ICMA

BMO Publishes an Updated Sustainable Bond Framework with Innovative Green, Social and Transition Financing Categories

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 4, 2024
ICMA, EMPOWER, Climate change, Moody's Investors Service, BMO, Transition, General counsel, Risk, Bank, Party, Sale, Sustainability Bonds, Power plant engineering, Nature, Insurance, Outline, Bank of Montreal, Annual report, Nuclear energy, Green bond, International Capital Market Association, Government, Legislation, Renewable energy

Under the updated Sustainable Bond Framework, BMO may issue four types of sustainable bonds: Sustainability Bonds, Green Bonds, Transition Bonds and Social Bonds.

Key Points: 
  • Under the updated Sustainable Bond Framework, BMO may issue four types of sustainable bonds: Sustainability Bonds, Green Bonds, Transition Bonds and Social Bonds.
  • Recognizing nuclear power's role in energy transition, BMO included nuclear energy as an eligible green financing activity.
  • "We are pleased to announce these updates to BMO's Sustainable Bond Framework including the addition of nuclear energy and transition uses of proceeds" said Sharon Haward-Laird, General Counsel, BMO Financial Group, and Chair of the BMO Climate Institute.
  • This is reflected in our inclusion of innovative green, transition and social financing categories in our updated Framework.

New AI-Powered Data Analyst from Polco Provides Instant, Actionable Insights for Governments

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Civic, Hoover Institution, ICMA, Conference, Public, Arizona State University, Data analysis, Partnership, International, GFOA, Government Finance Officers Association, Research, Strategic planning, Artificial intelligence, University, Polly, Public sector, Public opinion, Stanford University, Medical device

Personified as "Polly," Polco's conversational AI data analyst answers public sector leaders' most pressing questions with unparalleled, real-time performance management data, comparisons, and historical trends.

Key Points: 
  • Personified as "Polly," Polco's conversational AI data analyst answers public sector leaders' most pressing questions with unparalleled, real-time performance management data, comparisons, and historical trends.
  • Currently accessed in Polco's platform, Polly puts actionable community insights at the fingertips of users for strategic planning, budgeting, grant applications, performance management, and everyday reporting.
  • "Public officials earnestly want to make great decisions using data, but it's really difficult to use public sector data," said Polco CEO Nick Mastronardi.
  • "Public officials earnestly want to make great decisions using data, but it's really difficult to use public sector data," said Polco CEO Nick Mastronardi.

Institute for Building Technology and Safety Recognized with 2023 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024
IBTS, International, National Association, Research, Workplace, Job satisfaction, CSG, Culture, Exercise, NGA, National League, Cigna, Health, Health care, Council, College of Engineering (KNUST), Organization, NLC, Human resources, ICMA, Vitality, State, Massage, Nursing

ASHBURN, Va., March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Cigna Healthcare has selected the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) as a recipient of their 2023 bronze level Healthy Workforce Designation for demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and vitality of its employees through a workplace well-being program.

Key Points: 
  • Cigna Healthcare has selected the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) as a recipient of their 2023 bronze level Healthy Workforce Designation for demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and vitality of its employees through a workplace well-being program.
  • ASHBURN, Va., March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Cigna Healthcare has selected the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) as a recipient of their 2023 bronze level Healthy Workforce Designation for demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and vitality of its employees through a workplace well-being program.
  • "We are honored to be recognized with the Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation, as we are committed to the health and well-being of our team," said Wanda Shiflett, Human Resources Manager for IBTS.
  • "We are honored to be recognized with the Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation, as we are committed to the health and well-being of our team," said Wanda Shiflett, Human Resources Manager for IBTS.

Orexo strengthens its sustainability work by establishing a social financing framework

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024
Second opinion, Substance abuse, International Capital Market Association, Carnegie Investment Bank, Overalls, Vaccine, VIVIsectVI, APLMA, ABG Sundal Collier, ICMA, Sustainalytics, Orexo, Loan Market Association, Online shopping

Additionally, Sustainalytics considers the Social Framework to be credible, impactful and to be aligned with the overall sustainability strategy of the Company and that the use of proceeds category will contribute to the advancement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing.

