Desai & Associates’ Post

On October 30, our Senior Advisor, Asia Pacific, Ritesh Thakkar will be participating in the ASIFMA Sustainable Finance Conference 2024 in Hong Kong. Ritesh will speak on a panel exploring blended finance and the just transition. The session will discuss bridging funding gaps, the need for concessionary capital in Asia, how to structure blended finance to minimize risk, and more. Learn more about the session and the conference below. #blendedfinance #ASIFMASustainableFinance2024 #sustainablefinance #developmentfinance #justtransition

Join us at the ASIFMA's 5th Annual Sustainable Finance as we explore an essential conversation around Blended Finance and Just Transition: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures. As we work towards securing consistent and sufficient capital flows for transitional and green projects, it has become clear that despite recent technological advancements, the risk-return profiles of these investments often do not match those of conventional business cases. This is particularly pressing in Asia, where the need for concessionary capital is urgent to unlock scalable and replicable opportunities. Key Topics for Discussion: Financing Interventions for Energy Transition: What specific interventions are necessary to drive progress? Structuring Blended Finance: How can we minimize risk and create further opportunities at scale? Sources of Concessionary Capital: Where can this capital come from, and where will it have the most significant impact? Roles of Government and Regulators: How can policymakers facilitate the flow of capital into transitional projects? Philanthropic Capital Insights: What are the current trends and focuses within philanthropic investing? Identifying Gaps and Opportunities: What challenges still exist, and how can we address them? REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/gpQaWUwG Panellists: Ritesh Thakkar Paul-Antoine Thiebot Kelvin Wong Emily Woodland Tiza Mafira Platinum Sponsor: DBS Bank Gold Sponsor: Citi S&P Global Societe Generale Silver Sponsor: OCBC Endorsers: Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) AIMA - The Alternative Investment Management Association The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Civic Exchange 思匯政策研究所 CFA Institute European Chamber of Commerce Friends of the Earth Hong Kong Trustees' Association (HKTA) Private Wealth Management Association (PWMA) #ASIFMASustainableFinance2024

IFC - International Finance Corporation and the NSE India hosted a two-day capacity-building workshop focused on Green, Social, Sustainability, Sustainability-linked (GSS+), and Transition Bonds. This initiative brought together 80+ industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to foster understanding of thematic bonds crucial for sustainable finance in India.   As India accelerates its journey toward sustainable finance, thematic bonds like Green, Social, and Transition Bonds are vital in closing the financing gap and achieving climate targets. By fostering understanding of these essential instruments, we’re empowering companies to embrace sustainable finance solutions.   The workshop also featured insightful panels: “GIFT City as a Gateway to India’s Climate Finance” and “Developing Taxonomy for GSS+ and Transition Bonds.” The panelists discussed how GIFT City can serve as a hub for climate finance, addressing opportunities and roadblocks. Key points included the need for a robust green taxonomy to meet India’s net-zero targets, the role of GSS+ bonds in mobilizing capital for sustainability, and how taxonomy can support investors in managing “Greenium” effectively.   Together, we’re building pathways to a more sustainable financial ecosystem. 🌱 Wendy Werner, CFA Mehdi Cherkaoui Ramesh Ranganathan Ashish Chauhan

During the recent CSR Dialogue session, Siddhartha Iyer, Sr Manager, CSR, ASK Asset & Wealth Management, shared his views on the promising sectors for CSR investment within the rural economy. Watch the snippet: https://lnkd.in/gkhPWdwd #TeamLeaseFoundation #CSRIndia #RuralIndia #ASK #CSRInitiaitve

Excited to share my video where I explore the intricacies of #SustainableFinance—a vital tool in driving positive environmental and social impact through financial markets. This video covers: 🔹  Levels of Sustainable Finance – Understanding the different layers and frameworks that shape sustainable financial practices. 🔹 #Green vs. Sustainable Finance – Unpacking the differences between these two critical concepts and how they complement each other in the broader sustainability agenda. 🔹 Implementation Strategies – Practical steps and insights on how organizations can effectively adopt and implement sustainable finance. 🔹 India’s Regulatory Landscape – A close look at the policies and regulations that are shaping sustainable finance in India. This video is a must-watch for professionals and enthusiasts alike who are keen to understand how finance can be a force for good in addressing global challenges.  Watch now and let’s make finance work for a sustainable future! #SustainableFinance #GreenFinance #ESG #Finance #Sustainability #India #ClimateAction #ResponsibleInvestment #Impactinvesting #SRI #ESGRiskassessment #SDG

