Republic Financial Holdings Limited has expanded its sustainable finance commitment by an additional US$550 million, raising the group's total target to US$750 million by 2030. The new allocation, approved under the RFHL Group Climate Finance Goal and SDG Financial Inclusion Target for SMEs for the 2026 to 2030 period, will support climate resilience, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, food security and sustainable economic development across the Caribbean and Ghana.
The announcement follows the group's earlier signing of the Principles for Responsible Banking and its success in surpassing its original Climate Finance Goal of US$200 million. According to RFHL, approximately US$243 million in climate-related financing had been deployed as at June 2026, exceeding the initial target.
The expanded funding will be directed towards three strategic priorities. Climate finance will receive US$300 million, including a dedicated allocation of US$50 million for small and medium-sized enterprises. Women-owned and women-led SMEs will receive US$100 million, while agricultural SMEs will receive US$150 million.
RFHL said the initiative reflects its recognition that sustainable development requires targeted investment in sectors that drive economic growth while strengthening resilience and improving livelihoods. The programme is aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger, Gender Equality, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals.
Nigel Baptiste, Group President and Chief Executive Officer of Republic Financial Holdings Limited, said the future of banking would be defined not only by financial performance but by the positive impact created for people, businesses and the environment. He said the group was committed to leading by example by directing capital towards opportunities that drive inclusion, sustainable growth and resilience.
«Our expanded US$750 million commitment reflects a long-term vision for the prosperity of our region and the communities we serve,» Baptiste said. «Through targeted support for climate action, women-owned and women-led businesses and agricultural enterprises across the value chain, we are helping to unlock economic potential while advancing sustainable development outcomes that will benefit generations to come.»
Richard Sammy, Group Vice President of Republic Financial Holdings Limited, said sustainable finance was one of the most powerful tools available to create lasting economic, social and environmental impact. He noted that surpassing the original climate finance goal demonstrated what was possible when purpose was embedded within business strategy.
«This new US$550 million commitment reflects our confidence that we can do even more to support businesses, entrepreneurs and communities as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world,» Sammy said. He added that the initiative underscored RFHL's commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen and a catalyst for positive change throughout the markets it serves.
RFHL described the expanded commitment as more than a financing target. The group said it represented a commitment to empowering people, strengthening communities and supporting sustainable development at scale, adding that as a regional financial institution with deep roots in its markets it had both the opportunity and the responsibility to help shape a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous future.
The initiative forms a key pillar of RFHL's broader Environmental, Social and Governance strategy and reinforces the group's long-standing commitment to delivering sustainable value for customers, communities, shareholders and other stakeholders.
