Ahren Lester

Banks could be 'bright spot' for UK sustainable bond issuance in 2026

Sustainable bond issuance from banks and financial institutions could be a "bright spot" for the UK sterling-denominated market in 2026 after a relatively "nervous" approach to the instruments to date, according to a senior banker.

EuGB 'look-back' correction provides 'comfort' to market

A "correction" to guidance on European Green Bonds (EuGBs) around the use of 'look-back' periods has brought very welcome "comfort" to potential issuers that the instrument is scalable, according to ING.

EthiFinance launches transition bond, loan SPO methodology

EthiFinance has launched a second-party opinion (SPO) methodology for assessing labelled transition bonds and loans after arguing we enter a "decisive decade" for financing the transition.

Commission clears 'key blocker' to EuGB issuance

The European Commission has issued a major "correction" to its guidance on look-back periods for eligible European Green Bond (EuGB) instruments, described as a "key blocker" to transactions in recent months.

Kawasaki publishes 'world first' purchaser-focused green finance framework

Kawasaki Heavy Industries has published a sustainable finance framework which includes an innovative 'sales promotion' framework to help customers raise their own green and transition finance after they purchase its sustainable products.

Will 2026 be the 'Year of Transition Debt'?

There is optimism for the label after guidance provided 'comfort and confidence' to the market, but the focus should be on demonstrating well-supported action rather than just ambition. Ahren Lester reports

Emirates NBD: 'Banks need to share what we see as credible transition metrics'

Commercial banks have been encouraged to start publicly sharing the transition metrics they consider are "credible" for companies in critical hard-to-abate sectors to help the market identify "what good looks like" in transition finance.

Development Bank of Rwanda launches third sustainability-linked bond

The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) is planning to raise at least RWF23 billion ($15.7 million) from its third sustainability-linked bond (SLB), as the performance-based instrument continues to see issuance volumes contract.

Bangladesh's Pubali Bank plans $100m debut green bond

'It is the first time I am optimistic about Canadian transition finance progress'

There is optimism that Canada will finally develop a transition taxonomy, but a fixed income investor remained cautious about its potential for sustainable bonds.