The momentum behind sustainable investing in the Asia Pacific debt capital markets is spurring issuance to record highs while an ever-diverse investor base clamours for GSS loans and bonds.
There is mounting evidence of this maturing landscape. As of early June, for example, ESG-linked bond issuance in Asia Pacific had more than doubled to $69 billion so far in 2021, according to data from Refinitiv.
Covid-19 has simply accelerated a trend in GSS engagement by borrowers and investors alike that has been quickly gathering pace in recent years – increasing sustainability-linked product knowledge and enhancing research capabilities, leading to sustainability becoming more mainstream.
This is clear from the 4th annual poll conducted by ANZ and FinanceAsia during April and May 2021, with 110 completed responses from a mix of issuers and investors across Asia Pacific providing insights into their capabilities, strategies, preferences, requirements and plans in this area.
“The survey findings reinforce what we are hearing day-to-day and how our roles in capital markets continue to evolve, with a growing focus from both issuers and investors on ESG, which was particularly evident throughout Asia this year,” said Andrew Brown, director, sustainable finance, capital markets at ANZ.
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Key takeaways from the survey
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