The Covid-19 pandemic has heightened the focus on climate change and financial instruments that promote sustainable economic development, Standard Bank group CEO Sim Tshabalala noted in the latest episode of the ClimateBiz podcast series hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

In a discussion focused on “financing the green rebuild”, he noted that pressure was building on financial institutions, asset managers and corporates to give more attention to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in their day-to-day operations.

By highlighting issues such as inequality, State capacity and mounting pressure on the natural environment, the Covid-19 pandemic had accelerated this trend, added Tshabalala.

Accounting for these factors, he said the expansion of the sustainable finance market’s growth was being supported by the establishment of ESG-linked funds, sustainable indices, and by an evolving regulatory environment.

Social bonds – which are used to finance projects focused on delivering positive social outcomes – have come to the fore during the pandemic as investors and corporates seek to make an impact, while also generating attractive returns, said Tshabalala.

Further, in July, the JSE expanded its green bond segment into a fully-fledged sustainability segment, meaning that issuers can now list social and sustainability bonds along with green bonds.

Numerous other stock markets across Africa were moving in the same direction, he pointed out.

Tshabalala pointed out that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken of the need for a climate-resilient economy in response to the crisis, and in August, government approved a national climate change adaptation strategy.

Moreover, he said policymakers were considering a Climate Change Bill. As such, Tshabalala said, loans and bonds issued specifically to tackle the Covid-19 crisis have had both social and environmental elements to them.

In this regard, Standard Bank has recognised that sustainability-linked loans present a growing business opportunity for both banks and corporates. These instruments incentivise sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour by linking the cost of funding to the achievement of certain predetermined ESG targets.

According to Tshabalala, sustainable finance corporate solutions offered clients an opportunity to directly fund ESG improvements, or to refinance existing general corporate funding. The solution also delivers benefits for the communities and environments in which they operate.

FORWARD MOMENTUM 

In March, Standard Bank issued its first-ever green bond through a private placement with the IFC. The ten-year $200-million facility will raise capital for on-lending by the group’s sustainable finance unit, which will fund eligible green assets – such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, water efficiency and green buildings – aligned to the bank’s sustainable bond framework.

In addition, the bank was the lead arranger for Acorn Holdings’ green bond issuance in Kenya and has structured ESG-linked loans for numerous corporates, including schools’ group Curro Holdings, mobile operator Vodacom, and Equites Property Fund.

Tshabalala said the bank had also provided a facility for a multinational shipping company aimed at incentivising the client to reduce emissions. In addition to funding, Standard Bank provides ESG advisory and technical assistance to clients to help them achieve their sustainability targets.

“Sustainable finance is a continent-wide opportunity. Given the scale of the climate crisis, and Africa’s significant social challenges, shareholders, Africa’s corporates and other key stakeholders are increasingly looking to operate in a way that drives positive social, economic and environmental change,” he noted.