The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has published a new Statement of Expectations and Statement of Intent that includes climate-related financial risk as a priority area of focus for the first time. The Statement of Expectations outlines the government’s expectations for APRA to ensure stability, efficiency, competition, and transparency of the financial sector. It additionally emphasises the need for APRA to collaborate with other regulators and government agencies to achieve these objectives. One of the key updates is the explicit inclusion of climate-related financial risks as a consideration for APRA’s duties, reflecting a growing awareness of the potential impact of climate change on the financial system and the need for institutions to adapt accordingly. APRA’s Statement of Intent outlines how it will maintain financial system resilience, promote competition and transparency, and foster effective governance, risk management, and accountability among banks, insurers, and superannuation entities. Jim Chalmers, Australia’s Treasurer, said: “For the first time, the government is explicit in requiring the regulator to consider risks related to climate change as part of its work. This includes promoting transparency in relation to financial risks and the adoption of climate reporting standards.”
A key update is the explicit inclusion of climate-related financial risks as a consideration for @APRAinfo duties.https://t.co/AYyu7Vk6gH
— Regulation Asia (@RegulationAsia) June 12, 2023
