ESG / SUSTAINABILITY

Market Infrastructure

HKEX to Launch Sustainable Finance Information Platform, ‘STAGE’

By Manesh Samtani | 18/06/2020

Initially, ‘STAGE’ will host information on the 44 green bonds and two ESG-related ETFs listed in Hong Kong. Over time, it could expand to include equities, overseas products, and derivatives.

AML / KYC

Green Crime: A Global Challenge Requiring a Global Response

By Editors | 17/06/2020

A coherent global response and unifying standards are needed to tackle illegal wildlife trade and environmental crime. Financial institutions have a crucial role to play.

Securities / Derivatives

ICMA Releases Guidance for Issuers of Sustainability-Linked Bonds

By Editors | 10/06/2020

Sustainability-linked bonds are performance-based bond instruments where the issuer is committing to future improvements in sustainability outcomes within a predefined timeline.

Securities / Derivatives

Regulatory Change a Challenge for Hong Kong Fund Managers

By Editors | 10/06/2020

Overregulation is an issue for some fund managers in Hong Kong, but the industry is also calling for greater regulatory clarity around GBA initiatives and ESG standards, according to a KPMG-HKIFA survey report.

ESG / Sustainability

KRX to Waive Fees for Issuers of ESG Bonds – Report

By Editors | 04/06/2020

KRX will also launch a centralised platform where investors can obtain the investment information and disclosures of each bond, as it seeks to bolster ESG bond markets.

AML / KYC

ACAMS, FAST Collaborate to Fight Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking

By Editors | 04/06/2020

A new ‘Fighting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking’ certificate is being provided free-of-charge to financial sector actors.

ESG / Sustainability

Singapore Banks Pledge Relief to Landlords Providing Rent Waivers

By Editors | 03/06/2020

Singapore authorities, with the support of banks, have announced a package of measures that will help landlords with existing loan commitments and cashflow needs.

ESG / Sustainability

China: Clean Coal Projects No Longer Eligible for Green Bond Financing

By Editors | 02/06/2020

The removal of clean coal from the list of eligible projects will make it easier for foreign investors to play a greater role in China’s sustainable debt market.

ESG / Sustainability

HKEX Plans Introduction of New Exchange Traded Products – Report

By Editors | 02/06/2020

Under consideration are leveraged and inverse ETPs tracking A share indexes, fixed-income ETFs, sectoral and thematic ETFs backed by Chinese assets, and ESG themed ETPs.