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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thousands of companies say they report against or otherwise align themselves with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. But where are these high-level targets failing and what more can businesses and policymakers do to help achieve them?
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