Our oceans are in trouble and if nature fails, supply chains can break and economies can suffer. Banks and investors are now realising that a dying ocean can lead to financial risks.
A new "blue" economy
Money has the power to change how industries act. In recent years, we have seen the rise of "the blue economy": the use of ocean resources for economic growth needs to be balanced with the health of the ocean. New financial instruments such as blue loans and blue bonds have emerged to fund marine sustainability projects.
However, little funding is reaching the sustainable seafood sector. Banks and investors lack the kind of data they need to assess the risks involved and to offer rewards.
The power of certification
This is where the ASC (for farmed seafood) and the MSC (for wild seafood) come in. Our certification programs provide the kind of benchmarks investors need. Certification offers:
• Scientific standards: These provide a consistent "scorecard" supported by robust data.
• Independent checks: Third-party experts assess and audit fisheries, farms and supply chain businesses.
• Long-term tracking: Progress is monitored over many years, emerging issues are addressed and continuous improvement is expected.
All of which reduces risk.
What we are doing
The ASC and the MSC are working together to connect responsible seafood producers with responsible finance. We want certification to be a "green light" to help money flow towards businesses that protect the ocean.
The first phase of our work targets the US, Europe, and Japan. We are also starting work in Indonesia and Mexico.
Interest is growing. Deutsche Bank has announced it will lend only to ASC certified aquaculture. This shows increasing confidence among mainstream financial institutions.
We are also engaging with other major financial institutions as well as environmental NGOs.
Building a data tool to support financial institutions
To support financial institutions' need for credible and comparable risk data, we are developing a prototype dashboard. This will translate certification data into clear indicators designed for financial decision makers.
The initial project ends in August 2026, but we will continue to refine and advance the concept.
This project was made possible thanks to a grant from the ISEAL Innovations Fund, supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.
Looking ahead
By engaging with investors, banks, and finance policymakers, we are helping to build understanding of the real-world impact of certification.
The resilience of the seafood sector is directly linked to the resilience of our ocean. In recognition of this we expect to see more financial products linked to ASC and MSC certification in the future along with wider integration of certification into financial risk management.
Our team
Head of Capital Markets
Manager, Capital Markets