Denise Odaro, IFC’s IR head, talks about Treasury and ESG among its partners
Nov 1, 2021
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Denise Odaro, the IFC's Head of Industrial Relations, is a leader in ESG and sustainable finance, renowned for her work in advancing climate objectives. In this insightful discussion, she explains how IFC Treasury collaborates with financial institutions to elevate ESG goals. Denise highlights the growing role of green bonds in financing emerging markets and the shift towards sustainable investments. She also explores innovative financing solutions for businesses transitioning to a low-carbon economy and the changing landscape of investor demographics.
The IFC Treasury raises approximately $17 billion annually to fund investments aimed at eradicating poverty and promoting shared prosperity.
A shift in financial institutions’ approach to ESG principles has transformed them from mere checkboxes into integral elements of strategy and operations.
Deep dives
The Role of the International Finance Corporation (IFC)
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) serves as the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, focusing on providing equity and loans to enterprises in emerging markets. The Treasury Department's primary responsibility includes raising significant capital—approximately $17 billion annually—to fund these investments. Although the World Bank Group is owned by multiple governments, the funding raised through the bond market is a crucial aspect of the IFC's operations, enabling it to meet its mandate of eradicating poverty and promoting shared prosperity. The Treasury also plays a vital role in managing financial operations and mitigating risks, essential for supporting IFC's development goals.
Shifting Perspectives on ESG in Financial Institutions
Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift in how financial institutions approach Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Initially regarded as a mere checkbox, ESG considerations are increasingly becoming integral to the operations and strategies of banks. The IFC has implemented an ESG dealer survey to evaluate financial institutions based on their ESG performance, fostering accountability and encouraging them to integrate these principles into their core business practices. This progression reflects a broader trend where stakeholders are demanding transparency and actively discussing sustainability targets, greatly improving the impact of ESG within the finance sector.
Growth and Impact of the Green Bond Market
The green bond market has experienced remarkable growth since the IFC issued the first public green bond in 2012, which paved the way for mainstream investment in sustainable projects. With an increase in visibility and stakeholder interest, the overall green bond market has surged past one trillion dollars, attracting over 500 institutions to its governance framework. The Green Bond Principles serve as a roadmap for organizations interested in issuing green bonds, ensuring that funds are used for environmentally friendly projects. Additionally, the introduction of sustainability-linked bonds incentivizes issuers to meet specific sustainability targets, enhancing accountability while supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
What is the role of IFC Treasury and how does it work with Financial Institution to advance Climate objectives? This week we are joined by IFC’s Head of Industrial Relations, Esohe Denise Odaro, who describes how the IFC Treasury function works and how they incentivized financial institutions to reach ESG objectives. Denise also is the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Green, Social and Sustainability-Linked Bonds Principles hosted by the International Capital Markets Association and was names by Environmental Finance as 2020 “Personality of the Year”.
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