America, Europe and Asia, and has established Climate Asset Management, a joint venture with HSBC Asset Management, which has raised over $1 billion for natural capital projects.

According to Pollination, the new partnership and investment will help extend its reach in key markets including Japan, South-East Asia, EMEA and Australia, and support the firm’s growth, including its investment strategy and decarbonization projects.

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.”

For Mizuho, the new partnership is aimed at supporting clients in their climate and nature transition strategies, providing strategy and advice, as well as access to investment opportunities and assets in transition sectors, as well as the development of new approaches to transition and sustainable finance.

The partnership will focus on supporting clients across hard-to-abate sectors, and will specifically look to help clients expanding work and investment in nature, in areas including TNFD readiness, natural capital and biodiversity strategy, and participation in carbon markets.

The announcement marks the latest in a series of sustainability-focused partnerships for Mizuho, including the recent formation of a “sustainability alliance” with Lombard Odier with agreements to partner on sustainable investment products and solutions, and a collaboration with LSEG to help provide clients with access to carbon markets. Mizuho launched a goal last year to facilitate JPY 100 trillion (USD$700 billion) in sustainable finance between 2019 and 2030, including JPY 50 trillion in environment and climate change-related finance.

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 realizing a nature-positive future not only in Asia but the rest of the world as well.”

Tony O’Sullivan, Founder and Executive Chair of Pollination, added:

“In light of the critical role of finance in unlocking climate and nature solutions, particularly across Asia, we are delighted to have established such a significant partnership.”