This month includes news from BVB, Euronext, CVSE, ICE, LuxSE, and more. Monthly news highlights are compiled by the SSE to give an overview of the capital markets' sustainability news from that month. You can subscribe to our monthly news highlights by clicking here. SSE INITIATIVE NEWS & EVENTS  New SSE-IFC guidance report on How Exchanges Can Advance Gender Equality 08 March 2022 The UN SSE and IFC released new guidance on how exchanges can advance gender equality. This work was developed in strategic collaboration with UN Women and the SSE Gender Equality Advisory Group made up of experts around the world.  Over 100 exchanges in 98 countries Ring the Bell for Gender Equality 2022 08 March 2022 A record of over 110 exchanges and central counterparty clearing houses (CCPs) around the world has this year given support to the eighth annual “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” campaign, to raise awareness about the role and opportunities for the private sector to advance gender equality and sustainable development. SSE TV New Episodes Released! The SSE TV has released new episodes featuring Luc Fortin (CEO & President, Montreal Exchange & Global Head of Trading at TMX Group), Hiromi Yamaji (President & CEO of Tokyo Stock Exchange & Representative Executive Officer, Group COO of Japan Exchange Group), Cristina Masis (Vice President of BNV – Costa Rica), Laura Cha (Chairman of HKEX). SSE upcoming events: 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 CPD accredited 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: climate@sseinitiative.org if you would like to host a training session in your market (available for SSE Partner Exchanges).   

EXCHANGE NEWS

Bursa Malaysia Inks MOU to Develop Sustainability-Linked Islamic Products and ESG solutions 08 February 2022 Bursa Malaysia and HSBC Amanah Malaysia entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop sustainability-linked Islamic financial products as well as ESG solutions aligned to the FTSE4Good ratings model. NGX highlights performance in 2021 and Provides An Outlook Towards Green for 2022 06 February 2022 Mr. Popoola, CEO at NGX, highlighted five major areas NGX will be looking to make significant strides in 2022 as follows: building on digital transformation, listings and delistings, technology, partnerships, and sustainability. BVB launches the first ESG scores on the Local Capital Market 08 February 2022 Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) held an online event to launch the first ESG scores on the local capital market. The BVB published the dedicated ESG Scores section which includes the ESG parameters of the BVB listed companies, calculated in the ESG analysis reports made by Sustainalytics. The scores are published on a voluntary basis and eight of the companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange joined the project at this initial stage. Euronext launches ESG Index to Meet Market's Financial Sustainable Investment Needs 10 February 2022 Euronext has announced that it will launch a new ESG Index on Euronext Amsterdam, the AEX® ESG Index. This index will identify the 25 companies that demonstrate the best Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices from the 50 constituents of the AEX® and AMX® indices. The launch of this sustainable index follows the successful launch of the French CAC40® ESG Index and the Italian MIB® ESG Index. SET: S&P Global Names 41 Thai Companies In Sustainability Ranking 15 February 2022 The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announced that 41 Thai companies were recognized with S&P Global Sustainability Awards by S&P Global, making Thailand the world’s fourth-highest by number. GSE expects Green Bond to be Established Before The End of 2022 19 February 2022 The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) is to establish two more market segments to increase trade and expand services and products on the Accra bourse. The two segments, namely Green and Derivatives, are to be established within five years. ICE launched Futures Contracts on the MSCI Climate Paris Aligned Indices 19 February 2022 ICE launched futures contracts on the MSCI Climate Paris Aligned Indices. Futures linked to an index, such as the MSCI Climate Paris Aligned Indexes are one option for investors seeking to align exposures with net-zero strategies. LuxSE and Bolsa de Valores de Cabo Verde sign MoU on Sustainable Finance 26 February 2022 In a hybrid signing ceremony, held jointly in Luxembourg and Cabo Verde, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) and Bolsa de Valores de Cabo Verde (CVSE), announced that the two exchanges have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). It will facilitate cooperation in capital market activities, with a specific focus on sustainable finance. LSE Supporting Companies On The Road To Net Zero 24 February 2022 Through its Green Economy Mark and Sustainable Bond Market, the London Stock Exchange has already been playing a key role in channeling capital to the green economy. It is now looking to extend that to the voluntary carbon market.  

