This month includes news from B3, Euronext, JSE, SGX, SIX, and more. Monthly news highlights are compiled by the SSE to give an overview of the capital markets' sustainability news from that month.
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SSE INITIATIVE NEWS & EVENTS
China SIF: The 2021 Sustainable Stock Exchange Roundtable co-hosted by UN SSE and IFC
22 December 2021
The 2021 Sustainable Stock Exchange Roundtable webinar, co-hosted by the UN SSE, the China SIF and the IFC, as a side event during the 9th China Social Investment Forum Week that brought together policymakers, standard setters, asset managers, financial intermediaries, as well as corporate and academic representatives to decode "How to do ESG".
The Un SSE Initiative Welcomes Six As New Partner Exchange
28 January 2022
The UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative welcomed SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX) as a new member. SIX has solidified its commitment to transparency and sustainability by becoming a partner exchange of the UN SSE initiative.
The SSE TV has released new episodes featuring Ed Tilly (President & CEO of Cboe), Stuart Williams (President of ICE Futures Europe), Michele Crisostomo (Chair of the Board of Directors of Enel) and Terrence A. Duffy (Chairman & CEO of CME Group).
SSE upcoming events:
2022 Ring the Bell for Gender Equality
08 March 2022
The Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative is pleased to announce the continuation of stock exchanges around the world hosting a bell-ringing ceremony to raise awareness for Gender Equality. These global ‘bell-ringings’ aim to bring attention to the pivotal role the private sector can play in advancing gender equality to achieve the SDGs and to raise awareness about the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
UN SSE, CDP & IFC To Provide Free Climate Disclosure Training To Exchanges And Their Issuers
In order to provide markets with high-quality training on climate disclosure and provide an overview of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, the UN SSE together with IFC and CDP, are creating a multifaceted course for exchanges to distribute to their markets, free of charge. Information on past training sessions and upcoming sessions can be found on SSE’s Events page, Contact: [email protected] if you would like to host a training session in your market (available for SSE Partner Exchanges).
EXCHANGE NEWS
ASE and UNDP hold a Round Table on Sustainable Developmen
30 November 2021
The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) in partnership with UNDP and United Nations Global Compact Network (UNGC) in Jordan, held a CEO/Chairperson roundtable discussion of the role of business in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs and the importance of sustainability reporting. The ASE is committed to introduce mandatory requirements for sustainability reporting for the year 2022 for companies included in the ASE20 with a view towards expanding this to all listed companies in 2023.
HKEX hosted 2021 Green Asia Summit09 December 2021
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) hosted its inaugural HKEX Green Asia Summit that brought together CEOs, policy makers and sustainability experts from across the globe and from Asia, to share their insights on the role of capital markets in supporting the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable economy.
Euronext selected as a Member of the Advisory Council to the Executive Committee of ICMA
14 December 2021
Euronext announced its membership of the Advisory Council of Green Bond and Social Bond Principles of the International Capital Market Association. The exchange is looking forward to working alongside ICMA to bring the sustainable fixed income market to the next level.
Exchange in Focus: JSE launches new Sustainability and Climate Change Disclosure Guidance
15 December 2021
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has recently launched its new Sustainability Disclosure Guidance, along with a new Climate Change Disclosure Guidance specifically tailored to the South African context.These guidance documents are oriented towards companies, institutional investors, and other stakeholder groups interested in sustainability/ESG disclosure and performance.
SGX to Mandate Climate, Board Diversity Disclosure
15 December 2021
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) announced it will start requiring companies to provide climate-related reporting as well as disclosures on board diversity starting 2022. It also mentioned that climate reporting will become mandatory for issuers in the financial, agriculture, food and forest products, as well as energy industries from the financial year 2023.
Exchange in Focus: TMX Group Releases TCFD-aligned Climate Disclosure Report
20 December 2021
TMX Group recently released its inaugural Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Report, detailing TMX Group’s climate-related risks and opportunities. The Report, which covers the Group’s financial year until December 31, 2020, also outlines how the company is actively addressing its carbon footprint while supporting Canada’s capital markets transition to a low-carbon economy.