Key Points: 
  • Additionally, Sustainalytics considers the Social Framework to be credible, impactful and to be aligned with the overall sustainability strategy of the Company and that the use of proceeds category will contribute to the advancement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing.
  • The Social Framework and the Second Opinion are available on Orexos's website under the heading ESG Sustainable investing and Orexo intends to regularly report on the underlying social eligible projects which will be published on the Company's website.
  • ABG Sundal Collier AB and Carnegie Investment Bank have acted structuring advisors in connection to the establishment of the Social Framework.
  • As announced today in a separate press release, Orexo contemplates to issue new senior secured callable floating rate social bonds under the Social Framework.

Orexo strengthens its sustainability work by establishing a social financing framework

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024
Second opinion, Substance abuse, International Capital Market Association, Carnegie Investment Bank, Overalls, Vaccine, VIVIsectVI, APLMA, ABG Sundal Collier, ICMA, Sustainalytics, Orexo, Loan Market Association, Online shopping

Additionally, Sustainalytics considers the Social Framework to be credible, impactful and to be aligned with the overall sustainability strategy of the Company and that the use of proceeds category will contribute to the advancement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing.

Key Points: 
  • Additionally, Sustainalytics considers the Social Framework to be credible, impactful and to be aligned with the overall sustainability strategy of the Company and that the use of proceeds category will contribute to the advancement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing.
  • The Social Framework and the Second Opinion are available on Orexos's website under the heading ESG Sustainable investing and Orexo intends to regularly report on the underlying social eligible projects which will be published on the Company's website.
  • ABG Sundal Collier AB and Carnegie Investment Bank have acted structuring advisors in connection to the establishment of the Social Framework.
  • As announced today in a separate press release, Orexo contemplates to issue new senior secured callable floating rate social bonds under the Social Framework.

EQS-News: IR.on Aktiengesellschaft: A look at the German SME bond market in 2023 – 24 issues with significantly increased placement volume of EUR 788 million

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Consultant, Katjes International, SME, GBP, SPO, Face, Risk, AG, SBP, EUR, SLBP, ICMA, Security (finance)

A look at the German SME bond market in 2023: 24 issues with significantly increased placement volume of EUR 788 million – Average coupon climbs to 8.64%

Key Points: 
  • A look at the German SME bond market in 2023: 24 issues with significantly increased placement volume of EUR 788 million – Average coupon climbs to 8.64%
    Number of issues in 2023 at 24, slightly higher than in the previous year (23)
    Sustainable SME bonds account for 25% (average coupon: 8%)
    Cologne, 23 January 2024 – The German market for SME bonds recovered slightly in 2023 despite significantly higher coupons.
  • The volume placed increased by 34% to EUR 788 million, representing a placement ratio of almost 80%.
  • Of the 24 issues, 19 were follow-up issues and only five were first-time issues.
  • The volume of defaults – caused by four insolvencies, including fashion company Gerry Weber and real estate developer Euroboden – rose to EUR 340 million (2022: EUR 148 million).

APRISCO ENERGY INDUSTRIES Joins Forces with MAXIMANCE 2030 LTD and BLUEGRACE ENERGY BOLIVIA in a Cooperation Agreement for REDD+ Initiatives

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 18, 2024
CO2, ECLAC, TESLA, Biodiversity, COP28, Sustainable Development Goals, Collaboration, Partnership, Electricity, Escazú Agreement, UN, Paris Agreement, United Nations Global Compact, Hydrogen, Catalana, Environment, Carbon, Climate change, Investment, Global Compact, Amazon rainforest, Health, Transport, Sustainable development, ICMA, Climate, Education, LTD, Growth, Renewable energy

BARCELONA, Jan 18, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - APRISCO ENERGY INDUSTRIES S.L., a Spain-based company dedicated to a fair and sustainable energy transition, has joined forces with BLUEGRACE ENERGY BOLIVIA SRL and MAXIMANCE 2030 LTD.

