Archive

Sompo is first Japanese insurer to introduce restrictions on coal

Sompo has become the first Japanese insurer to introduce restrictions on its involvement with coal, although environmentalists argued its policy comes with "significant loopholes".

Bond round-up: VW, Novartis, EIB, Verizon, Rabobank, Qatar ... and more

Biodiversity impact measurement tool for investors to be created

Four French asset managers have issued a mandate to develop a tool to help investors integrate nature and biodiversity considerations into their decision making.

ECB gives green light to sustainability-linked bonds

The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced that sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) will be eligible as collateral and for its asset purchase programmes from 2021, delivering an important boost to the nascent asset class.

Green and sustainability-linked loan round-up: Aligned, Farrer Park, StarHub, FENC and Iberdrola

Most financial institutions don't push for ambitious EU sustainable finance strategy

Many financial institutions are failing to support an ambitious EU sustainable finance strategy, according to a report on lobbying by NGO InfluenceMap, with just a handful supporting and actively engaging with the European Commission's policy.

Ratings agency Kroll warns on possible US curbs on ESG investments

Proposed rules on the fiduciary duties of US pension plans "could have far-reaching implications for the investment community as well as on any investments that aim to create a positive social or environmental impact," according to ratings agency Kroll.

Alok Sharma: COP 26 'will see agreement' on Article 6 debate

Alok Sharma, president of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) has spoken of his confidence in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement - relating to carbon markets and yet to be ratified - being agreed next year.

Big four accountancy firms agree universal ESG disclosure framework

A set of 'universal' environmental, social and governance (ESG) assessment criteria has been published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the 'big four' accountancy firms.

'Insurers could collaboratively engage with companies over transition plans'

The insurance industry could collectively engage with fossil fuel companies over their plans to transition to low-carbon business models before they agree to insure them, according to the head of Willis Towers Watson's Climate and Resilience Hub.