Standard Chartered has issued its first-ever Social Bond, a €1 billion 8-year Non-Call 7-year offering, aimed at financing sustainable development in low-income countries across its emerging market footprint. The bond will primarily support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhance access to essential services such as healthcare and education, and facilitate investment in basic infrastructure and food security. This initiative aligns with the bank’s Sustainability Bond Framework.
With an estimated $4.2 trillion in annual investment required across emerging markets to drive sustainable development, strengthen business resilience, and support long-term economic growth, private sector capital mobilisation remains critical. Standard Chartered’s social bond seeks to channel funding to high-demand regions, reinforcing financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
Proceeds from the issuance will be allocated to Standard Chartered’s Sustainable Finance asset pool, which currently holds $5.5 billion in social assets—99% of which are located in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The top five recipient countries include India (57%), Malaysia (10%), Bangladesh (6%), Mainland China (5%), and Nepal (4%).
Diego De Giorgi, Group Chief Financial Officer at Standard Chartered, stated: “Our first social issuance is a significant milestone, demonstrating our ability to raise capital in global financial hubs and deploy it into markets where sustainable finance is most needed. This issuance underscores our role in facilitating capital flows between developed and developing economies to drive long-term growth.”
Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer, added: “This issuance reinforces our commitment to inclusive development. With nearly all our social assets located in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, we are well positioned to mobilise capital at scale and support meaningful impact across our markets.”
Daniel Hodge, Group Treasurer, emphasised the investment appeal: “Our Sustainable Finance offerings provide investors with the security of a UK-regulated counterparty while ensuring that the capital raised supports economic development in high-growth emerging markets.” Salman Ansari, Global Head of Capital Markets, noted: “Following three successful Sustainability Bond issuances, this Social Bond further highlights our commitment to driving inclusive economic growth. Investor enthusiasm for this issuance reflects strong global demand for sustainable finance solutions.”
