SGX links up with Nasdaq on sustainability bonds

Singapore Exchange (SGX) has forged a partnership with Nasdaq Sustainable Bond Network to enable bond issuers in Asia-Pacific to showcase their green, social and sustainability (GSS) bonds to global investors.

The exclusive Asian partnership will enhance the accessibility and transparency of the region’s GSS bonds through the availability of standardized environmental, social and governance (ESG) data covering areas such as pre-issuance frameworks and certifications, and post-issuance allocation and impact. This aims to support bond investors in their due diligence, selection and monitoring, helping them make informed, data-driven investment decisions.

Nasdaq’s sustainable bond network is a platform for global issuers to voluntarily publish key information and data on GSS bonds. The addition of SGX data – which supports the financing of projects such as renewable energy, sustainable land use, clean transportation as well as social and humanitarian causes – expands the network to 650 issuers and approximately 6,500 bonds.

SGX hosts more than half of the GSS bond listings in Asia-Pacific with issues spanning diverse green and social themes. As a global bond platform, the exchange helps bond issuers maximize investor outreach and effectively engage a broad and diversified base of global market participants and investors in Asia.

Lee Beng Hong, head of fixed income, currencies and commodities at SGX, says: “This collaboration underscores the importance of data in bridging investors with sustainable capital to issuers with high-quality projects. More funds are being raised in Asia-Pacific to support sustainability goals, and as one of the top five listing venues globally for GSS bonds, we will look to further drive data distribution and transparency through such platforms and partnerships.”

Ann-Charlotte Eliasson, head of sustainable bond network at Nasdaq, adds: “Through Nasdaq’s sustainable bond network, we want to enhance transparency on the global market for sustainable bonds and support investors in making better and more sustainable investment decisions. Leveraging our close partnership with SGX and their strong reach in the region will enable the network to expand into the important and expanding market for sustainable investment products in Asia-Pacific.”