News

SMBC raises $500m from pioneering 'digital inclusion' social bond

Japanese lender SMBC Group has raised $500 million from the first 'digital inclusion bond,' more than four years after the World Economic Forum (WEF) published guidelines for the social bond sub-label.

Sustainable debt round-up: SABESP, Île-de-France Mobilités, Telefonica ... and more

IIGCC backs call to recognise sovereign bonds in SFDR overhaul

Investors are "concerned that the limited scope for investment in sovereigns" under EU regulatory proposals could "significantly restrict the investable universe for many funds", the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) has said.

UK asset managers call for dose of 'realism' on stewardship

The UK's Investment Association (IA) has called for a "realignment" of stewardship as it lamented "unrealistic expectations" of how much change asset managers can force on their portfolio companies.

Assets in Article 8 funds 'hit $10trn in 2025'

Strong inflows helped funds classified as Article 8 under the EU's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) hit record levels of assets in 2025, two reports found.

China targets 'innovative' sovereign 'biodiversity bond'

China is considering issuing a debut sovereign 'biodiversity bond' amid growing interest in nature-focused instrument and work being undertaken on a domestic taxonomy for the theme.

Canada plans new sovereign green bond, explores framework update

Canada is planning to issue a new 10-year bond under its existing green bond programme as it continues to develop plans to expand its framework.

SFDR impact add-on welcome, but 'additionality' questions remain - France's IFD

Impact investors stand to benefit from changes to the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) - but questions remain about if and how they should explain how investments create impact, says a French industry group.

The engagement bar is being lowered, but from a high point, says Mirova

Sustainability-focused investors need to remain "optimistic" and continue engaging with investee companies and new sectors despite the lowering of standards by some industry bodies, says Mirova.

CAF issues 'distinctive' debut 'Children and Youth Bond'

Development bank CAF has raised $61.6 million from its inaugural children-focused social bond, backed by investors including Nuveen, T Rowe Price, and Legal & General (L&G).