US rating agency Moody’s says issuance of green, social and sustainability bonds will top to a record $400 billion this year, making a 24% increase compared to 2019 when the figure was $323 billion.

Of the $400 billion, green bonds are seen at $300 billion while social and sustainability bonds are expected at $25 billion and $75 billion, respectively. The good performance, Moody’s explained, will be driven by greater clarity from governments and regulators.

“Across the financial sector, market participants are increasingly integrating environmental, social and governance considerations and sustainability. Governments and regulators are also providing greater structure and clarity to the sustainable finance market as their focus on climate change and sustainability grows,” said Moody's analyst Matthew Kuchtyak.

Gwladys Johnson Akinocho