A major new initiative – SCALED (Scaling Capital for Sustainable Development) – was officially launched June 2nd, signaling a bold step forward in efforts to mobilize private capital for global sustainable development goals #SDGs.
SCALED brings together public and private sector heavyweights, including the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, Global Affairs Canada, the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the South African Treasury, KfW Development Bank, and major institutional investors such as Allianz, AXA, CDPQ, and Zurich Insurance Group.
The initiative is designed to address one of the key challenges in blended finance: the fragmentation of standards, which has made it difficult for institutional investors to allocate capital at scale. “For institutional investors like Zurich, the lack of consistent standards creates unnecessary complexity and risk,” said a spokesperson. “SCALED’s efforts to harmonize approaches will significantly reduce these barriers.”
By creating a more unified and efficient investment framework, SCALED aims to accelerate the deployment of capital into impactful, sustainable development projects—particularly in underserved markets. The platform is not only a technical solution but also a signal of growing alignment between public development institutions and private investors.
Backed by a coalition of governments, development banks, and leading insurers and asset managers, SCALED represents a new generation of blended finance: one that prioritizes scale, clarity, and shared accountability. Its launch marks a significant move toward a more inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient global financial system.
Message and Visual features Danielle Brassal, Head of Responsible Investment at Zurich Insurance Company, Ltd. Learn more about the project here.
