BNP Paribas

German agency KfW is “open to further business in [both] Singapore and Hong Kong dollars” as it looks to expand its recently updated green framework. Last week, the agency made its green bond debut in Hong Kong dollars, placing a two year private placement on August 2.

Big banks and boutiques alike are ramping up operations to boost revenues in France, Europe’s most competitive investment banking market. But is there enough business — and talent — to go around? By David Rothnie.

Belgium’s Fagron has signed a €375m sustainability-linked credit facility, with the healthcare and pharmaceutical supply company aligning the margin of the facility to greenhouse gas emission reduction.

International investors this week enthusiastically bought a $500m ‘sustainable transition bond’ issued by Marfrig, the second biggest Brazilian beef producer. The deal highlighted its efforts to make its supply chain more sustainable. But Greenpeace, the environmental NGO, argues it is impossible to be sure the supply chain does not include harmful practices.

Central China Real Estate and Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings have raised a combined $463m from dollar bond investors amid a weak market backdrop.

The latest idea captivating sustainable finance enthusiasts is transition bonds.

Marfrig Global Foods, the Brazilian beef producer, has stirred up the green finance market by issuing a $500m ‘sustainable transition bond’. To some, it is a template for a new asset class that can help finance the global economy’s shift to lower carbon emissions. To others, it is a shocking case of greenwashing. By Oliver West and Jon Hay.

BNP Paribas hires UK advisory head — Créd Ag’s credit unit chief moves to markets role — AIIB hires ICBC loan syndicator.

Andrew McNaught will lead BNP Paribas’ UK advisory team from the end of the month, as the French bank plans to develop its corporate operations in the country “further, faster”.

The focus was on costs in the second quarter results of BNP Paribas and Société Générale’s investment banks, announced this week. BNP Paribas managed to keep a lid on expenses and could boast of "positive jaws", but SG took on a big charge from its restructuring.

London-listed Resolute Mining has agreed to buy Senegal’s Toro Gold for $274m, with the acquisitive company planning to turn to its syndicated lenders to refinance the bridge debt linked to the purchase.

Investment grade corporate bond issuance is all but becalmed, but the high yield market is bustling with activity, as a wide variety of companies bring deals, including several strategic capital raisings and M&A financings.