CASI News

Interview: Dr. Ma Jun on Financing ASEAN’s Green Transition with Yuan Debt

One of the persistent barriers to accelerating the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) energy transition is the high cost of financing. This challenge is driven by perceived investment risks, a shortage of bankable green projects, and ongoing macroeconomic headwinds. In a recent interview with The Business Times, Dr. Ma Jun, former chief economist of the People's Bank of China and a central architect of the country's green finance ecosystem, shared his insights on how yuan-denominated debt could serve as an underutilized lever for lowering capital costs and deepening China-ASEAN green collaboration.

Dr Ma Jun Speaking to Dialogue Earth during London Climate Action Week 2026

Dr. Ma Jun Speaks with the Financial Times on Green Finance and Renminbi Internationalisation

Dr. Ma Jun - Founder and President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS) and Chairman of the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), was recently interviewed by Simon Mundy of the Financial Times (Moral Money) on how China's leadership in green technology could support the internationalisation of the renminbi, while helping to accelerate the global energy transition. The interview was featured in the FT's Moral Money newsletter on 1 July 2026.

Webinars: China’s 15th Five-Year Plan: Implications for sustainable investment and green transition

UNEP FI hosted a webinar on 8 July 2026, which discussed the potential impacts of China’s recently announced 15th Five-Year Plan on green finance and the green transition in China, including its Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement – as well as its implications for the rest of the world.

CASI Sustainability Forum Concluded in Casablanca – Spotlighting Capacity Building on Sustainable Finance and Green Technology for Africa’s Sustainable Future

1 July 2026 | Casablanca, Morocco — The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), in partnership with BANK OF AFRICA - BMCE Group, and supported by the Casablanca Finance City (CFC) Authority, successfully concluded the two-day CASI Sustainability Forum today. Held in Casablanca as an important financial centre in Africa, the landmark event convened approximately 250 on-site and online participants from 39 jurisdictions to discuss topics on sustainable finance and green technologies to support Africa's resilient growth and sustainable future.

Casablanca Finance City Authority and the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) join forces to advance sustainable finance capacity building across Africa

29 June 2026 | Casablanca, Morocco — Casablanca Finance City Authority (CFCA), Africa’s leading financial hub, and the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), an international platform launched at COP28 in 2023 to strengthen sustainable finance capacity, signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sustainable finance capabilities in Morocco and across Africa. The agreement was signed on the sideline of a high-level sustainable finance forum organized by CASI in Casablanca with the active support of Casablanca Finance City Authority.

Unlocking Green Finance Potential in Emerging Markets – Dr Interview with Regulation Asia

Hong Kong bids for sustainable finance leadership – Dr Ma Interview with IFR

Taxonomy Interoperability: Reflections on a Pathway to Scalable Green Finance

Co-Hosting a Dialogue on Family Offices and Sustainable Finance in Hong Kong

On 5 June 2026, CASI co-hosted an exclusive, closed-door event — Exploring the Wealth System in Hong Kong: Stewardship, Sustainability & Long-Term Capital through a Systems Lens — alongside our valued partners Toniic, the Center for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth (CSP), and Omplexity Consulting. This invitation-only dialogue brought together over 30 participants, including leaders from family offices and foundations, next-generation wealth holders, trusted advisors, ecosystem builders, and public sector stakeholders. The gathering offered a candid and thought-provoking exchange on the evolving role of private wealth in shaping sustainable finance outcomes across Hong Kong and Asia.

CASI Supports Capacity Building for Green Finance Development in Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island Economies

27 May 2026 | Port Moresby – The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) participated in and supported the Green Finance Summit 2026 hosted by the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) and its Green Finance Centre (GFC) in Port Moresby, contributing to regional sustainable finance capacity building and knowledge sharing. The two-day summit brought together around 300 participants to advance green finance implementation and regional cooperation across Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the wider Pacific region.

CASI Academy’s First Local-language Course Launched in Central Asia

24 April 2026 | Astana, Kazakhstan – The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) launched 28 online Level 1 learning modules in Russian during the Regional Ecological Summit (RES) held in Astana, Kazakhstan. Backed by the AIFC Green Finance Centre, the Russian-language version is focused on building capacity in sustainable finance and promoting sustainable investments across Central Asia.