REGULATOR AND STANDARD SETTER NEWS

Canada: the CSA Provides Guidance to Investment Funds Regarding ESG Disclosure 19 January 2022 The Canadian Securities Administrators is to provide guidance on the disclosure practices of investment funds as they relate to ESG considerations, particularly funds whose investment objectives reference ESG factors and other funds that use ESG strategies. This notice also provides guidance on the types of investment funds that may market themselves as being focused on ESG. EU Securities Watchdog Launches Review Of ESG Ratings Sector 03 February 2022 The European Union's securities watchdog has launched a review of the fast-growing but largely unregulated market for ESG ratings on companies. Europe’s markets supervisor is taking the first step toward possible regulation. United Kingdom: Financial Conduct Authority introduced TCFD as a Rule For Companies 04 February 2022 Financial rule changes are putting asset managers and investors in the driving seat with businesses over their approach to sustainability and climate change. As part of the government’s aim to support the transition to net zero, the Financial Conduct Authority recently introduced rules requiring companies and asset managers to disclose information about climate change, in line with the recommendations issued by the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Brazil and Chile are set to be Latin America’s Green Bond Leaders In The Coming Years 10 February 2022 Latin America’s green bond sales amounted to US$30.2bn in the 12 months through June 2021, the most recent figure available from CBI. Of the total, US$10.3bn came from Brazil, US$9.5bn was issued in Chile, and US$4bn came from Mexico. The Chilean government is promoting sovereign green bonds to generate interest among private firms in issuing green debt. In Brazil, the largest volume of issues has come from companies in the infrastructure and agriculture sectors. India’s Market Regulator Is Looking To Standardise Green Rating Agencies 11 February 2022 There are two emerging trends visible in the Indian capital market for the past couple of years. The first is the sharp increase in the number of retail investors and the second is the increasing demand for sustainable finance. In line with these trends, there is an emerging market of rating companies that assess ESG risks and opportunities of investments, not only in India but also globally. Aligned with this global trend, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has come up with suggestions to regulate ESG Rating Providers (ERPs). East African banks under pressure to Report Climate Risks and ESG issues in their Operations 14 February 2022 East African banks are under pressure from financial regulators to integrate ESG issues in their operations. The stakeholders say integrating ESG across organisations means working towards positive environmental and social impacts in the community while actively reducing any negative impact a business may have on its social and physical surroundings. Egypt: FRA Studies Licensing Green Islamic Microfinance Products 15 February 2022 The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) is working on developing new financial products and providing all financing tools necessary to keep pace with developments in global markets and provide the best international practices as well as provide new types of investment funds to achieve sustainable development goals. United States: SEC Elevates ESG Priority In Credit-Rating Firm Exams, Some Firms Push Back 16 February 2022 The Securities and Exchange Commission recently issued an annual report on its oversight of credit-rating firms that for the first time listed ESG rating practices as a key examination focus. US credit rating agencies are now facing exam scrutiny over how they compile ESG ratings for companies.  Turkey: CMB Takes Another Step Towards Sustainability 04 March 2022 The Capital Markets Board (CMB) submitted the Draft Guidelines on Green Debt Instruments and Green Lease Certificates (tr. Sukuk), drafted to regulate the principles regarding green debt instruments and lease certificates (Green Debt Instruments) to be issued to finance investments.  

