Ahren Lester

Bond round-up: AFD, Morgan Stanley, NSW, ICO, Barclays ... and more

Brunel moves beyond ESG risk mitigation with £1.2bn equities fund

Brunel Pension Partnership has launched a £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) listed global equities fund that moves beyond mitigating environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, and is focused on investing in companies that make a positive contribution to society.

$6bn charity criticises 'appalling' climate voting records of major investors, advisors

The Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) has sent a letter to a dozen major global investors, pension consultants and proxy voting advisors criticising their "appalling" records for using shareholders' votes to deliver the transition to a net-zero economy.

Bank of England 'encouraged' by green bond greeniums

A senior Bank of England (BofE) official said the 'greeniums' reported on the recent green bond issues were an "encouraging sign" that climate-positive investment was being favoured by the market, and serves as a fillip to further sovereign green bonds - including in the UK.

KfW on track for €8bn in 2020 green bond issuance

After a significant jump in green bond issuance in 2019, the KfW capital markets head tells Ahren Lester they still expect 2020 issuance to hit €8 billion and that 'greeniums' have persisted - but don't expect any social or sustainability-linked bonds from the development bank.

Bantleon launches global green bond fund

Swiss asset manager Bantleon has launched a €10 million ($12 million) global green bond fund for its institutional investor clients.

News round-up: Verra farming credits, 'social' in spotlight, EU fossil fuel subsidies ... and more

Bank of China issues first 'blue bonds' in Asia

The Bank of China (BoC) has issued the first blue bonds in Asia, raising nearly $950 million in a transaction described as a "milestone" in the development of financial instruments that help protect the oceans.

Bond round-up: EU, Star Energy, Getlink, Fannie Mae ... and more

EU issues 'landmark' inaugural social bond to enormous demand

The EU has issued its maiden social bond to enormous investor demand, in what has been described a "landmark" issuance.