SEBI has recently published an insightful consultation paper on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Debt Securities and Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs), marking a significant move towards sustainable finance in India. 📌 What’s Inside: 1. Detailed Proposals for ESG Debt Securities: The document lays out a proposed framework that includes comprehensive guidelines on issuance, certification, and reporting for ESG debt instruments. It aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and the credibility of green bonds and other ESG-linked financial products. 2. Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs): SEBI introduces the concept of SDIs, which are aimed at providing a structured way to measure and report on sustainable development outcomes associated with financial instruments. 3. Feedback Mechanism: SEBI is actively seeking feedback on the proposals, highlighting the need for collaborative input to shape the future of sustainable finance in India. This consultation paper is a must-read for financial institutions, investors, and sustainability professionals who are keen to understand and contribute to the evolving landscape of ESG finance in India. #SEBI #ESG #SustainableFinance #GreenBonds #CorporateGovernance #Sustainability #IndiaFinance #SustainableInvesting #ResponsibleInvestment #GreenInvestment #ClimateChange

𝐒𝐄𝐁𝐈’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐒𝐆 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥: 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 SEBI’s new proposal to introduce social, sustainability-linked, and green securitized bonds marks a significant expansion in India’s sustainable finance landscape. • SEBI plans to introduce social bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, and green securitization. • ESG debt issuance in India has hit $15.6 billion this year, surpassing previous records. • Strengthening the ESG framework aligns with green growth agenda and boosts India’s global ESG standing. • SEBI’s consultation could lead to major regulatory changes, enhancing sustainable investment opportunities. These developments signal a major shift towards integrating sustainability into India’s financial markets. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: • New ESG products will diversify investment opportunities and channel more capital into sustainable projects. • Could further boost India’s already record-breaking ESG debt issuance. • Enhances India’s role in the global ESG market and helps counter the global slowdown in ESG bond issuances. • Potential for major regulatory shifts that could standardize and streamline sustainable finance practices. #SustainableFinance #ESG #SEBI #GreenBonds #Investment #India #Finance #Sustainability https://lnkd.in/db_5K5gq Disclaimer: The Content in this post is for informational purposes only derived from references and does not constitute any professional advice. We do not claim ownership of any data or Information referenced.

Indian Budget 2024 announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will boost Foreign Investment, Green Transition, Energy Security & Youth Skilling. Let's discuss how we can help you achieve your impact investing & ESG goals and upskilling of your workforce. Contact EsgCiti Green at [email protected]. #budget2024 #indianbudget #impactinvesting #esg #esggoals #msme #greentransition #upskilling #greenskills #transition #environment #esg #environment #sustainability #climatechange #climateaction #investment #sustainablebusiness #climatetech #sustainablefuture #sustainablefinance #esgciti #india

SEBI's recent proposal to integrate the Green Credit Program into the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework marks a significant step towards sustainable finance in India. Enhanced Sustainability Reporting: The inclusion of Green Credit will incentivize companies to align financing activities with environmental objectives, fostering transparency and accountability. Impact on Corporate Governance: This initiative reinforces SEBI's commitment to robust governance practices, integrating environmental considerations into corporate strategies. Promoting Green Finance: By promoting Green Credit, SEBI encourages investments in eco-friendly projects, supporting India's transition towards a greener economy. This forward-thinking move not only strengthens India's position in sustainable finance but also aligns with global ESG standards, attracting responsible investors and driving long-term value creation. Can SEBI's Proposal Transform Corporate Sustainability? Share your thoughts in the comments below. #BRSR #GreenCredit #CorporateGovernance

🌍 India's Journey Towards Climate Action: The Role of Blended Finance 🌍 Working with one of the world's leading policy think tanks Observer Research Foundation, has been an incredible privilege. It has offered me the opportunity to dive deep into climate finance research, an area that is pivotal for India's sustainable future. In my first article, "Corporate Social Responsibility Can't Fulfill India’s NDCs, But Blended Finance Can", I explore how blended finance can play a transformative role in bridging the finance gaps and helping India meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on time. In an era where the urgency of climate action is clear, it's crucial to consider innovative financial solutions like blended finance to mobilize both public and private capital for sustainable growth. I look forward to continuing this important work and contributing to impactful climate finance strategies for India and beyond. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my mentors Sameer Patil, PhD Dr. Anusha Kesarkar-Gavankar JaibalN Naduvath Sauradeep Bag their guidance and unwavering support throughout the process. You have not only helped me grow as a researcher but also made ORF feel like home. #ClimateFinance #BlendedFinance #Sustainability #IndiaNDCs #ClimateAction #ORF #ClimateResearch Link to the article: