Category

ESG

ESGRegionalTechnology
November 17, 2021

A Closer Look at China’s Approach to Tech Through an ‘S’ in ESG Lens

An expert on China shares how tech firms should prepare to navigate the Chinese government’s recent pivot.By Joseph NeuSome Western observers are quick to see a Chinese Communist Party crackdown on technology companies as a reaction to the rising power of tech giants. But you can also view it through a social lens that aligns with the equity and inclusion goals of many global corporations. Seen this way, it may be more of a China-specific approach to a global trend…
Justin Jones
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Capital MarketsESG
November 17, 2021

Weighing the Impact of Inflation and ESG on Tech Credit Ratings

Credit rating agencies sit down to weigh in on hot topics with Tech20 treasurers at the annual breakfast panel.Each year, members of NeuGroup for Tech Treasurers sit down with tech sector analysts from S&P, Fitch and Moody’s to discuss their pressing questions for the credit rating agencies. This year’s conversation revolved around the hot topics of inflation and ESG. One important takeaway: there’s not much for tech companies to worry about (yet). The chief lending officer at meeting sponsor BNY Mellon moderated…
Justin Jones
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Capital MarketsESG
November 10, 2021

Extra Credit: Energy Companies Issuing Debt from Green Subsidiaries

Bonds issued by energy company transition business units are preferred by debt investors who screen for green.Bonds issued by entities within energy companies that are focused on low- or no carbon emission projects and technology are far more likely to appeal to some asset managers than debt issued by the holding company. That takeaway emerged at a recent meeting of NeuGroup for Oil & Gas Treasury sponsored by Societe Generale during a session that featured two debt investors, one representing…
Justin Jones
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Capital MarketsESG
November 3, 2021

Drilling for Clarity on How ESG Factors Influence Credit Ratings

Oil and gas sector analysts are scrambling to explain to energy companies the link between ESG scores and credit risk.The momentum behind ESG mandates and the conviction that companies committed to sustainability represent better investment risks have put pressure on ratings agencies to reconcile traditional credit ratings with ESG scores. This reconciliation has become more challenging as the agencies themselves begin to offer ESG scores or ratings as well as sustainability assessments. One approach is to explain in more detail…
Justin Jones
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BankingESG
October 18, 2021

Treasury’s Need for an ESG Filter to Keep the Focus Where It Belongs

Tech treasurers in Asia discuss ESG priorities with Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Members of NeuGroup for Asia Tech Treasurers heard insights on treasury’s growing role in the accelerating efforts of corporates to promote sustainability through environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives at a recent meeting sponsored by Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM). Among the key takeaways: Figuring out what matters and what doesn’t to investors and other stakeholders diving into the ESG pool is critical for treasurers facing pressure to innovate and manage…
Justin Jones
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ESGRisk Management
September 30, 2021

Environmental Scrutiny: Internal Audit Takes Stock of ESG Goals

As ESG initiatives grow, audit teams work to ensure companies meet their publicized targets. At recent NeuGroup meetings, internal audit heads discussed taking the first steps at integrating ESG into their audit plans, conducting tests to ensure alignment with public statements on environmental goals. Though only a handful of members currently have ESG in their audit plan, others recognized the need and are kickstarting the process to get out ahead.ESG goals “can become a sales pitch,” one member said, adding he…
Justin Jones
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ESGInvestment Management
August 19, 2021

Leaning into ESG: How a Portfolio ‘Tilt’ Can Pay Off

State Street experts recommend how to optimize an investment portfolio for both ESG and credit quality. It’s a complicated world of ESG scores and standards, especially when managing an investment portfolio. At top of mind for NeuGroup members putting corporate cash to work: should they prioritize ESG performance or maximize returns? Hint: it’s not too much to ask for both. At a recent meeting of NeuGroup for Cash Investment 2, Will Goldthwait and Karyn Corridan, ESG investment experts from State Street Global…
Justin Jones
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Capital MarketsD&IESG
August 5, 2021

A Pioneer Plugs Into Energy Sector Sustainability-Linked Financing

Enbridge, the pipeline operator, is the first midstream firm in North America to do sustainability-linked financing. Presenting to members of NeuGroup for Oil & Gas Treasury (sponsored by Societe Generale), Sheldon Bueckert, director of treasury at Enbridge, shared his experience helping lead the company’s sustainability-linked bond (SLB) and loan financings, a first for a midstream firm in North America. The session focused on a SLB that Enbridge issued in late June.Key SLB details. On June 23, 2021, Enbridge hosted 131 investors…
Justin Jones
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ESGRisk Management
July 22, 2021

Hot Topic: How and When Corporates Respond to Climate Change Risks

Willis Towers Watson offers insights on how companies should assess the financial and economic risks of rising temperatures. At a recent NeuGroup virtual interactive session, Willis Towers Watson’s Climate and Resilience Hub experts, led by Irem Yerdelen, detailed the long-term risks of ignoring the causes of climate change and other environmental threats, and members discussed what steps, if any, treasurers can take to incorporate this risk into their ESG and risk management strategies. “There is an extraordinary depth and breadth…
Justin Jones
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ESGRisk Management
July 22, 2021

Reading the Tale of the Tape on Energy Transition

Economist Ed Hirs shared his perspective on the energy transition with NeuGroup Oil & Gas treasurers.By Joseph Neu“There is nothing you can do to fight the tape,” University of Houston Energy Fellow and Zero Carbon Cycle LLC co-founder Ed Hirs said recently. Energy transition is here, with more than 75% of the public now wanting to reduce carbon emissions, he noted. But the tape, or market trend, also points to the need for energy to support economic and population growth—in developing markets…
Antony Michels
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