Earlier in March, EIB announced that two social objectives, “gender equality” and “women’s economic empowerment” will be included in the SAB Framework. This means that the proceeds from these bonds may now also be allocated to EIB projects around the world fostering access to finance for women, female entrepreneurship and promoting gender equality.
“SEB is proud to have arranged these significant transactions for EIB, highlighting the addition of gender-related objectives to the EIB SAB programme. Our investor clients have responded very positively to this rare opportunity to mobilise capital markets to support gender equality”, said Anna Sjulander, Head of SSA Origination at SEB.
Nordea Liv, Sparebanken Møre, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, SpareBank 1 SMN, SpareBank 1 Sør-Norge, Sparebanken Vest, Sparebanken Øst, and Sparebank 1 Østlandet invested in the NOK bond, while Handelsbanken Fonder invested in the SEK transaction.
“Handelsbanken Fonder is proud to be part of an EIB Sustainability Awareness Bond that focuses attention on gender equality and women's economic empowerment. This is a unique way to promote projects fostering access to finance for women, female entrepreneurship and gender equality. It is rare for the bond market to be involved in financing such specific projects, and Handelsbanken Fonder see great value in being a co-financier of the EIB”, said Karin Göransson, Fund Manager at Handelsbanken Fonder.
“Gender diversity and equal opportunity is one of Nordea Liv’s key focus areas within sustainable investments. Nordea has targets for gender equality in our own organisation and we are proud to be financing initiatives to promote female entrepreneurship and gender equality through EIB’s projects”, said Anders Wallacher Haukås, Head of Sustainable Investment at Nordea Liv.
“This addition of gender-related objectives to the eligibilities of EIB’s Sustainability Awareness Bonds presents a rare market opportunity for us to support EIB’s lending to projects with a clear gender dimension. It comes at an opportune time to highlight the importance that gender equality plays with respect to economic growth and prosperity. These objectives also align deeply with our mission as a savings bank”, said Thomas Colliander, Finance Manager at Sparebanken Vest.
“The EIB SAB Framework has a broad approach to environmental and social sustainability that extends beyond the climate transition. We like that the SAB Framework aligns with the Green Bond Principles, the Social Bond Principles, and that it incorporates important features of the EU taxonomy. We also value the extension of eligibilities highlighted with this SAB, and that it emphasises the importance of a level playing field for all as a means for economic growth and prosperity”, added Per Egil Aamo, Deputy Head of Treasury at Sparebank 1 SMN.