As businesses worldwide scramble to polish their green credentials, Ultima Markets is taking a very different path. The forex and CFD broker is rejecting carbon credits as a “short-term fix” and is instead investing in climate education and measurable action to drive sustainability.

“True sustainability means living today without stealing from tomorrow,” says Jean Philippe, board adviser at Ultima Markets. Speaking to Finance Magnates, he emphasized that sustainability is not just about protecting the planet but ensuring the long-term health of businesses and the wider ecosystem.

Rejecting Carbon Offsets

The company’s approach contrasts sharply with an emerging trend among corporates to purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions. Philippe believes this risks falling into the “greenwashing” trap.

“Carbon credit is a short-term fix to long-term inaction… buying just to look good is part of the green-washing problem,” he says. Ultima Markets has no immediate plans to purchase offsets. Rather, the broker will set internal CO₂ reduction targets and report yearly progress under the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The company is even exploring a blockchain-based registry to trade verified credits without consuming more energy than it saves.

This stands apart from rivals like IG Group, which has held certified carbon-neutral status since 2020, and CMC Markets, which is working toward science-based net-zero goals. While other brokers have issued ESG reports and added sustainability scores to their platforms, none have embraced a holistic sustainability model as Ultima Markets has.

Read More: Relying on Natural Carbon Sinks Won't Cut CO2 Emissions

Education as the Cornerstone

A key pillar of Ultima’s strategy is its newly launched Sustainability Academy. Designed in collaboration with university professors and climate scientists, the academy offers free short video lessons on climate risk, sustainable finance, and nature-based solutions.

“Nobody should have to pay for this knowledge; it’s basic literacy for anyone who trades, invests, or even just pays their bills,” Philippe explains.

The aim is to make complex climate science accessible and relevant for retail traders. As he puts it: “Climate change affects everyone, but the science behind it doesn’t need to be daunting. Our role is to make it clear, relevant, and easy to grasp.”

A Long-Term Vision

Ultima’s commitment extends beyond education. By aligning with selected UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 17 on partnerships, the broker hopes to set a new benchmark for the industry.

“We say what we do and do what we say. If we promise twenty videos, we deliver twenty; no claims of half a billion followers when we have five million,” Philippe says, highlighting their anti-greenwash stance.

While some may question whether such a focus can drive trading volumes, Philippe argues that sustainability-focused branding is about attracting clients who value ethics as much as performance.

“The goal is not to greenwash and push volumes; the goal is to serve people who value this, just like shoppers who will only buy organic cotton,” he says.

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A Model for the Industry?

Philippe is clear-eyed about the challenges. “There is interest in the market, but nothing concrete has emerged yet. Our own work is still at an early stage, so the impact isn’t visible. We can’t claim big results so far, and we haven’t seen similar progress elsewhere either.”

Still, he sees a clear business case for this direction. With climate risks affecting lending, energy costs, and regulations, sustainability literacy could give traders an edge. “Bankers will not lend 20 billion to build a plant in an area that will be flooded in 20 years,” he points out.

For Ultima Markets, sustainability is not just a checkbox; it’s a blueprint for staying relevant in a fast-changing world.

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Source: finance magnates