Kommuninvest: Best Green Bond Issuer Europe 2016

Financing the creation of sustainable wealth. Sweden’s Kommuninvest offers ample exposure to one of the world’s most secure investment opportunities: the country’s local government sector. Kommuninvest is charged with the procurement of financing for Swedish municipalities and county councils. It maintains the lowest possible risk weight (BIS 0%) and the highest credit ratings attainable.

Over 90% of Sweden’s local governments are members of Kommuninvest and, as such, wholly responsible for the commitments undertaken by the company. Kommuninvest is one of the Riksbank’s (the Swedish central bank) monetary policy counterparties and a full member of RIX, the Riksbank’s payment system. Securities issued by Kommuninvest enjoy the exact same level of creditworthiness as Sweden’s sovereign debt instruments.

Kommuninvest has pioneered a green bonds governance model comprising local government climate & environment experts. Earlier this year, Kommuninvest launched its inaugural $600m RegS/144A green bond, to support the financing of initiatives that seek to mitigate climate change. Sweden aims to become one of the world’s first fossil fuel-free welfare state and many investment projects towards this goal are led by local governments.

Kommuninvest, a member of the Green Bond Principles, also aims to lead the quest to develop a standardised framework for green bond issuance and reporting. As such, the company is a key driver towards sustainable growth models. The CFI.co judging panel commends Kommuninvest on its proactive role in reshaping the industry whilst adhering to the highest ethical standards. The judges are pleased to offer Kommuninvest the 2016 Best Green Bond Issuer Europe Award.