Announcement – HKGFA-CASI Certificate in Sustainable Finance (Subsidy-Eligible Programme)

Hong Kong Green Finance Association (HKGFA) and the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) are pleased to announce the launch of the HKGFA–CASI Certificate in Sustainable Finance, a self-paced, professional-level online programme designed to offer comprehensive and practical training in sustainable finance, with a particular focus on Asia.

2026 Debt Capital Market Annual Forum – ICMA

Our Chairman, Dr. Ma Jun, delivered a speech at the 2026 Debt Capital Market Annual Forum organised by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) on 31 March 2026 in Beijing, an event for which CASI was proud to act as a supporting partner.

CASI TA Webinar on Sustainability Disclosure Successfully Held for Zambia Listed Companies

Strengthening Readiness for Sustainability Reporting in Zambia and across Africa” webinar was successfully held on 19 March 2026.

Capacity-building Forum for Financial Institutions in Vietnam – “Building Institutional Readiness for Green Taxonomy Implementation and Sustainable Finance in Vietnam

On 10–11 March 2026, CASI Chairman Dr. Ma Jun spoke at a capacity-building workshop in Hanoi (Banking Academy of Vietnam) organised by EuroCham.

Post- Event Summary – CASI Webinar: Greening the Chinese banking system: A policy and regulatory landscape analysis

CASI was pleased to co-host, together with United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and Eco-Business, the webinar marking the launch of UNEP FI’s third Asia-Pacific Policy Brief, Greening China’s Banking Sector.

CASI Seminar: “The Future of Sustainability Finance and Investment – Scaling the Transition Beyond COP30” was successfully held on January 27, 2026 in Hong Kong

[Hong Kong, January 29, 2026] —“The Future of Sustainability Finance and Investment – Scaling the Transition Beyond COP30” was successfully held on January 27, 2026, at HKU iCube in Central.

CASI Academy Launches Sustainable Investing Program for Hong Kong’s MPF Industry

CASI Academy announces the launch of the “CASI Academy Special Program: Sustainable Investing for the MPF Industry,” a one-hour, self-paced online course designed specifically for Hong Kong MPF subsidiary intermediaries, trustees, financial planners, and wealth managers.

CASI TA Study Tour Successfully Held in Huzhou to Strengthen SMEs’ Green Transition Capacity

Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China – December 5, 2025 – the CASI TA Study Tour themed “Sustainable Finance Empowering SMEs’ Green Transition”

Op-ed: Closing the Climate Finance Gap: The Rise of the RMB “Trifecta”

As traditional climate finance channels recede and the "higher-for-longer" dollar environment persists, a vital new pathway is opening for the Global South.

Leadership Conversation: Insights from Dr. Ma Jun and Sean Kidney, CEO of CBI

The conversation, hosted by Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), with CASI Chairman Dr. Ma Jun and Sean Kidney, CEO of CBI delved into the 11-year journey of green and sustainable finance in China and examined the international cooperation mechanisms that have shaped its development.

Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of CASI Engaging at COP30 – Advancing Climate Action Through Collaboration & Innovation

As global attention turns to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), shares insights from his participation in high-level discussions. His engagements at COP30 reflect China’s evolving role in advancing climate finance, nature-based solutions, and international collaboration.

PRI-CASI Sustainability Forum for COP30 successfully concluded in Brazil

São Paulo, Brazil – November 10, 2025 – The PRI-CASI Sustainability Forum for COP30, titled "From Sustainability to Scalability: Role of Capacity-Building and a Perspective from EMDEs," concluded successfully on November 7 in São Paulo, Brazil.

Dr. Ma Jun spoke at the 9th Global GBA Sustainable Development Economy & Trade Forum 2025

On 31 Oct, Dr. Ma Jun spoke at the 9th Global GBA Sustainable Development Economy & Trade Forum and the 2025 GBA Influential Awards Ceremony organised by GBA Economic and Trade Association.

CASI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HKIQEP on 30 Oct 2025

The event aligns with the Hong Kong Government's vision of establishing the city as a green technology and finance hub.

[CASI TA] – ADB Regional Workshop Explores “China’s Experience” and “Global Insights” in Advancing Sustainable Finance

Beijing, October 23–24, 2025 — The Asian Development Bank (ADB), together with the Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS), and the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Finance (CASI) successfully convened the regional capacity-building workshop “Driving Change: Lessons from Breakthroughs in Innovative and Sustainable Finance in the People’s Republic of China” in Beijing.

