Daily Digest for

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a follow-up letter sharing insights from its ongoing engagement with banks on the sustainability-linked loans (SLL) market.

• Published document and timeline: FCA published a follow-up letter (referenced PDF) building on its previous 2023 letter, stating the market has matured “since 2023” and noting progress in better practice and more robust product structures; related reference is “Our strategy 2025 to 2030” which frames the FCA’s role in channeling capital to the transition to net zero.
• Confirmed actions and planned work: Confirmed actions include publishing the follow-up letter, ongoing monitoring of the SLL market, and working closely with the Transition Finance Council (TFC); planned initiatives are to continue monitoring SLLs as part of wider transition finance work, promote the UK’s position as a transition finance hub aligned with Government ambitions, and encourage banks to engage with the TFC.

Tokyo Kisen and Marindows have announced a decarbonization initiative focused on EV shipments and ship naming.

• Main action: 東京汽船 (Tokyo Kisen) and Marindows are starting a 脱炭素EVタグ (decarbonized EV tag) initiative and have named/commissioned a new ship for China-bound EVs; the article references GHGゼロ and the string “30竣 30年” in relation to the ship/works.
• Background and specifics: みずほ (Mizuho) is reported to be supporting international logistics improvement; the piece also reports US retail import containers down ~6% year-on-year, with a reported ~20% monthly decline from September onward, and mentions locations such as TIANJIN and materials/images from Synergy Marine Group.

The New Zealand Government has passed the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill into law.

• Main action: The Amendment Bill introduces five packages to remove roadblocks and cut red tape, targeting infrastructure and renewable energy, housing (including a streamlined process removing heritage protections), farming and the primary sector, emergency and natural hazards, and resource management system improvements; it also requires Auckland Council to allow greater housing around City Rail Link stations, broadens permitted water discharges for farmers, and removes heritage protections for the Gordon Wilson Flats to clear the way for demolition and new student accommodation. The Bill will be enacted the day after it receives royal assent (expected in the coming days).

• Background and timeline: The Government says Phase One already repealed previous RMA changes; Phase Two includes the Fast-track one-stop shop and the biggest package of national direction changes (decisions due before year-end) and delivers these Amendment Bill improvements; Phase Three will introduce two new laws to fully replace the RMA—introduced to Parliament this year, passed next year, and in effect by 2027.