NSE Kenya Joins the UN SSE Derivatives Network
23 December 2021
The UN Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative (SSE) welcomed the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) as a new member of the SSE derivatives network. The NSE has made a voluntary commitment to become a member of the SSE derivatives exchanges network to solidify its commitment to transparency and sustainability of financial markets. The SSE’s newest member joins a network of 13 derivative exchanges around the world that are committed to promoting sustainable development. If your exchange is interested in joining this network, please contact [email protected]
IDX Launches ESG-Based Indexes: Responsible Investment on Rise
23 December 2021
In collaboration with the Indonesian Biodiversity Conservation Trust Fund (Kehati) Foundation, the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) launched two new indexes that are based on ESG scores, catering to growing investor interest in the performance of companies beyond their corporate financials.
LSEG - 2021 A Year of Opportunities In Sustainability
29 December 2021
During 2021, the London Stock Exchange (LSEG) helped clients uncover new opportunities in sustainability initiatives. The exchange launched their Climate Transition Offering, designed to help issuers understand their progress on climate reporting and transition planning, and also announced the development of their Voluntary Carbon Markets solution, geared at accelerating the availability of financing projects to support the low-carbon transition.
CSE adopts UN Women’s Empowerment Principles
31 December 2021
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has adopted the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) as part of its commitment in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.
Ho Chi Minh City Securities awarded Vietnam Listed Company Awards 2021
31 December 2021
For the fifth time, Ho Chi Minh City Securities was recognized as one of the Top 5 best Corporate Governance Companies in the framework of Vietnam Listed Company Awards 2021. The list honored excellent companies in three categories: outstanding annual reports, corporate governance awards, and sustainability reporting awards.
NGX To Partner With Nigerian Government On Climate Change Disclosure
03 January 2022
The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) says it will collaborate with the Nigerian Federal Government to build a framework that helps issuers navigate climate disclosure and ultimately improve the climate data available to the investment and finance community.
B3 Sets Record In The Number Of Companies In The B3 Sustainability Index
06 January 2022
The Brasil Bolsa Balcão (B3) has released the 17th portfolio of the B3 Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE B3) which brought data that indicate a welcome increase in the engagement of Brazilian companies listed with the ESG agenda.
Exchange In Focus: Stock Exchange of Thailand Launches Guidance On Modern Slavery Risks
10 January 2022
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in partnership with Walk Free and Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST) has launched the first guidance to assist Thai-listed companies to identify, address and report on modern slavery risks throughout their value chain. Alongside the Guidance, an interactive Modern Slavery Benchmarking Tool was also introduced to provide business with a score and tailored report on what they are doing and how they can improve.
Dow Jones Launches Sustainability Data to Optimize Global ESG Investing19 January 2022
Dow Jones announced the launch of its sustainability data to help the global financial community understand the performance and impact of a company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The initial offering is available for asset managers to make sustainable investment decisions and to better engage the growing audience of purpose-driven investors.
Shanghai Exchange asks STAR Market Companies To Disclose ESG Details
20 January 2022
The Shanghai Stock Exchange asked companies listed on the STAR Market to disclose ESG-related information in their annual reports. The exchange highlighted that companies should disclose their plans on how to help China achieve its carbon-neutrality goals.
Saudi Stock Exchange Adopts Global Financial Market Principles
25 January 2022
Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange has fully embraced a framework of global financial principles designed to improve transparency and governance for all market constituents. The newly adopted principles will help the Saudi exchange to increase transparency and reliability.
