London Stock Exchange is delighted to welcome Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) to its Market Opening Ceremony, the market open was hosted by Balbir Bakhshi, LSEG’s Chief Risk Officer, and Chair of the Sustainability Committee.

A4S is celebrating a significant milestone: for 20 years, the organization has led work to integrate sustainability into financial decision making, working with business and finance around the world. Honouring two decades of dedication, the market open ceremony at London Stock Exchange symbolizes not only reflection, but forward momentum.

Since it was established in 2004 by HM The King, when he was The Prince of Wales, A4S has played a central role transforming the financial and accounting landscape. Founded to bridge the gap between sustainability and finance, A4S has pioneered frameworks that empower organizations worldwide to embrace sustainable decision making. As a thought leader in integrated thinking and reporting, A4S set the foundation upon which global sustainability reporting has been built and continues to take grow. For example, A4S established the International Integrated Reporting Council and played a key role in the creation of the Taskforce for Financial-related Disclosures, ultimately leading to – and incorporated into – the IFRS’s International Sustainability Standards Board. A4S’s outputs, such as the Essential Guide Series and the A4S CFO Leadership Network, have driven a profound shift towards sustainable business practices.

Today's celebration is not just about looking back, it is also a call to action. The challenges we face, including climate change, nature loss and social inequalities, demand innovative solutions and collective effort. With the support of A4S members and partners in the finance and accounting community, practical action is possible.

Let us embrace the next Chapter of our journey with the same passion and resolve as has define our first 20 years. Here’s to a sustainable future for all.