Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) has published its first-ever Sustainability Report, marking a significant step in its push to integrate climate action, social impact and responsible governance across all its subsidiaries.
The report, released this week, consolidates years of internal reforms and signals the Group’s intention to expand its role in sustainable finance and long-term economic resilience across the Caribbean.
Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Baptiste, said the launch reflected both the urgency and scale of the challenges confronting the region. “RFHL recognises that true leadership goes beyond the provision of sound financial services. Climate disruption, social inequality, and shifting stakeholder expectations demand purposeful and accountable action,” he said. He noted that climate pressures were intensifying existing vulnerabilities in the Caribbean, adding that the financial burden of climate impacts worsened challenges in food security, healthcare, supply chains and economic diversification. “These realities help shape our strategy and reinforce our commitment to long-term resilience,” he added.
The 2025 report details how RFHL is embedding sustainability into its daily operations by strengthening internal systems, policies and organisational culture. It highlights ongoing efforts to scale climate-aligned financial solutions and progress toward the Group’s USD 200 million Climate Finance Target. It also documents support for SDG-focused community initiatives and employee-led programmes designed to enhance social wellbeing and strengthen regional resilience.
Group Vice President, Richard Sammy, placed RFHL’s activities within the expanding global sustainable finance ecosystem. He noted that “in just two years, global sustainable finance has surged, reaching USD 8.2 trillion in 2024, a 17% increase from 2023”. He pointed to the impact of innovative financing mechanisms activated after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, including a USD 150 million World Bank catastrophe bond and a USD 70.8 million payout from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility. While the funds did not fully cover the cost of recovery, he said they demonstrated how layered finance could accelerate response and strengthen long-term climate adaptation.
The report also outlines RFHL’s alignment with major global sustainability frameworks, including the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative principles, and highlights the Group’s active involvement in regional and international forums. It features milestones such as the 2024 RFHL Sustainability Expo and the Group’s contribution to the COP 30 Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T.
Beyond reporting on progress, RFHL outlines ongoing work to transform risk culture, improve data governance and embed sustainability in product design and customer experience. The Group said these early reforms form the foundation for its broader climate and social objectives in the years ahead.
RFHL has invited customers, partners and regional institutions to review the full Sustainability Report and engage with its ongoing efforts to promote a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean financial ecosystem.