Ahren Lester

ASEAN public sector 'critical' to energising local sustainable bond markets

Public sector issuers in Asia have a "significantly limited" presence in sustainable bond markets, but a think tank said sovereign and government-related bonds are "critical" to energising local sustainable bond issuance.

Landmark Slovenian social bond sends 'Samurai' sustainable bond market to record highs

Slovenia has raised JPY50 billion ($345 million) from a dual-tranche Japanese yen-denominated social bond, which is the first 'Samurai' social bond issued by a sovereign.

Costa Rica 'almost done' with framework ahead of 2025 sustainable bond debut

Costa Rica is planning to issue its debut sovereign sustainable bond in the first half of 2025, but the Latin American country is not currently looking to use the sustainability-linked bond format like some regional peers.

Bank of China raises CNY2.5bn from ground-breaking 'SGS' sustainable bond

Bank of China (BoC) has raised CNY2.5 billion ($351 million) from the first 'sustainability-linked, green, and social loan' (SGS) bond issued under its innovative framework which follows the publication of recent ground-breaking market guidance.

Indian sustainable bond guidance extension 'necessary, but not sufficient'

The sustainable bond guidance extension by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is a "necessary, but not sufficient" condition for stimulating more issuance in the country - but it has the potential to "open up" transition finance in the country. Ahren Lester reports

Muangthai Capital secures debut 'gender' bond in Thailand

Jordan Ahli Bank issues 'landmark' first sustainability bond

Jordan Ahli Bank (JAB) has raised $50 million from the first sustainability bond by a Jordanian issuer.

Development Bank of Rwanda readies second sustainability-linked bond

The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) is planning to raise up to RWF35 billion ($26 million) from its second sustainability-linked bond (SLB), less than a year after its landmark debut.

Canada transition finance market awaits if Taxonomy gets 'unstuck'

Pent-up demand for transition finance in Canada could be released if the government can get "unstuck" with its long-awaited transition-focused taxonomy later this year, but challenges around the role of gas continue to hold progress back.

SIX launches 'climate equity flag' for companies

SIX has launched a new Paris Agreement-aligned climate flag for companies who are listed through the Swiss financial exchange firm, with S&P Global Ratings and SGS the first approved reviewers for the scheme.