Capital Monitor - Measuring the real impact of sustainable capital

Renewable energy: Why institutional investors are finally bullish

With many asset owners historically reticent, and some unable, to invest in the renewable energy market, has 2021 proved a turning point for institutional investor appetite in this crucial asset class?

By Polly Bindman

Healthcare

How Pfizer is targeting Covid with new sustainability bond

The US drugs giant will use proceeds from its second sustainability bond issue to tackle the pandemic, including in emerging markets. ESG head Chris Gray seeks to dispel scepticism by explaining the deal's rationale, while treasurer Brian McMahon discusses the $1bn bond’s pricing.

Impact

How investors are refining SDGs to measure impact

Asset owners and managers are becoming more proactive in assessing positive and negative impact in respect of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. But some experts feel they can go further.

Environmental

Ripe for a backlash? Net-zero pledges fuel growing scepticism

Net-zero emission pledges are under growing scrutiny from investors amid worries over the gaming of carbon reporting. Governments are facing rising pressure to ensure accountability for such commitments.

Banks

British lenders face up to challenge to bank refugees

Lloyds Bank is leading efforts among UK lenders to provide easier access to financial services for the rising number of refugees in the country, most recently from Afghanistan. But they could do a lot more, as France’s BNP Paribas is showing elsewhere.

White Papers

The circular economy as a de-risking strategy and driver of superior risk-adjusted returns

Ellen MacArthur Foundation

How to define, discover and develop actionable leads in B2B marketing

LeadMonitor.ai

Investment managers

Why passively managed assets escape fossil fuel policies

Passive investing has been posed as a threat to the planet – but how far does the data support these claims?

Government

Why capitalism should have listened to the King of Bhutan

The idea of incorporating gross national happiness into mainstream economic thought has long been a subject reserved for debating societies and 'lefty' thinkers. As politicians are cornered into taking immediate action on climate change, capitalism is in for a big surprise.

Environmental

What Credit Suisse expects from clients seeking transition finance

The embattled Swiss bank has cut lending to heavy polluters and is analysing its loan book's carbon intensity and clients' 'transition readiness', but has been slow to set emission-reduction targets. Two of Credit Suisse's top ESG and sustainability executives set out its thinking.

Energy and Utilities

US solar sees brighter prospects as Sunnova issues first green bond

America's solar industry has faced challenges getting financing, but investor and public sentiment is improving and government support is growing. A $400m debt issue last month was another positive sign.

Investment managers

DWS probes signal stark new reality for ESG funds

The investigations by US and German financial watchdogs into $1trn asset manager DWS reflect a general tightening of regulatory criteria for funds labelled as ESG or sustainable.

Fixed income

Green gilts to stand out for social impact, but bankers seek more details

The UK is about to launch its first green sovereign bond programme, which will incorporate innovative social indicators. Senior banking executives expect it to boost the corporate debt market, but want more specifics on impact benchmarking targets and deadlines.

Consumer

Burberry’s sustainability strategy: Why Scope 3 and sourcing are key

The British luxury fashion house was the first of its peers to tap the sustainability bond market. A year on, it has not only met its targets but in some cases gone beyond them. The company’s CFO and head of corporate responsibility explain how.

Equity

Why gender lens investing is struggling to make an impact

Recently criticised for failing to deliver returns above their peer group, gender lens funds are under immense scrutiny to up their game. And while legitimate concerns exist about how they are marketed, the lack of suitable companies remains a serious problem.

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