Initiatives are under way to build the markets for so-called blue bonds – which finance ocean-related conservation projects – and environmentally related debt swaps. But there are doubts over the scalability of such programmes, despite the huge appetite for sustainable assets.
With its landmark deal, a South African private healthcare group has saved itself at least 21 basis points in the cost of funding and set a quartet of key performance indicators – three with environmental targets and one focused on patient satisfaction.
Retirement village operator Summerset has inked a landmark sustainability-linked loan related to reductions in carbon emissions and construction waste and, less typically, the development of dementia care. Its domestic peers are also expected to take the green finance path.
With the US Congress divided over proposed climate and infrastructure bills, and plenty of financial sector opposition to President Joe Biden’s plans, major North American retirement funds stress the need for environmental policy stability.
CIB is leading the charge among Egypt's banks to build a sustainable finance market, with help from the International Finance Corporation and at the behest of the central bank. Corporates are showing rising interest in issuing green bonds but will face ESG reporting from next year.
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Teess – a joint venture between France’s TotalEnergies and Chinese renewables company Envision – will execute the first green-funded project in China’s solar industry as it bets on the country’s energy transition. Capital Monitor takes an in-depth look at the deal.
Science-Based Targets are a vital starting point for a company’s transition plan, but the inclusion of high-emitting coal companies on the initiative's approval list presents problems for investors forming policies around them.
The landmark financing deal from the country’s biggest supermarket chain aims to reduce both waste and emissions and put more women in leadership roles. Capital Monitor speaks to Coles’ treasurer and CFO as well as bankers on the deal.
Hotel and shopping mall group Majid Al Futtaim will use the proceeds from its new $1.5bn sustainability-linked loan to target emissions, green malls and, in a first for the Middle East, gender inequality. Head of treasury John Arentz provides the details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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