BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability by expanding its Sustainable Finance Framework (SFF). With this expansion comes a new Second Party Opinion (SPO) from Morningstar Sustainalytics, affirming the credibility and impact of BDO’s framework. This updated SPO is an important milestone for the bank as it aligns with multiple global standards, including the 2021 Sustainability Bond Guidelines, Green Bond Principles, as well as the 2023 Social Bond and Loan Principles, and Green and Social Loan Principles. BDO’s efforts are also consistent with the 2018 ASEAN Sustainability, Social and Green Bond Standards.
BDO’s Expanded Sustainable Finance Framework
BDO’s newly expanded SFF introduces gender financing and 19 additional eligible categories under various financing types, including green, blue, orange, and social financing. These expansions align with both international and local bond principles, guidelines, and taxonomies, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The broadened framework will enable BDO to finance more projects that deliver significant economic, environmental, and social benefits. These projects are expected to contribute to causes such as ecological sustainability, ocean conservation, community development, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.
A History of Record-Breaking Issuances
BDO has already set industry records with its ASEAN Sustainability Bond issuances. In 2022, BDO made headlines with the largest issuance by any Philippine financial institution or company at P52.7 billion. This was followed by another record-setting issuance of P63.3 billion in January 2024.
In its most recent issuance on July 16, 2024, BDO successfully raised P55.7 billion through its third ASEAN Sustainable Bond offering. The offering was scheduled to end on July 19, but due to overwhelming demand from institutional and retail investors, the offer period was cut short.
What the Second Party Opinion Means for BDO
Morningstar Sustainalytics, a global leader in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) research, played a crucial role in evaluating BDO’s SFF. Their Second Party Opinion serves as an important endorsement of BDO’s framework, affirming its alignment with internationally recognized sustainability standards.
The SPO also signals that BDO is in a strong position to continue issuing sustainable bonds, backed by a rigorous, credible framework. Sustainalytics is well-known for providing high-quality ESG data to some of the world’s leading institutional investors and corporations, further adding weight to their validation of BDO’s efforts.
The Future of BDO’s Sustainability Agenda
With the expanded Sustainable Finance Framework in place and strong validation from Morningstar Sustainalytics, BDO is poised to scale up its contributions to sustainability. By financing more projects focused on sustainability, community welfare, and gender empowerment, BDO is not only adhering to international guidelines but also making a tangible impact on both local and global scales.
The bank’s continued success with its bond issuances and its alignment with global ESG standards solidifies its role as a leader in sustainable finance in the Philippines. Moving forward, BDO’s expanded SFF provides a clear path for supporting projects that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to a greener, more equitable future.
BDO’s expansion of its Sustainable Finance Framework and the accompanying validation from Morningstar Sustainalytics mark a significant step forward in the bank’s sustainability journey. With a robust framework now in place, BDO is well-positioned to finance more impactful projects and strengthen its leadership in sustainable finance. As the bank continues to issue record-breaking sustainability bonds, its commitment to economic, environmental, and social progress is clear, benefiting not just the financial industry but society as a whole.
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