Both issuers and investors in Singapore are poised to lead efforts in sustainable infrastructure investments, according to an HSBC survey, which has seen further acceleration from the pandemic.
Issuers from the city-state were more positive than their global peers about investments in areas related to smart city and sustainable energy developments, according to a statement citing the survey. They also scored «above average» in the assessment of other potential fields like electricity storage and transport.
Singaporean corporates were especially serious in demonstrating commitment, with nearly a quarter of such local issuers expecting to increase disclosures.
The survey covered 2,000 market participants worldwide including 50 investors and 50 issuers in Singapore.
Accelerated by Covid
In Asia, 43 percent of issuers expect to make «substantial» sustainability-related changes in the next five years compared to 32 percent globally. Singaporean issuers have been especially influenced by the coronavirus outbreak, with 66 percent viewing social well-being as more important than prior to the pandemic compared to 53 percent in the broader region.
«It's unsurprising that Singapore paused their focus on sustainability during the pandemic,» said Priya Kini, head of global banking at HSBC Singapore, who is bullish about sustainable inflows from international investors.
«What's crucial though is that issuers are looking to the future, recognizing the need to be open and transparent.»