Dr Ma Jun Interview with APAC Network during AVPN Global Conference 2025

At the AVPN Global Conference 2025, Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of the Hong Kong Green Finance Association (HKGFA) and CASI, spoke with Oriel Morrison about how Asia is accelerating the green transition by strengthening bridges between regulators, governments, and the private sector.

CASI Forum in HKGW Covered by Sing Tao Daily

As featured in a recent Sing Tao Daily coverage, CASI co-hosted the CASI Sustainability Forum in Hong Kong Green Week last month, themed “Building Capacity for a Transition Finance Ecosystem in Asia.

CASI Forum at Hong Kong Green Week Deepens Dialogue on Asia’s Transition Finance Ecosystem

Hong Kong, 12 September 2025 - The CASI Sustainability Forum, themed “Building Capacity for a Transition Finance Ecosystem in Asia”, concluded successfully on September 12—the final day of Hong Kong Green Week—cementing its role as a pivotal platform for advancing sustainable finance collaboration across the region.

Yahoo Finance’s “Leaders Decode” series – Dr. Ma Jun Interview

In a recent interview featured on Yahoo Finance’s “Leaders Decode” series, Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of CASI, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen capacity building as a cornerstone for advancing green and transition finance globally.

Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of CASI, Highlights Green Finance Collaboration at the 2025 AFCA Financial Summit and CASI-MNB Symposium in Budapest

Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of CASI recently participated in two pivotal events aimed at advancing green and sustainable finance. These engagements underscored the vital role of cross-border collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges.

CASI-MNB Co-Host Symposium in Budapest to Advance Sustainable Finance and Mitigate Systemic Risk

The Capacity Building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) and the Central Bank of Hungary (MNB) jointly hosted a high-level symposium in Budapest, with a theme of “Unlocking the Potential of Sustainable Finance, Expanding Instruments, and Lowering Systemic Risk” on 27 August 2025.

The Sixth CASI Sustainability Forum Concludes Successfully in Malaysia: Driving ASEAN Collaboration and Talent Development in Sustainable Finance

The SIDC-CASI SRI Conference 2025, the sixth CASI Sustainability Forum, concluded successfully today after three days of dynamic dialogues, strategic partnerships, and immersive exchanges.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Green Finance Committee

Huzhou, Zhejiang [July 4, 2025] – The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Green Finance Committee (GFC) and Green Finance Reform Innovation Forum was held in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province.

Hong Kong Medal of Honour Awarded to Dr Ma Jun in the 2025 Honours List

The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) is proud to announce that our Chairman, Dr. Ma Jun, has been awarded the prestigious Hong Kong Medal of Honour by the Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee.

The Role of Green Finance in Advancing Zero-Carbon Industrial Parks in China

On June 10, Dr. Ma Jun attended the launch event for the Green and Low-Carbon Development of Industrial Parks project in Beijing.

Dr Ma Jun Meeting ISSB: CASI’s Role in Driving Global Standards

On June 17, Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) and President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS), participated in a high-profile event.

CASI Technical Assistance (TA) Forum on Climate Finance Successfully Convened in Bangkok

The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), in collaboration with the Bank of Thailand, successfully held a Technical Assistance (TA) Forum on Climate Finance in Bangkok, where the IFC-supported Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) and WWF served as knowledge partners.

Building a Global Green Talent Ecosystem: How CASI is Transforming Sustainable Finance Capacity

As the world races to meet net-zero targets and bridge the massive green skills gap, the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) is emerging as a pivotal force in sustainable finance education and technical assistance.

Summary of International Seminar on Green Trade Policy and RCEP

On March 13th -14th 2025, the International Seminar on Green Trade Policy and RCEP was held on the campus of the University of Hong Kong (HKU).

Exploring the Future of VCMs: A Conversation Between Dr. Ma Jun and Lawrence Cole-Morgan

At the recent CASI Forum on African Sustainability, Dr. Ma Jun and Mr. Lawrence Cole-Morgan, an Executive in the Global Markets Division at Standard Bank, discussed the evolving role of Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) in accelerating sustainable development—particularly in emerging and developing economies.