ESG INDICES AND PRODUCTS

Real-Time ESG News Service Launch by GaiaLens 03 February 2022 Data-led ESG platform GaiaLens has launched its real-time ESG news service, GaiaLens Momentum, to capture and process all relevant news for more than 16,000 public companies. The Philippines Government eyes first $500 million green bond issue 05 February 2022 The Philippines is borrowing $500 million via the first-ever issuance of green bonds in the offshore debt market in line with the efforts to finance sustainable projects. Finance Secretary said the government is set to offer green bonds for the first time. The country intends to make its maiden auction of green bonds in an effort to maximize public and private funds in completing net-zero infrastructure. Govt of India Issues Long-tenure Green Bonds in A Bid To Tackle Climate Change 07 February 2022 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget Speech announced that the government proposes to issue sovereign green bonds to mobilise resources for green infrastructure. Sustainable bond issuances to hit record US$1.35 trillion this year, Moody's ESG Solutions says 08 February 2022 Sustainable bond issuances are expected to hit a record US$1.35 trillion globally in 2022, although growth is expected to slow amid a maturing market and monetary tightening, Moody’s ESG Solutions said. Bank of International Settlements rolls out Asian green bond fund 25 February 2022 The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has launched a new fund investing in Asian green bonds to help finance projects to combat climate risks in one of the world's most natural disaster-prone regions.  

GENDER EQUALITY

Santiago Exchange receives Gender Equality Certificate for Encouraging Female Participation 02 February 2022 ​The Santiago Exchange received the IPG 2021-2022 certificate, a distinction awarded by the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality to those companies adhering to the Gender Equality Initiative that are working on action plans to improve female labor force participation indicators, reduce the wage gap and lower the barriers to female promotion to senior positions. JSE joins over 100 Exchanges In Ringing The Bell For Gender Equality 08 March 2022 The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) joined more than 100 peer stock exchanges across the world in appealing to their local Governments and corporates to step up their support for women’s economic development in commemoration of the annual International Women’s Day. QSE Celebrates International Women's Day 08 March 2022 In celebration of International Women’s Day, Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) has joined 118 exchanges around the world in raising awareness on gender equality in the equity market space. PSE joins over 100 Exchanges In Ringing The Bell For Gender Equality 08 March 2022 The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Board and Management together with the women leaders of the company opened trading on March 8, International Women’s Day, with a bell ringing event in support of the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality program. BSX celebrates International Women’s Day 2022 and Ring The Bell For Gender Equality 08 March 2022 Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) has celebrated the eighth annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign for International Women’s Day. CSE celebrates International Women’s Day 2022 08 March 2022 Chittagong Stock Exchange(CSE) celebrates International Women’s Day 2022 on 8 March 2022. CSE has organized this program as the affiliated member of WFE and as a Partner Stock Exchange of the UN SSE, the theme of this year's event is: “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. BCSE Trade Opening Ring The Bell For Gender Equality Ceremony 08 March 2022 In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange held the annual event Ring the Bell for Gender Equality, which marked the grand opening of the trading day. DGCX 'rings the bell' for gender equality on International Women's Day 2022 08 March 2022 In honor of International Women’s Day, the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX) once again participated in the “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” ceremony. NSE Joins Global Stock Exchanges to 'Ring the Bell' for Gender Equality 08 March 2022 As the world celebrates the International Women's Day, the Global Compact Network Kenya in partnership with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), United Nations Women Kenya and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Africa joined stock exchanges across the globe to ring the annual Bell for Gender Equality. ASE Rings The Bell For Gender Equality And Joins The WEPs 08 March 2022 The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) hosted virtually the annual celebration of the international initiative Ring the Bell for Gender Equality, in cooperation with the International Finance Organization (IFC), UN Women Jordan and the UN Global Compact Jordan, by ringing the bell to start the trading session. Nigerian Exchange, Ministry Of Women Affairs To Explore Partnerships On Gender Equality 08 March 2022 Nigerian Exchange Group joined over 100 securities exchanges around the world to celebrate the 2022 International Women’s Day and Ring the Bell for Gender Equality in collaboration with International Finance Corporation (IFC), Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, United Nations (UN) Women, United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).