HSBC Global Private Banking has launched the Global Biodiversity Discretionary Strategy in Asia, the bank’s first discretionary mandate focused on biodiversity.

The strategy accesses the powerful growth potential of companies that are positioned to harness, regenerate and protect biodiversity via the circular and bio-based economy, the company says. This high-conviction, global equity portfolio focuses on quality, mid-sized firms and provides exposure across eight biodiversity-related themes – biomaterials, water solutions, sustainable food systems, innovative urbanization, sharing, repair and eco-design, distribution systems, performance materials, and waste and recycling.

The portfolio will be managed for HSBC by Lombard Odier, a founding member of the Natural Capital Investment Alliance and a leader in sustainable investing with a proven track record of investing in biodiversity. It will also be exclusive to the bank’s ultra- and high-net-worth professional investor clients.

“The rapid loss of biodiversity threatens sustainable livelihoods and poses a significant risk for global economic activity,” says Lina Lim, regional head of discretionary and funds, investments and wealth solutions, Asia-Pacific, HSBC. “As sustainable investing continues to develop and mature in Asia, investors are placing greater emphasis on sustainability factors in their investment decisions.”