Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) has been voted as the lead manager of the year for corporate social bonds.

According to Environmental Finance data, MUFG was the biggest underwriter of corporate social bonds in 2019.

In July 2019, MUFG acted as a leader manager on a JPY40 billion ($371 million) green bond issued by East Nippon Expressway, the first of four issued by the transportation company over the year.

The external review provided by R&I Social Bond Opinions found that the issuer is engaged in the target projects aiming to achieve such goals as the opening of new routes, reinforcement of seismic resistance, reduction of wrong-way driving accidents, measures to address aging highway infrastructure, and restraint on carbon emissions by mitigating traffic jams.

In October 2019, MUFG acted as lead manager, along with Mizuho Financial Group, Nomura, and SMBC Nikko, on a JPY20 billion social bond issuance from medical supplier Miraca Holdings.

The bonds' proceeds contributed to access to essential services, and contributed towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals of good health and well-being, decent work and economic growth, and industry, innovation and infrastructure.