Ahren Lester

ESG news round-up: Calvert joins Morgan Stanley; CofE drops ExxonMobil; HSBC in net-zero pledge

Green and sustainability-linked loan round-up: Colombina and Eureden

Confectionery and food maker signs first sustainable loan in Colombia

GPIF predicts equity boost and bond pain from more stringent climate policies

The largest pension fund in the world has estimated its equity portfolio could experience an accelerating valuation boost if more stringent climate policy restrictions are introduced to reach global targets, whereas its corporate bond portfolio could suffer deeper losses as policy tightens.

Green bond comment, October 2020: Automotive green bonds drive up corporate issuance

Issuance from car makers has shifted to a higher gear in recent months, and it is a sign that corporates more broadly are tapping the market, says 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.