Dear clients,
I am pleased to share with you our inaugural Credit Markets edition of Bankable Insights, a selection of articles that take a closer look at how innovative financing can offer a range of funding options for corporates, financial institutions and sovereigns to raise the capital they need, and for investors to turn their capital into ‘a force for good’. The credit markets have remained strong amid global economic uncertainty primarily due to exceptional financial liquidity provided by central banks and historically low interest rates. This bodes well for issuers and borrowers in our footprint markets of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. But it specially benefitted those in transition industries and economies who embraced sustainability-linked financing instruments. While these deals were a step in the right direction, many borrowers continue to face potential future challenges around attracting financing.
The pandemic has deepened global inequalities – now is the time to step up multi-lateral collaboration. The main questions that are emerging for institutional investors are: how to channel capital to where its impact is greatest, how to align purpose with profit and which types of investment techniques can help. The pieces in this edition provide practical examples of progress to date and where more work is needed. We hope you will find this an interesting read and I look forward to engaging with you further as you renew and pivot your business and investment strategy for the future.
Henrik Raber Global Head Credit Markets Standard Chartered
