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Our Research

Six interconnected research domains where capital, sustainability, and policy converge. All publications freely available.

Research Domains

Research Themes

SCRF's research is organised across six integrated domains spanning the full architecture of sustainable finance, climate markets, and economic systems. Each domain is supported by dedicated research teams, fellows, and global collaborators, and is designed to generate actionable intelligence for capital allocation, policy design, and market development.

Carbon Markets & Market Integrity

SCRF conducts comprehensive research on the structure, performance, and governance of global carbon markets, integrating both voluntary and compliance systems. The work spans Article 6 mechanisms under the Paris Agreement, carbon pricing frameworks, market liquidity, and cross-border credit flows. A core focus is market integrity, covering credit methodologies, additionality, permanence, leakage, and the evolution of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification systems, including digital and satellite-based approaches. Research also examines registry infrastructure, interoperability, and emerging standards shaping the credibility of carbon markets.

Voluntary & Compliance Markets Article 6.2 & 6.4 Carbon Pricing Market Design & Liquidity Credit Methodologies MRV (Digital & Satellite) Registry Infrastructure Integrity Frameworks

Sustainable Finance

This domain examines the instruments, institutions, and capital flows driving the global transition to sustainable and climate-aligned finance. SCRF analyses green bonds, sustainability-linked instruments, blended finance structures, transition finance mechanisms, and green banking models. Research focuses on the mobilisation of private capital, particularly in emerging markets and the Global South, and the role of financial architecture in scaling climate and development finance.

Green Bonds Sustainability-Linked Finance Blended Finance Transition Finance Green Taxonomies Climate Finance Flows

ESG, Impact & Capital Allocation

SCRF evaluates how sustainability considerations are integrated into investment decision-making and capital allocation. Research covers ESG rating methodologies, disclosure frameworks including BRSR, TCFD, and ISSB, impact measurement systems, and stewardship practices. A particular emphasis is placed on data quality, comparability, and the alignment of institutional capital with long-term sustainability outcomes.

ESG Ratings & Methodologies BRSR / TCFD / ISSB Impact Measurement Institutional Investors Stewardship ESG Data Quality

Climate Policy & Regulatory Systems

SCRF provides analysis of the evolving regulatory and policy landscape shaping sustainable finance and climate action. This includes national climate commitments, net zero frameworks, carbon pricing policy, and sustainable finance regulations. Research spans both domestic and international developments, including India's carbon market framework and global regulatory regimes such as the EU Green Deal and cross-border carbon mechanisms.

NDCs & Net Zero Pathways Carbon Pricing Policy India CCTS Framework Sustainable Finance Regulation EU Green Deal CBAM Global Regulatory Developments

Nature-Based Solutions & Natural Capital Markets

This domain explores the intersection of ecology, economics, and finance through nature-based solutions and emerging natural capital markets. SCRF examines forest, blue, and soil carbon systems, biodiversity credit markets, and the integrity of nature-based assets. Research addresses additionality, permanence, community benefit-sharing, and the design of credible market frameworks for nature-based finance.

Forest Carbon (REDD+) Blue Carbon Soil Carbon Biodiversity Credits Community Benefit Mechanisms Nature Markets & Integrity

Climate Economics & Financial Systems

SCRF advances research on the macroeconomic and financial system dimensions of the climate transition. This includes the economics of decarbonisation, cost of capital, risk repricing, and the interaction between financial systems and real economy transformation. The domain also examines fiscal policy, transition pathways, and the structural shifts required to align economic systems with long-term sustainability objectives.

Climate Macroeconomics Cost of Capital & Risk Transition Pathways Fiscal & Public Finance Financial System Design Capital Allocation Dynamics
Integrated Approach

SCRF's research domains operate as an integrated system where market intelligence, policy analysis, and financial research reinforce one another, enabling a comprehensive understanding of how capital, policy, and economic systems interact in the transition to a sustainable economy.

All Publications
Carbon Markets Price Discovery in India's Emerging Carbon Credit Trading Scheme: A Market Microstructure Analysis Q2 2026
Sustainable Finance Green Bond Second-Party Opinion Quality in Indian Issuances: An Empirical Review Q2 2026
Nature-Based Scaling Mangrove Blue Carbon in India: Registry Pathways and Community Finance Models Q2 2026
Policy CBAM Exposure and Decarbonisation Incentives for India's Steel Sector Q2 2026
ESG BRSR Core Disclosures and ESG Rating Divergence: Evidence from BSE 500 Companies Q2 2026
Programme

SCRF Fellowship

The SCRF Fellowship is a selective research and policy engagement programme designed for emerging and mid-career professionals in sustainable finance, climate policy, and capital markets. Fellows contribute to SCRF's research agenda, participate in high-level dialogues, and gain exposure to global financial and policy systems shaping the transition to a sustainable economy.

The programme is structured to build analytical, policy, and market-facing capabilities, with opportunities to contribute to publications, research projects, and institutional initiatives.

Research Contribution

Support original research across SCRF's six domains, including publications, working papers, and applied analysis.

Policy Engagement

Participate in closed-door roundtables, policy dialogues, and institutional consultations with senior stakeholders.

Global Exposure

Gain direct access to global financial and policy systems shaping the transition to a sustainable economy.

Stay Informed

The SCRF Research Digest

Monthly intelligence on carbon markets, sustainable finance, and climate policy, distilled from our research, field engagements, and global market developments by the SCRF team.