KfW hopes to ‘start a movement’ on ESG grades

KfW made a simple but potentially significant step in the evolution of bond markets this week as it became the first borrower to highlight its environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings in term sheets for a bond issue, from the mandate announcement to the final pricing details. SSA bankers and issuers have applauded the move and other public sector borrowers are looking to follow, writes Burhan Khadbai.