Why Sustainable Trading was created
Sustainable Trading was established in 2022 to accelerate environmental, social and governance (ESG) progress in global markets trading.
At the time, the industry faced growing pressure from regulators, investors and employees to embed sustainability into core operations – yet lacked trading-specific standards, guidance and shared infrastructure to drive credible, practical change.
Sustainable Trading was created to fill that gap: a non-profit membership network, built by and for the industry, to turn ESG ambition into meaningful, measurable progress.
What the organisation aimed to do
The initiative’s mission was to integrate sustainability into the everyday realities of trading, across technology, people, governance and infrastructure. Its objectives were to:
- Develop best practice standards tailored to trading operations
- Provide tools to track, benchmark and communicate ESG progress
- Foster cross-industry collaboration on shared challenges
- Amplify awareness and advocacy for responsible trading
- Build a community of firms committed to long-term, sustainable progress
Who was involved
During its lifetime, Sustainable Trading brought together 67 member firms from across 11 countries and 3 continents, representing:
- Investment managers
- Banks. broker-dealers and market makers
- Exchanges and trading venues
- Technology vendors and service providers
Over 250 senior professionals contributed directly to the work programmme, from ESG leads and trading heads, to operations, HR and infrastructure specialists.
How the work was delivered
Sustainable Trading followed a structured, member-led approach built around three pillars:
Contribute
Firms collaborated through Steering and Working Groups to identify shared challenges and cocreate industry specific tools, frameworks and best practices.
Take Action
These shared resources and insights were mobilised to help firms implement change, benchmark progress and strengthen internal accountability across trading functions.
Champion
Firms engaged in public advocacy, outreach and volunteer initiatives to raise awareness and promote sustainable, inclusive practices across the wider trading ecosystem.
This model enabled firms to align around shared goals, accelerate operational progress and shape industry standards together.
What was achieved
3+
years building a more
sustainable trading industry
67
members across 11
countries and 3 continents
250+
senior professionals actively
contributing expertise
80+
industry best practices
collectively defined
130+
working groups and
education sessions
1800+
total person attendance
by 845 people
850+
students introduced to trading
careers by members
45+
industry panels, articles
and podcasts
20+
hosted events, panels
and education sessions
10+
member insight reports
and toolkits published
Awarded
for innovation & leadership
in responsible finance
When and why the organisation closed
In July 2025, following a board recommendation and unanimous member vote, Sustainable Trading began a formal wind-down process.
The decision was driven by a combination of internal and external pressures – including declining membership, a more difficult ESG landscape and reduced operational capacity. Rather than scale back, the board elected for a proactive conclusion that preserved the initiative’s integrity and ensured resources would remain available to the wider industry.
Where the work lives on
Best Practices
Co-developed by members to help firms implement credible, transparent sustainability practices inside their trading functions.
Progress Framework
A structured pathway to benchmark operational ESG maturity across key areas – originally built for members, now available for wider industry use.
News & Insights
Updates, announcements, thought leadership, interviews and commentary featuring voices and expert contributors from across the ecosystem.