Ahren Lester

Sovereigns likely to choose debt-for-nature swaps over 'blue bonds'

Large sovereign 'blue bonds' are likely to remain "uncommon" in the market despite sustainable marine and water-focused activities being prominent for governments, senior market participants told an Environmental Finance event.

MSCI: Deforestation screen an 'easy' start for nature-positive investment

Applying a deforestation screen is a simple, cost-effective and impactful way for investors to start their shift to nature-positive investment, MSCI told an Environmental Finance event.

London CIV in 'early stages' of launching natural capital fund

London CIV is in the process of launching its first natural capital-focused fund, the UK pension fund manager told an Environmental Finance event.

UK nature investment fund first close 'soon', says Lord Benyon

The UK government-backed Big Nature Impact Fund (BNIF) is expected to announce its first close from private investors "soon", according to a senior minister.

Lord Benyon: First UK nature investment standards launch next week

UK Climate, Environment and Energy minister Richard Benyon told an event that the British Standards Institution (BSI) will launch the first of its principles for nature investment markets next week.

Sustainable bond fund assets hit $41bn record

Investor appetite for sustainable bond funds has sent the market to record highs in 2023, with expectations of more to come in 2024. Ahren Lester reports

Phasing out fossil fuels requires new transition-away products, says Natixis

Innovative financial tools and products are needed to 'transition away' from fossil fuels and exit 'brown' activities, said Natixis CIB.

ICMA draws up a 'Common Ground Taxonomy' for transition plans

The influential trade association wants issuer to act on transition plans before regulations arrive, and has provided a high-level tool to get the process started. Ahren Lester reports

Tanzanian water authority issues 'historic' green bond

Tanga Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Tanga UWASA) has issued a TZS53.1 billion ($21 million) 'water green bond,' which is believed to be the first municipal agency sustainable bond issuance in East Africa

KfW: $2bn US green bond six-times oversubscribed