Key Points: 
  • BARCELONA, Jan 18, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - APRISCO ENERGY INDUSTRIES S.L., a Spain-based company dedicated to a fair and sustainable energy transition, has joined forces with BLUEGRACE ENERGY BOLIVIA SRL and MAXIMANCE 2030 LTD.
  • In December 2023, BlueGrace Energy Bolivia, in partnership with MAXIMANCE 2030 LTD, secured approval for ISIN UK.BG.MAX 785.985257.
  • Acknowledging the significant contribution of BLUEGRACE ENERGY BOLIVIA SRL's protected forest capital in "Gran Chaco - Bolivia."
  • BlueGrace Energy Bolivia (BGEB) exemplifies corporate responsibility in environmental sustainability, aligning with over 90% of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Tricolor Issues Social Bond to Advance Financial Inclusion in Underserved Hispanic Communities

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 25, 2024
FICO, JPMorgan Chase, International Capital Market Association, Framework, CDFI, ABS, Community development financial institution, Treasury, Class D, AI, Jules Kroll, Sale, S&P Global Ratings, Community development, Transport, ICMA, Barclays

DALLAS, Jan. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tricolor today announced a $271 million social bond – its third overall – to empower underserved, low-income communities and provide them with improved access to mainstream financing.

Key Points: 
  • DALLAS, Jan. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tricolor today announced a $271 million social bond – its third overall – to empower underserved, low-income communities and provide them with improved access to mainstream financing.
  • The transaction was oversubscribed by 3.4X on the available classes; the Class D and Class E bonds were pre-placed.
  • Tricolor leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to successfully underwrite and extend affordable loans to credit invisible customers.
  • By providing deserving people with access to reliable, affordable transportation and moving them into the financial mainstream, Tricolor aims to reverse systemic financial inequality in America.

Global Sustainable Cities Competition Sparks Speedy Innovation Solutions

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Gold, Trust, Investment, City, Partnership, Green bond, UN, AI, Climate, ICMA, Interest, Renewable energy

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FULL and Anthropogenic announced the kickoff of a $10 Billion Annual Sustainable Cities Competition at the World Economic Forum.

Key Points: 
  • DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FULL and Anthropogenic announced the kickoff of a $10 Billion Annual Sustainable Cities Competition at the World Economic Forum.
  • This transformative initiative is aimed at accelerating climate transition projects and rapidly enabling sustainable urban development in up to 10 cities across the globe.
  • A key focus of the Sustainable Cities Competition is the elevation of Green Bond finance and data tracking to proactively mitigate physical climate risks, particularly through initiatives targeting energy efficiency and consumption reduction.
  • The Sustainable Cities Competition helps chart a more reliable course towards the World Economic Forum's recommended $2 trillion annual investment by 2026, not merely based on UN SDGs but grounded in real asset loss risk.

Impact Disclosure Taskforce Created to Scale Financing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Environment, Finance, Consulting, Banking, Business, Professional Services, Sustainability, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Asset Management, Asian Development Bank, Disclosure, Allianz Global Investors, ISSB, Sustainable Development Goals, CDPQ, Investment, Axa Investment Managers, Bank, Citigroup, Standard Chartered, International Capital Market Association, International Sustainability Standards Board, UNCTAD, AFD, Natixis Investment Managers, SDG, Research, USD, Société Générale, Global Impact, ADB, Conference, DFC, Linklaters, GISD, Task force, Poverty, Deutsche Bank, Engagement, Goldman Sachs, Investment banking, ICMA, Bank of America, UNIS-UN Conference, Innovation, Sustainable finance, ESG, Renewable energy, Asset management, Cryptocurrency

The Taskforce also intends to explore mechanisms for disseminating and analyzing this entity-level impact information to promote transparency and accountability.

Key Points: 
  • The Taskforce also intends to explore mechanisms for disseminating and analyzing this entity-level impact information to promote transparency and accountability.
  • The Taskforce also obtains input from public development banks including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the French Agency for Development (AFD), and the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), as well as from the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), members of the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance (GISD), and Linklaters.
  • Collaborating to provide suggested guidance on standardized impact metrics for development finance will allow entities to more clearly communicate their contribution towards the SDGs.
  • We are working to support greater impact disclosures and ultimately attract more sustainable finance capital to emerging markets and developing countries.”