REGULATOR AND STANDARD SETTER NEWS
IPR Investor Value Drivers Launch Guidance For Investor Climate Transition & Risk Strategies08 December 2021
The Inevitable Policy Response (IPR) has filled a critical gap in capital market climate alignment and investor strategies for net-zero unveiling the Inevitable Policy Response Investor Value Drivers Database (IPR Database). The open source IPR Database incorporates over 500,000 data points and output for financial institutions from the climate forecasting consortium commissioned by the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
IFC’s Garcia Mora on Climate Change, Sustainability
09 December 2021
Alfonso Garcia Mora, Regional Vice President for Asia and Pacific at the International Finance Corporation discussed his outlook for sustainability and climate change. He spoke with Stephen Engle and Yvonne Man on the sidelines of the HKEX Green Asia Summit.
Russian Sustainable Finance Regulations adopted
10 December 2021
The Russian Federation has taken its first steps towards implementing global sustainable development principles by adopting the ESG Decree which sets out certain criteria, in particular, increase energy efficiency, use high green-environment standards, utilize renewable energy sources, and work towards preserving and restoring biodiversity.
CFA Institute Publishes First Global ESG Disclosure Standards
17 December 2021
The CFA Institute published the first Global ESG Disclosure Standards for Investment Products in relation to ESG issues in investment products, to allow stakeholders to understand, compare and evaluate how objectives, strategies and stewardship are considered. The standards are intended to address the current issues with ESG investing.
Italy to Remain Active in Green Bond Market in 2022
20 December 2021
The Italian Treasury plans to reopen its existing April 2045-dated green government bond and with regard to the possibility of issuing new green bonds, the Italian Authority says that it will reserve maximum flexibility in the choice of the most suitable execution method to satisfy the needs of market demand.
Global Issuance Of Sustainable Bonds Hits Record In 2021
23 December 2021
Companies have borrowed record sums via sustainable bonds along 2021, tapping demand for investors who have become more concerned about climate risks and social inequality. Sustainable finance bond issuance totaled $859 billion in 2021, the highest ever according to Refinitiv data. Analysts expect issuance of bonds focused on ESG matters to rise further next year as companies take advantage of their relatively low cost in a rising interest rate environment.
The Philippine Central Bank to push for G.R.E.E.N Strategy
24 December 2021
The Philippine Central Bank (BSP) is aiming high when it comes to its sustainability agenda. BSP Governor said he is pursuing the G.R.E.E.N strategy to integrate sustainability into all banks and non-banks’ operations and the entire financial system. This reform initiative is part of a series of regulations that will be released by the BSP to promote sustainable finance.
Spanish Treasury Plans to Reopen Green Bond Issue Next Year
28 December 2021
Spain plans to reopen its green bond issuance next year to fund projects that mitigate climate change, tapping into the hot market for sustainable debt. Treasury Secretary General Carlos Cuerpo said the government is reviewing its portfolio of environmentally-linked programs to decide on the amount it will auction.
Singapore Regulator Prioritizes TCFD, Diversity and ESG Metrics in New Disclosure Rules
29 December 2021
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) responded to two consultations addressing a range of ESG-related topics that could significantly change the ESG reporting landscape for listed companies in Singapore. The consultations address the implementation of mandatory climate-related disclosures aligned with the TCFD, mandatory diversity-related disclosures for all issuers and a list of 27 “Core ESG Metrics” to help listed companies align their ESG disclosures with international standards.
Qatar Banks Adopt Green Initiatives In Their Business Practices
04 January 2022
Qatar has undertaken several initiatives over the past few years to nurture Qatar's green economy, local banks now issue green bonds and offer green loans and mortgages as part of adopting green initiatives in their business practices.
Saudi Banking Giant First To Develop Sustainable Finance Framework
09 January 2022
Saudi National Bank (SNB), the largest banking group in Saudi Arabia, has become the first commercial bank in the kingdom to establish a sustainable finance framework, with HSBC acting as the sole ESG structuring agent.
Philippine Govt Launches Sustainable Finance Framework
17 January 2022
The framework sets out a roadmap on how the government intends to raise green, social and sustainability bonds, loans, and other debt instruments in international capital markets. The framework marks an important milestone for the Philippine sustainable finance market.
