Ahren Lester

Bank of China raises CNY2.5bn from ground-breaking 'SGS' sustainable bond

Bank of China (BoC) has raised CNY2.5 billion ($351 million) from the first 'sustainability-linked, green, and social loan' (SGS) bond issued under its innovative framework which follows the publication of recent ground-breaking market guidance.

Indian sustainable bond guidance extension 'necessary, but not sufficient'

The sustainable bond guidance extension by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is a "necessary, but not sufficient" condition for stimulating more issuance in the country - but it has the potential to "open up" transition finance in the country. Ahren Lester reports

Muangthai Capital secures debut 'gender' bond in Thailand

Jordan Ahli Bank issues 'landmark' first sustainability bond

Jordan Ahli Bank (JAB) has raised $50 million from the first sustainability bond by a Jordanian issuer.

Development Bank of Rwanda readies second sustainability-linked bond

The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) is planning to raise up to RWF35 billion ($26 million) from its second sustainability-linked bond (SLB), less than a year after its landmark debut.

Canada transition finance market awaits if Taxonomy gets 'unstuck'

Pent-up demand for transition finance in Canada could be released if the government can get "unstuck" with its long-awaited transition-focused taxonomy later this year, but challenges around the role of gas continue to hold progress back.

SIX launches 'climate equity flag' for companies

SIX has launched a new Paris Agreement-aligned climate flag for companies who are listed through the Swiss financial exchange firm, with S&P Global Ratings and SGS the first approved reviewers for the scheme.

'Greenium' persists for €3bn KfW green bond

KfW reported the 'greenium' on its €3 billion ($3.3 billion) green bond persisted after the deal was more than twice oversubscribed by investors, with the German development bank already reaching its 2024 green bond funding target.

Record orderbook for $6.5bn World Bank sustainable bond

The World Bank secured more than $22 billion in orders for its $6.5 billion dual-tranche Sustainable Development Bond (SDB), which the development bank said was the largest orderbook it has secured to date.

NIB closes in on record green bond issuance as framework update looms

Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) is on track for record green bond issuance in 2024 following the latest deal from the long-standing issuer, with its updated framework also expected in the "coming weeks".