Mizuho and Lombard Odier enter into new sustainability alliance agreement

Mizuho Financial Group and Lombard Odier Trust (Japan), the Japanese entity of Swiss group Lombard Odier, have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) covering sustainability, expanding its areas of cooperation beyond the existing Strategic Alliance Agreement for private banking.

The new sustainability alliance is an extension of the existing collaboration between Mizuho and Lombard Odier forged in 2023, and underscores a commitment to drive sustainability advancements in Japan.

With this new alliance, Mizuho will expand its areas of cooperation with Lombard Odier in sustainability, and gain access to Lombard Odier’s comprehensive range of sustainability strategies with tailored solutions for clients. In addition, the sustainability alliance will help to refine Mizuho’s sustainable investment offerings in alignment with international standards, and to position Mizuho as a forerunner in sustainable finance practices.

As part of the new sustainability alliance, Lombard Odier, a global wealth and asset manager with a strong focus on sustainability investing, will act as strategic advisor and consulting partner to Mizuho. Lombard Odier will bring its global sustainability expertise to the Japanese market, with the aim of establishing systems in sustainability, and enhancing sustainability solutions for high-net-worth clients in Japan. In return, Lombard Odier will tap into Mizuho’s strong network and knowledge to gather insights on sustainability within the Japanese market, jointly develop sustainability-related investment strategies, and expand its presence in the market.

In line with global trends, Japanese clients have taken an increased interest in sustainability issues. To cater to this opportunity, Mizuho has been strengthening its initiatives in the sustainability space. As part of the medium-term business plan set out at the beginning of FY2023, Mizuho has articulated its long-term vision for the future — to realise personal well-being and a sustainable society and economy.

Since the initial Strategic Alliance agreement was formed, Mizuho has leveraged Lombard Odier’s global network, resources, and expertise to develop and provide more sophisticated products and services for its clients. Through knowledge sharing, Mizuho has enhanced its talent development approach and acquired private banking insights through Lombard Odier’s training and capacity-building programs.

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