Investor demand for green financing in the Americas is on the rise, according to a new survey by HSBC.
Nearly three-quarters of investors in the Americas plan to increase their climate-related or low carbon exposure. However, 82% of investors believe a lack of credible opportunities represents the largest obstacle to making green investments, the survey of institutional investors and corporates found.
Almost 75% of companies surveyed in the Americas do not disclose the environmental impact of their projects, making it difficult for analysts and investors to assess them.
HSBC said momentum was building for green investments and that there was an uptick in sustainable investment commitments from companies.
The Mexico City Airport Trust in September issued $2bn in international green bonds to help finance construction of a new airport. Other cross-border green bond issuers include Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, Brazilian paper exporter Suzano Papel, meatpacker BRF Foods, Peru’s Energia Eolica and Mexican financial services firm Nacional Financiera.