Asset owners and managers welcome heightened regulatory scrutiny of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives in the wake of “greenwashing” concerns.

There is a huge gap in climate adaptation financing, the difference between climate adaptation funding being made available and the climate adaptation financing requirements. “With the way extreme climate events are occurring, the need for this type of financing will continue to be big,” Domenico Nardelli, treasurer at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) tells The Asset.

As temperatures rise, the Himalayas are experiencing accelerated glacial melt, with dire consequences for water supplies and ecosystems far and wide. Unfortunately, the current reshuffling of the world order could overlook one of the most critical threats to global stability

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has priced its first climate adaptation bond, a five-year offering that has raised A$500 million (US$337 million).

Investments target green, digital transition, boost cultural, educational, social sectors

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s latest so-called “synthesis report” warns that the world must act immediately to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or risk catastrophic global warming. But the summary approved by member states reflects political wrangling over key passages and downplays promising, feasible solutions

Many of the world’s largest companies have announced plans to achieve net-zero emissions, but their pledges often rely on misleading or false claims. A slew of new rules and recent court cases promises to make it harder for companies to pose as “climate leaders” while maintaining pollution as usual

Japan’s largest banking group MUFG Bank, in partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation and Pavilion Private Equity, has established a fund that will invest primarily in companies dedicated to decarbonization through the development of climate technology.

The Philippines is lagging behind its Southeast Asian peers when it comes to the adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, experts say, and a key reason could be the lack of a “forcing mechanism” to push listed companies to follow internationally recognized sustainability standards.

The lack of shared standards and transparent methodologies for environmental, social, and governance ratings leads to the mispricing of stocks and bonds, and undermines effective decision-making by investors. As more governments are recognizing, regulatory intervention is urgently needed

Reinforced standards, KPI-based methodology at portfolio level part of improved approach

Singaporean lender OCBC has unveiled its decarbonization targets for six sectors and the key actions it will take to meet the targets as part of its commitment to achieve net zero in its financed emissions by 2050.