Weekly Sustainable Finance Newsletter 43/2024

Explore the latest product launches, regulatory developments and innovations in the area of Sustainable Finance and much more!

It is our pleasure to share the Sustainable Finance Daily Newsletter 43/2024?covering?October, 21 until October, 27 with you.

Investec partners with Holtara to accelerate progress on sustainability

Investec Bank’s Alternative Investment Management (IAIM) has entered a strategic partnership with Holtara, a sustainability services provider within the Apex Group, to accelerate sustainable lending practices. The collaboration will focus on improving IAIM’s data capture and evaluation processes, supporting its commitment to sustainable growth within its direct corporate lending platform. Managing over €3bn in private market credit, IAIM aims to offer institutional clients and family offices access to sustainable investment solutions, aligning its portfolio with net-zero targets by 2050. Read more here.

M&G launches sustainable bond strategy together with responsAbility

M&G has launched its first sustainable corporate bond strategy, the M&G (Lux) responsAbility Sustainable Solutions Bond Fund, in collaboration with responsAbility, a Swiss asset manager known for impact investing. Classified as Article 9 under SFDR, the fund is designed for institutional and wholesale investors looking for sustainable, active fixed-income solutions. The portfolio targets six key areas, including health, social inclusion, and climate action, and aligns investments with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Read more here.

London, Zurich, Singapore rank highest in the newly published Global Green Finance Index

The Swiss financial market is solidifying its position as a hub for sustainable investments, with Zurich and Singapore surpassing Geneva in the latest Global Green Finance Index (GGFI), which ranks global financial centers based on green finance offerings. Compiled by London-based think tank Z/Yen, the GGFI ranks 97 cities, with London narrowly holding the top spot. Zurich now ranks second, followed by Singapore in third, pushing Geneva down to fourth place. Notably, New York has also declined in both its rating and ranking. The top 10 is rounded out by Stockholm, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Copenhagen, and Montreal. Read more here.

ICE and Dun & Bradstreet to launch Climate Data and Analytics solutions

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and Dun & Bradstreet have announced a new climate data service aimed at providing comprehensive climate and ESG data for a vast range of public and private companies worldwide. This offering will deliver transition and physical risk data, including Greenhouse Gas Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, making it one of the most extensive climate data sources available. By combining Dun & Bradstreet’s vast private company database and supply chain data with ICE’s geospatial and climate capabilities, the service will give investors a single source of climate information on millions of businesses. Read more here.

SEC charges WisdomTree for not adhering to its investment criteria for ESG-marketed Funds

The SEC has charged WisdomTree Asset Management Inc. for misrepresenting its ESG investment criteria in certain ETFs from March 2020 to November 2022. Despite claims that three ESG-marketed funds avoided investments in fossil fuels and tobacco, the SEC found they included companies involved in coal mining, natural gas, and tobacco sales. WisdomTree lacked adequate screening policies and relied on inadequate third-party data. Read more here.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority launches Sustainable Finance Action Agenda

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has unveiled its Sustainable Finance Action Agenda, aiming to position Hong Kong as a leading sustainable finance hub. Key directives include requiring banks to achieve net zero financed emissions by 2050 and enhance disclosures on climate risks and opportunities. The agenda focuses on four priorities: “Banking for net zero,” “Investing in a sustainable future,” “Financing net zero,” and “Making sustainability more inclusive.” Read more here.

Richard Mattison appointed as MSCI’s New ESG and Climate Head

MSCI has appointed Dr. Richard Mattison to lead its ESG and Climate division, bringing his extensive experience in sustainable finance from previous roles as President of S&P Global’s Sustainable1 and CEO of Trucost. Reporting to Chief Product Officer Alvise Munari, Mattison will drive MSCI’s ESG and climate product innovation and strategy. Read more here.

J.P. Morgan welcomes NOAA’s Sarah Kapnick as Global Head of Climate Advisory

J.P. Morgan has appointed Dr. Sarah Kapnick, former Chief Scientist at NOAA, as Global Head of Climate Advisory for its Commercial and Investment Bank. With her expertise in climate science and sustainability strategy, Dr. Kapnick will enhance the firm’s climate advisory services and strengthen client support in navigating decarbonization and energy transition opportunities. Read more here.

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Your Sustainable Finance Daily Team