REPUBLIC Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) announced a major expansion of its sustainable finance programme on September 4, committing an additional US$550 million towards climate resilience, gender equity and food-security initiatives across the Caribbean and Ghana through 2030.
The new capital, allocated under the RFHL Group Climate Finance Goal and SDG Financial Inclusion Target for SMEs, brings the regional banking group’s total sustainable finance commitment to US$750 million — nearly quadruple its original target.
Of the new US$550 million, US$300 million will go towards climate finance, including a dedicated US$50 million carve-out for small and medium-sized enterprises. Agricultural SMEs will receive US$150 million, while US$100 million is earmarked to support women-owned and women-led businesses.
The expansion follows RFHL’s early success with its first Climate Finance Goal. The group had aimed to deploy US$200 million in climate-related financing; by June 2026, it had already surpassed that figure, disbursing approximately US$243 million.
RFHL, a signatory to the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Banking, said the new commitment aligns closely with five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: zero hunger, gender equality, industry and infrastructure, climate action, and partnerships for the goals.
Group President and CEO Nigel Baptiste said the announcement reflects a broader shift in how the bank defines success.
“The future of banking will be defined not only by financial performance, but by the positive impact we create for people, businesses and the environment,” Baptiste said, describing the commitment as part of “a long-term vision for the prosperity of our region and the communities we serve.”
Group Vice President Richard Sammy said surpassing the original climate target gave the group confidence to aim higher.
“Surpassing our original Climate Finance Goal demonstrates what is possible when purpose is embedded within our business strategy,” he said, adding that the expanded commitment reflects confidence that RFHL “can do even more to support businesses, entrepreneurs and communities” amid a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Sammy added that the initiative reinforces the group’s role as “a responsible corporate citizen and a catalyst for positive change” across the markets it serves.
RFHL characterised the US$750 million target as more than a funding milestone.
“It is a commitment to empowering people, strengthening communities and supporting sustainable development at scale,” the company said, pointing to its long history in the region as both an opportunity and a responsibility to help build a more resilient and inclusive future.
The initiative forms a central pillar of RFHL’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance strategy, the company said, as it works to deliver long-term value for customers, communities, shareholders and other stakeholders across its markets.
