- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) launches ESG evaluated syndicated loans and ESG evaluated loans
- Japan Research Institute licenses ESG Ratings data to enhance their ESG-related services
- Growing global demand to incorporate ESG factors as a core part of investment and stewardship approaches
- FTSE Russell has 15+ year track record in promoting sustainable investment
FTSE Russell, the global index, analytics and data provider, is delighted that two Japanese firms have selected FTSE Russell’s ESG Ratings data model. Japan Research, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) has selected FTSE Russell’s ESG Ratings data model to enhance their ESG-related services to Japanese corporations. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), one of the largest banks in Japan, has launched Japan’s first ‘ESG*/SDGs** Evaluated Syndicated Loan’ and ‘ESG/SDGs Evaluated Loan’ in collaboration with Japan Research Institute utilizing FTSE Russell’s ESG Ratings data model. SMBC is firmly committed to promoting sustainable financing and is looking to integrate ESG factors into its corporate finance offering to borrowers.
Arisa Kishigami, Head of ESG, Asia-Pacific, FTSE Russell, said:
“We are delighted that Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Japan Research Institute has chosen FTSE Russell’s ESG Ratings data model in its new corporate loan evaluation based on our ESG data. There is increased recognition that ESG factors are being integrated into assessments of companies and this is now a core focus for our clients across asset owners, asset managers, consultants and banks.”
FTSE Russell launched its new ESG Ratings data model, which provides underlying environmental, social and governance (ESG) data on approximately 4,500 companies across more than 300 indicators, in December 2016.
FTSE Russell’s ESG Ratings data model is part of a wider and extensive sustainability offering which includes the Green Revenues data model and Sustainable Investment indexes such as the FTSE4Good Index Series, the FTSE Blossom Japan Index, and FTSE Russell’s ‘Smart Sustainability’ indexes.
FTSE Russell has been a pioneer in the development of ESG benchmarking tools and sustainable investing, launching the FTSE4Good Index Series in 2001. FTSE4Good is a leading Sustainable Investment Index Series which provides investors with a transparent and objective benchmark, including constituent companies that meet specific ESG criteria.
Further information can be found online at the FTSE Blossom Japan Index page
* ESG: Environmental, Social and Governance
** SDG: UN Sustainable Development Goals