Stakeholders including investors, regulators, employees, and communities demand greater transparency on how a company manages its ESG risks, how it will adapt to a transition to a net zero world and how it supports a culture of equity and inclusivity. Clients are increasingly expected to proactively address ESG strategy or face consequences such as increased cost, decreased access to capital, and diminished reputation.

Sustainable finance is any financial product that is intended to achieve environmental and/or social outcomes and expressly incorporates those objectives. The sustainable finance category rose to prominence with the green bond but has since diversified to include bonds and loans focusing on environmental and social priorities, as well as other financial products such as trade finance, derivatives, and leasing.

At SMBC Group in the Americas, we support our clients in sustainable finance by advising clients on how to frame and implement their ESG strategies, structuring tailored transactions, and working with SMBC’s world-class product teams to seamlessly execute. ESG and sustainability should be priorities across every business, and we leverage a team of dedicated sustainable finance professionals who connect through a platform that spans the globe.