Key Takeaways from the Africa Sustainability Forum (27–28 March 2025 | Johannesburg, South Africa) – Summary

The Africa Sustainability Forum, co-hosted by the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) under the G20, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), the National Treasury, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), was held during March 27-28, 2025 in Johannesburg.

Dr. Ma Jun participated in a dialogue organized by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

On May 7, 2025, Dr. Ma Jun participated in a dialogue organized by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, where he gave an in-depth presentation on the development of China’s green finance framework and discussed new avenues for EU-China collaboration in sustainable finance.

Advancing Green Finance at AIIB Members Day 2025

On April 27, 2025, Dr. Ma Jun, President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS) and Chairman of the Capacity-building Alliance for Sustainable Investment (CASI), joined leaders, practitioners, and policymakers at the AIIB Members Day 2025 to discuss the evolving landscape of green finance and explore opportunities for regional and global cooperation.

Dr Ma Jun speaks at GIP green finance event in Jakarta

On 23 April 2025, Dr. Ma Jun delivered a keynote address at the GIP green finance event on Green Finance Landscape in ASEAN, held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

CASI and CACE Launch Training Module on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to Strengthen Global Climate Finance Capacity

The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), in partnership with the Climate Action Center of Excellence (CACE), released a new module to support global understanding and operationalization of international carbon markets under the Paris Agreement.

Training Seminar on Sustainability Disclosure Held at the Astana International Financial Centre

A training seminar on sustainability disclosure was held at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).

CASI Co-hosts Africa Sustainability Forum as G20 Side Event

The first Africa Sustainability Forum, co-hosted by the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), South Africa’s National Treasury, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

CASI Supports the Forum on Overseas Expansion of Green Enterprises

The Forum on Global Expansion of Green Enterprises successfully concluded in Hong Kong on March 18-19.

Ma Jun Speaks on Competition and Sustainability at the Hong Kong Competition Exchange 2025

On March 25, 2025, Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of the Hong Kong Green Finance Association and Chairman of CASI, spoke at the Hong Kong Competition Exchange 2025, organized by the Hong Kong Competition Commission.

Building Capacity for Sustainable Finance: Cheng Lin at the 12th APFSD in Thailand

Cheng Lin, Head of the Secretariat for CASI and Director at IFS, participated in the side event “Increasing Country Capacity for Climate Finance in Asia and the Pacific,”

CASI Partnership with Bureau Veritas Group

CASI is partnering with Bureau Veritas Group to accelerate sustainable finance.

Advancing GHG Emissions Disclosures: Key Insights from the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Webinar

On February 13, Cheng Lin, Head of the CASI Secretariat and Director at IFS, participated as a panellist in Episode 7 of the Perspectives on Sustainability Disclosure webinar series, organized by IFRS.

CASI’s Second Technical Assistance Workshop in Oman: Advancing Sustainability Reporting in the Financial Sector

On January 29, 2025, BankDhofar, in collaboration with CASI, hosted an insightful workshop titled “Sustainability Reporting and Its Impact on the Financial Sector”.

A recent interview at the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) with the media

Dr. Ma Jun shared his insights on leveraging private capital and developing innovative financial instruments to support China's transition to a low-carbon economy during a recent interview at the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) with China New Finance and Economics ( 中新经纬).

Dr. Ma Jun Participates in AFF Panel Discussion on Post-COP29 Implementation to Drive Climate Action

On January 14, Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of the China Alliance of Sustainable Investments (CASI) and Chairman & President of the Hong Kong Green Finance Association (HKGFA), participated in a panel discussion at the Asian Financial Forum (AFF).

Key takeaways and Recap on “Connectivity of Asian Voluntary Carbon Markets

CASI Fireside Chat with CFA Institute: Reflecting CASI in 2024

CASI celebrated its first anniversary at COP28 with a fireside chat between Dr. Ma Jun and Paul Moody to review the alliance's inaugural achievements and future sustainable finance strategy.

CASI Monthly Seminar: Post-Event Summary of the Joint Webinar on Climate Transition Investing

The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), alongside the Green Investment Principles (GIP) and Neuberger Berman, jointly hosted a webinar themed “Climate Transition Investing” on December 19, 2024, as the last webinar of the year. This event also marked the first anniversary of CASI which started operations in December 2023 after COP28.

