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Can ESG investing fix a broken culture?
Harassment allegations at institutions of social and environmental purpose, from schools to public sector banks, are a sobering reminder that ethical investment is about more than just how borrowers spend investors' money. ESG investing should also catalyse cultural change across the financial industry, but it will be a long and difficult fight.
20 Apr 2021 -
Banks must pay attention to Kiwi climate disclosures
New Zealand will be an important test case for mandatory reporting on climate risks. Financial firms everywhere would be wise to sit up and take notice.
20 Apr 2021 -
Divergence on ABS is healthy, just don't touch STS
As the securitization regimes in the UK and the EU begin to diverge, the changes made so far will do little long-term damage and there are even potential benefits, as long as rule makers on both sides of the English Channel stay true to the 'simple, transparent and standardised' (STS) principle.
20 Apr 2021 -
Governance concerns won't derail Darktrace's IPO
The corporate governance issues surrounding Darktrace, the UK AI cyber security company that confirmed its intention to float on the London Stock Exchange this week, can be generously described as unusual but they are not a shock to the market, and are unlikely to put investors off completely, providing the company seeks a sensible valuation.
20 Apr 2021 -
It’s crunch time for Chinese SOE bonds
The shock from the stunning slump in China Huarong Asset Management Co's dollar bonds may have eased slightly, following a rally this week after supportive comments from the Chinese government. But the incident should trigger a more critical look at the risks and rewards of buying state-owned international bonds.
20 Apr 2021 -
Don’t seek logic in stock price moves
Imagine trying to explain stock markets to an alien or an intelligent caveman, someone who has grown up in a world without the flicker of red and green numbers, the theatre of shareholder meetings, the strange spectacle of Jim Cramer’s pre-scheduled rage.
15 Apr 2021 -
Showing ESG rankings everywhere is good biz
ESG ratings are starting to appear in term sheets for high grade corporate bond issuers, regardless of whether or not the deal is a themed issuance. This is a sensible move and ought to have a positive impact on the curve for the issuer.
13 Apr 2021 -
Being green no longer enough in battle to attract equity capital
Renewable energy has been one of the hottest sectors in Europe’s equity capital markets in recent times but investors are no longer just buying companies for their verdant hue. Issuers must now prove they have the financial strength to back their environmental credentials.
13 Apr 2021 -
Another crunch decision for Turkey's central bank
Turkey's central bank once again faces a critical rates decision this week. Any whiff of a cut in rates would be disastrous for the volatility-stricken country and its access to capital markets.
13 Apr 2021 -
Asia’s capital markets: in for a rough ride
Asia’s capital markets had a hot first quarter, with volumes soaring across both DCM and ECM. Momentum still appears strong — but market participants should brace themselves for a tough time ahead.
08 Apr 2021