Barclays has announced the launch of a new Sustainable and Impact Banking group, led by Brian Reilly, Global Head of Sustainable and Impact Banking.

The group will focus on identifying new, high-growth clients that are solving global environmental and social challenges, and advising existing clients on sustainable growth strategy and finance. The bank says the the group also plans to identify and cover new companies, most of them emerging growth companies, focused on sustainability or social impact, and will advise such companies on financing and strategic opportunities.