Ahren Lester

News Round Up: Sustainable fund assets surge, renewables 'unattractive', KKR India push

Sustainable fund assets surge a fifth in the third quarter

Investors turn to engagement, best-in-class firms to counter greenwashing

The majority of institutional investors are turning to active engagement and 'best-in-class' positive selection as key investment approaches to integrate sustainability and counter 'greenwashing,' according to a survey by Schroders Investment Management.

Hedge funds at 'tipping point' as two-fifths integrate ESG into investments

The integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) at hedge funds has reached a "tipping point" according to a report by BNP Paribas.

Etihad Airways issues 'world's first transition sukuk'

United Arab Emirates (UAE)-owned Etihad Airways has issued a five-year $600 million sustainability-linked 'transition' sukuk, believed to be the first of its kind in the world and the first sustainability-linked bond in the airline industry.

Green and sustainability-linked loan round-up: Michelin, Sarawak Energy and Etihad Airways

Michelin signs €2.5bn sustainability-linked facility

Bond round-up: AFD, Morgan Stanley, NSW, ICO, Barclays ... and more

Brunel moves beyond ESG risk mitigation with £1.2bn equities fund

Brunel Pension Partnership has launched a £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) listed global equities fund that moves beyond mitigating environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, and is focused on investing in companies that make a positive contribution to society.

$6bn charity criticises 'appalling' climate voting records of major investors, advisors

The Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) has sent a letter to a dozen major global investors, pension consultants and proxy voting advisors criticising their "appalling" records for using shareholders' votes to deliver the transition to a net-zero economy.

Bank of England 'encouraged' by green bond greeniums

A senior Bank of England (BofE) official said the 'greeniums' reported on the recent green bond issues were an "encouraging sign" that climate-positive investment was being favoured by the market, and serves as a fillip to further sovereign green bonds - including in the UK.

KfW on track for €8bn in 2020 green bond issuance

After a significant jump in green bond issuance in 2019, the KfW capital markets head tells Ahren Lester they still expect 2020 issuance to hit €8 billion and that 'greeniums' have persisted - but don't expect any social or sustainability-linked bonds from the development bank.