Ekko has been named SME of the year for the EMEA region, with Environmental Finance judges praising its smart solution for the financial community to embark on sustainable journeys through ergonomic and educational tools.

A financial technology business, ekko provides software to empower the customers of financial institutions with tracking their decarbonisation efforts. In the last year, it has partnered with several corporates, such as Mastercard, to empower their customers to reduce carbon emissions and support environmental projects.

The innovative software, which can be integrated into any global payment or banking platform, allows users to track their environmental footprint in real-time, originating from transactions supporting reduction efforts.

Its climate data is displayed through easy-to-understand dashboards and addresses climate change, nature conservation, wildlife protection, and plastic pollution.

Looking forward, ekko is working on developing more innovative and industry-leading education and impact – due to launch later this year.

"We're honoured to receive the SME of the Year award, which underscores the dedication of our team at ekko to driving environmental change through financial services," Oli Cook, chief executive and co-founder told Environmental Finance.

"This recognition is a powerful affirmation of our mission to educate and empower individuals and businesses to make sustainable choices. By integrating real-time carbon tracking education and the ability to do something about it into everyday transactions, we not only enable action but also raise awareness, helping people understand the impact of their decisions.

"This award is shared with our clients, partners, and users who are committed to learning and leading in sustainability. Together, we're making sustainability accessible, impactful, and a core part of daily life."