Europe shines, Americas grow, Asia lags
Europe accounted for almost half of sustainable debt issuance in 1H 2019, driven by heightened activity in both corporate and government sectors. The Americas look on track to beat 2018, with steady issuance from mortgage giant Fannie Mae, and new entrants to the market –a sovereign green bond from Chile and a corporate green bond from the telecommunications firm, Verizon.
Sustainability-linked loans boosted by guidance
The rapidly emerging new product in the sustainable debt universe –sustainability-linked loans –will get a boost from the Sustainability Linked Loan Principles published in 1H 2019. The Principles will help bring consistency and transparency to the market.
Europe one step closer to a standard
The EU Sustainable Finance Technical Expert Group, a consortium of industry experts established by the European Commission, published final recommendations on a proposed EU Green Bond Standard. The guidelines set a clear trajectory for a voluntary standard, which the European Commission hopes will cement Europe’s position as the leading market for green bond activity.