CASI 2024 Recap: A Year of Achievements and Impact in Capacity-building of Sustainable Finance

The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) achieved significant milestones in 2024 as we advanced our mission to promote education in sustainable finance and investment worldwide, with a focus on emerging markets. This one-pager outlines CASI's key achievements, with the full annual report coming soon.

China Officially Releases ISSB-based Sustainability Disclosure Standards

On December 17, 2024, China’s Ministry of Finance (MOF), along with nine other government ministries, jointly issued the “Corporate Sustainability Disclosure Standards – Basic Standards” (Cai Kuai [2024] No. 17, hereinafter referred to as the “Basic Standards”) for trial implementation.

CASI Recognized as Global Partner by ISSB to Enhance Capacity Building for Sustainability Disclosure

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) officially recognized the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) as a global partner for capacity building during the prestigious Beijing International Sustainability Conference.

Creating the Highway for Sustainable Finance: CASI Sustainability Forum Held for COP29 in Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan – November 15, 2024 – The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), co-hosted with the Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS) and the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), successfully concluded CASI Sustainability Forum for COP29.

CASI Monthly Seminar co-hosted with the Central Bank of Hungary on Climate Risk Stress Testing

On November 4th, the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), in partnership with the Central Bank of Hungary (MNB), hosted a seminar on "Climate Risk Stress Testing: Identification, Reporting, and Management," attracting over 90 registrants from the financial sector.

CASI Sustainability Forum Concluded in Qatar, with an Online Learning Platform Launched

Doha, Qatar – September 26, 2024 – The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) successfully concluded the groundbreaking Sustainability Forum titled "Revamping Energy and Industry Landscapes: Financing the Accelerated Low-GHG Transition in the MENA Region", alongside the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority, More than 200 attendees participated this two day event, comprising policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders of 26 economies from the Middle East and North Africa region.

CASI Presents to G20 SFWG Meeting

On September 9, Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman of Capacity-Building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), delivered a presentation on GASI to the fourth G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

CASI and ISSB co-hosted the “ISSB Partnership for Early Awareness of Sustainability-disclosure today” seminar

The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) co-hosted the "Challenges and Practices in Sustainability Disclosure: A focus on Scope 3" seminar on 22 August 2024.

CASI co-hosted IPSF Knowledge Sharing Session in July

On 15 July, the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) supported the International Platform on Sustainable Finance (IPSF) to host a knowledge-sharing session on the Common Ground Taxonomy (CGT) for Sustainable Finance (as part of the EU Climate Dialogues project), together with the Climate Bonds Initiative and Ambre Global.

Specialists from 20 Jurisdictions Gathered at CASI Event in Hong Kong and Huzhou to Build Capacity on Green Finance

Hong Kong and Huzhou, June 29, 2024 – The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) has successfully concluded its second in-person capacity-building event, primarily tailored for countries and the region. Themed “Empowering Sustainability and Prosperity in Asia: Innovative Financial Solutions for Connectivity and Transition,” the event featured a two-day workshop in Hong Kong from June 24th to 25th, followed by a field trip to Huzhou in Zhejiang Province, one of China's leading green finance pilot cities, from June 26th to 28th via high-speed train.

CASI Monthly Seminar in May 2024: Sustainable Finance Taxonomies – Fostering Sustainable Finance and Reducing Investment Risks

On May 15, 2024, the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) successfully held its third monthly seminar, in a hybrid way, with the theme of "Sustainable Finance Taxonomies: Fostering Sustainable Finance and Reducing Investment Risks".

Revolutionizing Sustainable Finance: CASI’s Inaugural In-Person Event Spurs Collaboration and Capacity Building in Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo, Brazil - April 3-5, 2024 – The Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), in its groundbreaking stride towards fostering green financing initiatives, convened its inaugural in-person capacity-building event from April 3-5, 2024.

Live Stream Replay | CASI Monthly Seminar： Accelerating Capacity-Building for Net Zero, Nature Positive Cities

On March 26, 2024, the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) organized its second monthly seminar on “Accelerating Capacity-Building for Financing Net Zero, Nature Positive Cities”.

CASI and ISSB co-hosted the “ISSB Partnership for Early Awareness of Sustainability-disclosure today” seminar

The first monthly webinar hosted by the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) was held on Wednesday February 21st, 2024.