Ahren Lester

France to update green bond framework for first time in 2025

France is planning to update its sovereign green bond framework in the first half of 2025, which would represent the first framework update from the long-standing sovereign issuer since it launched its programme in 2017.

'Ground-breaking' UK carbon capture and storage project secures £8bn financing

Two major 'net zero' projects linked to a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in the North Sea have secured a combined £8 billion ($10 billion) in project financing from around 20 banks, including Standard Chartered, BBVA and ING.

Germany to raise €15bn from green bonds in 2025

Germany is planning to raise up to €15 billion ($15.7 billion) from green bonds in 2025, which would represent the first reduction in annual issuance from the sovereign since it launched its innovative programme in 2020.

2025: The year of the 'transition' label?

After another trillion dollar year for the sustainable debt market in 2024, what should we expect as we approach 2025? Ahren Lester predicts some key trends

2025 growth expected for 'hard to miss' sustainable sukuk market

The sustainable sukuk market is forecast to continue to build on recent growth in 2025 as it becomes increasingly "hard to miss" for issuers and international investors, according to Fitch Ratings.

UK expert committee submits final ISSB adoption recommendation

ING: EU GBS compliance 'must become easier'

The process for securing full compliance with the EU Taxonomy must "become easier" for the full amount of EU Green Bond (EuGB) issuance under the EU Green Bond Standard (EU GBS), according to Dutch lender ING.

Debt-for-nature swaps a 'proven tool' - but not a panacea, says TNC

After a record-breaking 2024 for debt-for-nature swaps, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) said it is seeing "greater interest than ever" and expects more in 2025 and beyond - but emphasises that, despite the success, the structure is not a 'silver bullet'.

Ecuador secures 'incredible' $1bn debt-for-nature swap deal

Ecuador has signed a $1 billion debt-for-nature swap transaction which will secure more than $400 million in conservation funding for the Amazon, in a deal which The Nature Conservancy (TNC) said was full of "incredible firsts" for the burgeoning conservation-focused debt conversion market.

EU Green Bonds 'almost effortless' for key issuers

Several major green bond issuers could find it "almost effortless" to start issuing EU Green Bonds (EuGB) when the landmark regulation comes into effect next week, according to a thinktank.