Ahren Lester

Articles by Ahren Lester

  • Don't let 'sleeping SLLs' lie

    12 October 2022

    The LSTA is finalising best practice guidelines to help tackle 'sleeping SLLs', writes Ahren Lester

  • Platform report 'solves 90%' of EU Taxonomy usability problems

    12 October 2022

    The data and usability report published by the Platform on Sustainable Finance (PSF) has solved the vast majority of the "technical problems" with the EU Taxonomy, according to one of its members, and "hints" at a solution for the remainder of the challenges.

  • EU expert group launch 'call to action' to improve taxonomy usability

    11 October 2022

    The Platform for Sustainable Finance (PSF) has published a pair of reports on the data, usability and application of 'minimum safeguards' requirements of the EU Taxonomy, which its chair described as a "call to action" for the European Commission on "improving usability" for the landmark 'green' legislation.

  • ECB: Gender-diverse banks lend less to 'browner' companies

    11 October 2022

    European banks with a high share of female directors are less likely to lend to high-polluting firms, according to a study by the European Central Bank (ECB).

  • Credit-focused harmonised ESG reporting tool launch imminent

    10 October 2022

    The launch of a harmonised environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting tool for the credit market being developed by the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and two trade associations is expected in the next few weeks.

  • Saudi Arabia green bond highlights 'clear issue' for market

    07 October 2022

    The ground-breaking $3 billion debut green bond issuance from the Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund has highlighted a "clear issue" that continues to impact the green bond market, according to a leading sustainable investor.

  • BlackRock hit with $794m Louisiana divestment due to 'net zero' push

    07 October 2022

    The treasurer of Louisiana has pledged to divest from all investments made by the state in BlackRock funds in a further escalation of the sustainable investing political backlash in the US.

  • Loan round-up: Delta Fiber, Iberdrola, Yapi Kredi Leasing, Iren, First REIT ... and more

    06 October 2022
  • Climate inconsistency in financial reports could be 'greenwashing'

    06 October 2022

    The inconsistent handling of climate-related factors in the financial statements of highly carbon-exposed companies could be evidence of 'greenwashing,' according to Carbon Tracker.

  • Bond round-up: UK, CADES, Engie, A2A, Komatsu, Contact Energy ... and more

    05 October 2022