Dear clients,
It is tempting to think of 2021 as a fast and furious year that kept financial markets on their toes: the pandemic-driven economic swings, uneven vaccine rollouts, the recent emergence of Omicron, surging energy prices – all paint quite a dramatic picture of 2021. And I am not denying that it has not been quite the ride. But as I look at what we have achieved in credit markets in partnership with our clients this year, I am very proud of how far we have come and how we have been able to make a difference.
The articles and case studies we have collated in this year-end edition of Bankable Insights are testament to this tremendous, collaborative effort. Whether we take a closer look at how the oil and gas industry is navigating its move to net zero, the projects underway to fill infrastructure funding gaps in Africa, or new investment opportunities in Asia’s changing credit landscape: to me, they are all positive examples of how we have turned challenges into opportunities, especially in developing markets where funds are most needed.
I look forward to 2022 and continuing on this trajectory, always challenging ourselves to be more innovative, more collaborative, and never complacent. We can expect to see tensions between growth and climate change intensify next year and both public and private sectors will need to make significant capital investments to meet climate transition goals. Credit markets will continue to play an important role in channeling capital for critical and sustainable development and I am excited to be part of this effort.
A big thank you to all our clients for trusting in us as a partner on this journey and for inspiring us to always do better. To a great 2022 and to continuing to invest in the great transformation, where our mantra continues to be to ’turn capital into a force for good’.
Best wishes to you and yours for the festive season and new year!
Henrik Raber Global Head, Credit Markets Standard Chartered