CFO Media Roundtable: Get Ready Now for ESG Requirements
18 January 2022
The United Nations Global Compact CFO Taskforce is providing a forum for CFOs to create real-world impact toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The New York Stock Exchange together with the CFO Taskforce and Workiva hosted a roundtable to talk about CFO’s growing role in driving ESG efforts.
Chile And Colombia Have Become First Countries To Integrate Sasb Standards Into Securities Law21 January 2022
Chile and Colombia have become the first countries in the world to codify the use of SASB Standards into Securities Law. These announcements are part of a clear trend toward markets recognizing the vital importance of robust, industry-specific sustainability disclosure.
EU Watchdog Outlines New Climate Disclosure Rules for Banks
24 January 2022
The European Banking Authority said that under a new set of sustainability reporting rules, large banks in the European Union will now have to disclose plans for mitigating risks associated with climate change and the transition to a net-zero economy.
Financial Authority of Indonesia Launches Green Finance Taxonomy
24 January 2022
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) of Indonesia has launched a green finance taxonomy, the much-awaited guidelines for financiers wanting to invest in the country’s green economy, as the government seeks to bump up the country’s green credentials.
ESG INDICES AND PRODUCTS
IFC Issues 500 Million CAD Social Bond
14 January 2022
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) issued a Benchmark 5-Year Social Bond, raising 500 million Canadian dollars for sustainable investments benefiting underserved communities in emerging markets including women entrepreneurs and low-income people in need of access to healthcare and essential infrastructure.
World Bank Priced 1 Billion NOK Sustainable Development Bond
20 January 2022
The World Bank priced a 1 billion Norwegian krone-denominated 7-year floating rate Sustainable Development Bond. The NOK 1 billion 7-year floating-rate bond matures on January 26, 2029, this is the longest floating rate benchmark printed in NOK.
Banco do Brasil’s $500 Million Social Bond Offering
21 January 2022
Banco do Brasil offered an aggregate principal amount of US$500 million on social bonds due 2029 issued under its Euro Medium Term Note Program. Banco do Brasil intends to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds from the issuance of the social bonds to finance or refinance existing or future social projects, including affordable housing, SME finance and microfinance, socioeconomic advancement, and empowerment and access to essential services.
Invesco launches Eight New ESG ETFs to expand Canadian Line-up
21 January 2022
Invesco Canada has announced the launch of eight new ETFs, to reaffirm its commitment to ESG. The launch expands the firm’s depth and breadth of ESG ETF offerings to meet clients’ specific investment objectives oriented towards a wide variety of ESG goals.
Qatar to launch First Green Bond to secure ESG Funds
26 January 2022
Qatar intends to launch its first green fund as it aims to secure Environmental, Social, and Governance funding. The finance ministry is in contact with global banks in an attempt to accrue billions of dollars via green bonds as a step towards Qatar’s aim to cut carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2030.
GENDER EQUALITY
Private Climate Investment Needs To Get Intentional About Gender And Equity - Here's How
03 January 2022
This is the first in a series from GenderSmart, a community of 2,500 investors and investment influencers, intermediaries and others in more than 50 countries, highlighting the work already underway to address the climate emergency with a gender lens, and to encourage the adoption of these approaches at scale and pace in mainstream finance.
Women Leaders on How They Are Disrupting their Industries
19 January 2022
Eighteen trailblazing women describe how their disruptive work is pushing past “the way things have always been” to create a future that is more impactful, more sustainable, and more inclusive for everyone. Their visions for the future are a critical reminder that no matter how set in stone an industry may be, there is always an opportunity to disrupt what has been in exchange for something better.
Nasdaq Named to 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index26 January 2022
Nasdaq, Inc. named in the 2022 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI) for the second consecutive year. The GEI is a modified market capitalization-weighted index that tracks the performance of public companies committed to transparency in gender-data reporting.
