Ahren Lester

Bond round-up: Cades, KfW, Adidas, EIB, National Bank of Greece ... and more

First green bond to secure drinking water by buying forests proposed

Central Arkansas Water (CAW) is preparing an innovative $31 million US municipal green bond, believed to be the first to buy and protect forests in order to secure clean drinking water.

BlackRock's iShares launches first climate-risk adjusted government bond fund

BlackRock has launched a product that is believed to be the first climate-risk-adjusted exchange-traded fund (ETF) to invest in government bonds.

EIB targets €250m circular bioeconomy fund after €82m first close

The European Investment Bank's (EIB) private equity-focused circular bioeconomy fund has raised €82 million ($96 million) at first close, with the fund targeted to raise around €250 million.

Science Based Targets initiative launches financial sector framework

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched its "breakthrough" pilot framework for financial institutions to set science-based climate targets, but campaigners were "disappointed" and "disturbed" by what they perceive to be shortcomings.

Moody's plugs more ESG data into flagship ratings and research platform

Moody's has expanded its flagship CreditView platform to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) data from Vigeo Eiris and Four Twenty Seven, in a broader push recognising the growing importance on ESG of assessing issuer risk.

Green and sustainability-linked loan round-up, 30 September: Equites and CLS

Credit Suisse ocean health impact fund raises $212m

Credit Suisse has announced its impact fund addressing ocean health and engaging to create a sustainable blue economy has raised $212 million.

Nature Action 100 proposed by World Bank to mobilise biodiversity finance

The World Bank has proposed five "big ideas" to drive growth in biodiversity financing, including development banks becoming cornerstone investors for biodiversity projects and investors creating a 'Nature Action 100' initiative similar to Climate Action 100+.

PRI ejects first five signatories for failing minimum standards

The UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) has for the first time booted out five signatories for failing to meet the minimum requirements, with a further 15 signatories at risk of being delisted in 2021.