If we look back to the start of the year, climate change was very much at the top of the investor agenda, said Charlie Thomas, Head of Strategy, Environment & Sustainability. However, it's fair to say that COVID-19 has knocked it off the top spot, and rightly so, as it requires an immediate focus.

The coronavirus outbreak is a social issue that threatens the well-being of the world's population. With ther ICMA Social Bond Principles published in 2017, the past few years has seen the bond market develop products that address social issues, with $59 billion issued to date. It therefore stands ready to support the financing of projects aimed at addressing the Covid-19 threat.

Nomura Holding America Inc. today announced the completion of its acquisition of Greentech Capital, LLC (“Greentech”), a leading boutique investment banking firm focused on supporting clients across sustainable technology and infrastructure.

The African Development Bank (AAA) has raised an exceptional $3 billion in a three-year bond to help alleviate the economic and social impact the Covid-19 pandemic will have on livelihoods and Africa's economies.

According to Yann Duvaud-Schelnast, Head of Sustainable Investment, innovation and governance at Allianz France, the subject of carbon occupies a key place to date in the insurer's ESG strategy.