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Market Chatter: Cambridge University Withdraws Investments From Barclays, HSBC Over Fossil Fuel Funding

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UK's Cambridge University is withdrawing its investments from institutions providing financial support to fossil fuels, including Barclays (BCS) and HSBC Holdings (HSBC), Bloomberg reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The university has already transferred 135 million British pounds ($180.8 million) in cash and money market investments from major banks to smaller institutions, sources told Bloomberg.

The move comes amidst the university's campaign to get over 80 UK academic institutions to stop using banks that support the fossil fuel industry, the report said.

In 2026 alone, Barclays helped arrange about $7.4 billion in loans and bonds for fossil fuel companies, while HSBC supported around $5.3 billion in similar deals, the report said.

Financing for oil, gas and coal industries is dominated by the US banks, with some big UK banks also lending support. While, net zero alliances have weakened in the US amid political backlash, UK-based lenders are regularly targeted by climate activists and also face shareholder pressure to not reconsider their green targets, the report added.

HSBC, Barclays, and Cambridge University did not immediately respond to' requests for comments.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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