Asiamoney names Crédit Agricole CIB as Hong Kong’s Best Bank for ESG in 2023

In the ever-revolving environmental, social and governance (ESG) financing landscape, Crédit Agricole CIB has been pushing boundaries to offer innovative advises for clients who share the same vision. As one of the leading European financial institutions and the first bank to set up a sustainable banking team in as early as the late 2000s, the Bank brings in thought leaders from Europe to Asia and beyond, constantly adapting to the evolving market expectations and standards.

Crédit Agricole CIB integrates its ESG strategies across all facets

Crédit Agricole CIB’s ESG journey started from having three bankers in the Paris headquarters and has been growing internationally ever since. Today, the Bank integrates its ESG strategies across all facets – it embodies nearly ten Asia-based specialists, an extensive international network of more than 30 specialised advisors, as well as sustainable coordinators to foster its ESG strategies within all activities both internally and externally. 

Successful partnerships and quality transactions in ESG financing 

“In an era when many financial institutions are only just beginning to seriously grapple with ESG initiatives, Crédit Agricole’s decade-long dedication sets it apart,” Asiamoney notes. The result of this powerful platform and network leads to many successful partnerships and quality transactions in the ESG financing space, with many more opportunities to come. 

A recent example is when the Bank introduced green repo to the Asia market in 2022, resulting two mandates to support the Bank of China’s sustainable development. Crédit Agricole CIB has also acted as the structuring advisor for three Hong Kong Monetary Authority ESG bond issuances, as well as the inaugural social bond offering for the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation, to support the city’s ESG roadmap.

Besides being a strategic advisor for clients, Crédit Agricole CIB has been an active counterpart in industry alliances to support the market in developing a sustainable finance roadmap, particularly in exploring a more consistent framework to define ESG standards. The Bank is a cornerstone member in more than 10 industry initiatives, including the Green Commercial Banking Alliance in partnership with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the International Finance Corporation.

The Bank’s commitment in ESG for its people, clients, and the industry underscores its position as a leading bank in this area

Last month, financial and capital markets thought-leader FinanceAsia has also recognised Crédit Agricole CIB’s effort, and named the Bank the Best International Sustainable Bank in mainland China and South Korea for the year 2023.

		“As part of the founding team who help form Crédit Agricole CIB’s sustainable investment banking team, I witness the team’s expansion, the industry’s advancement, and the growing demand from market and investors. These are all positive developments which we want to see, and they motivate us in continuing to push boundaries for more innovations in ESG.”  Antoine Rose, Head of Sustainable Investment Banking for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East
		“We’re delighted to have brought expertise from around the world to support our clients here in Asia-Pacific. Being recognised as the Best Bank for ESG in our Asia-Pacific hub Hong Kong is meaningful for us, as it reaffirms our ongoing commitment to promote sustainable development in the financial hub. We thank all our clients and partners for their unwavering trust and support.”  Edouard O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer for Hong Kong