BofA Calls Out Liquidity Barriers as Bankers Await CO2 Deal

The global carbon credit market is on the cusp of a significant breakthrough, according to Bank of America Corp. (BofA), as negotiators prepare to discuss a landmark deal at the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan. The proposed agreement, centered around Article 6.4, could revolutionize the market by addressing longstanding liquidity barriers and restoring investor confidence. This article explores the potential implications of the Article 6.4 deal and the challenges facing the voluntary carbon market (VCM).


The VCM has faced numerous obstacles in recent years, with concerns over greenwashing and insufficient liquidity leading to a significant drop in trading volumes. In 2022, the market saw a 20% decline in volume, with only $1 billion in trades (MSCI Inc.). This lack of liquidity has made it challenging for investors to enter and exit positions, and for project developers to secure financing. However, the proposed Article 6.4 deal could provide a much-needed solution to these issues.


The Article 6.4 deal aims to enhance standardization of carbon credits, creating a global framework for countries and corporations to trade emissions reductions. This standardization will address the lack of liquidity in the VCM, potentially leading to improved global liquidity and a more robust market. Layla Khanfar of BloombergNEF estimates that the carbon credit market could be valued at over $1 trillion by 2050, highlighting the potential significance of the Article 6.4 deal.

However, while the Article 6.4 deal holds great promise, it is essential to remain cautious and vigilant. As Abyd Karmali, managing director of environmental business advisory at BofA, notes, there is still a long way to go in operationalizing the mechanism, and the market awaits concrete progress from the upcoming COP29 summit. Investors should closely monitor developments and assess the potential implications for their portfolios.

In conclusion, the proposed Article 6.4 deal could significantly enhance the liquidity and market confidence in the VCM. By addressing concerns over greenwashing and restoring investor confidence, the deal could attract more investors and corporations, boosting trading volumes and market liquidity. As the market awaits the outcome of the COP29 summit, investors should stay informed and prepared to capitalize on potential opportunities in the carbon credit market.