Ahren Lester

Total becomes next oil major to feel shareholder climate pressure

French supermajor Total has become the latest oil firm to face rising pressure from shareholders at its annual general meeting (AGM) over it environmental ambitions.

Chinese regulators to exclude 'clean' fossil fuels from green bond standard

Chinese regulators propose to exclude controversial 'clean' fossil fuel projects from their list of eligible green bonds.

Investor climate pressure builds on US oil majors as BlackRock steps-up

US oil supermajors ExxonMobil and Chevron experienced significant investor pressure over their climate policies at their annual general meetings, with major investor BlackRock stepping up support for some proposals.

Economic rebound will be 'final test' for ESG funds, says Candriam

After delivering relative outperformance before and during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, the "final test" for environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds will be how they perform during the ongoing rebound, says Candriam.

DWS launches 'smart' ESG investment approach

Asset manager DWS has announced stricter environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment criteria, focused on identifying and engaging with firms with high climate transition risk and violators of international sustainability standards.

'Time has come' for SEC to address ESG disclosure

A committee of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged the regulator to take a lead on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures, amid concerns a delayed response will result in US firms suffering a "distinct disadvantage" in accessing international capital.

Manulife US REIT secures maiden $100m green loan

Manulife US Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has secured a $100 million green loan from OCBC Bank to refinance a US property and undertake environmental initiatives at other properties.

JP Morgan Chase given bloody nose by climate resolution

JP Morgan Chase experienced a significant revolt from investors against its climate change position after nearly half voted in support of a shareholder resolution urging the US bank to align its financing to the Paris Agreement.

HSBC and IFC real economy green bond fund raises $470m

HSBC Global Asset Management (HSBC GAM) and the International Finance Corporation announced their green bond fund targeting "real economy" assets has raised more than $470 million following its third close.

Banks' fossil fuel commitments accelerate as pressure intensifies