Standard Chartered and Acre State Partner for Forest Protection Carbon Credits
Standard Chartered has announced an agreement to sell up to five million high-integrity forest protection carbon credits in collaboration with the Brazilian State of Acre. This partnership represents one of the first instances of a major global bank working with a sub-national government to facilitate large-scale forest conservation.
These carbon credits, set to enter the market in 2026, will be issued under the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) registry using the TREES methodology, which has received approval from the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM). Unlike traditional project-based credits, these will cover entire regions directly overseen by government authorities.
The initiative aims to achieve measurable economic and environmental benefits. According to Acre’s benefit-sharing strategy, 72% of net proceeds will fund sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and eco-tourism for indigenous and local communities. The remaining 28% will support project governance, including forest monitoring and adherence to the TREES standard. This approach is designed to create financial incentives for forest preservation while ensuring that most economic benefits aid those living in and protecting the Amazon rainforest.
Standard Chartered will serve as the exclusive seller of the credits, utilizing its global network and expertise in carbon markets to connect with buyers seeking high-integrity offsets. To bolster market confidence, the Acre programme is undergoing an independent assessment by carbon data provider Sylvera, marking the first evaluation of a Brazilian jurisdiction under the ART-TREES standard.
Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer at Standard Chartered, commented, "Without new market mechanisms, protecting standing forests is unlikely, as the immediate economic incentives for deforestation typically outweigh the long-term value of these natural assets. We’re leveraging our global network to provide solutions that preserve vital carbon sinks and support the communities that rely on them."
Mr. Amarisio Freitas, Secretary of the Treasury for the State of Acre, stated, "This arrangement will bring economic and social benefits to the people of Acre while safeguarding our natural resources and supporting traditional communities. The government is committed to ensuring fair development without harming the ecosystem. This partnership offers an effective tool for sustainable economic growth, and we’re eager to collaborate with Standard Chartered on this innovative effort."
Germana Cruz, CEO and Head of Financial Institutions for LATAM at Standard Chartered, added, "As the world prepares for COP30, the State of Acre is demonstrating bold leadership in carbon markets, merging environmental ambition with economic opportunity. We are proud to support this vision by utilizing our expertise in sustainable finance to develop credible and scalable carbon market solutions."