News in the spotlight: STOXX and ICE redefine climate investing in bonds
STOXX and ICE are setting a new standard for sustainable fixed income strategies. Their latest climate-aligned indices bring clarity, regulatory alignment, and ESG impact to global bond markets. A timely launch as investors demand transparent, green-focused financial tools.
Products and Services
TPG Bets Big on Climate Tech with Aurora Acquisition
TPG has acquired Aurora, a cutting-edge energy software and analytics platform, in a strategic move to expand its presence in the climate tech space. Aurora is known for its high-precision energy forecasting and system modeling tools, widely used by utilities, developers, and investors. This acquisition strengthens TPG’s investment in clean energy transition infrastructure and supports data-driven climate strategy execution. As sustainability-driven capital flows increase, demand for analytical solutions like Aurora grows rapidly.
The deal highlights the essential role of climate data platforms in accelerating decarbonization and supporting ESG-focused portfolios. TPG aims to scale Aurora’s impact across global markets, reinforcing the intersection of finance, software innovation, and net-zero transition goals. The acquisition underlines a rising trend of private equity entering the climate data and software space. This positions TPG as a key player in energy transition financing through advanced digital tools (source: tpg.com).
STOXX and ICE Launch Climate-Focused Fixed Income Indices
STOXX and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) have launched a comprehensive suite of fixed income climate indices aligned with EU benchmarks—Paris-Aligned (PAB) and Climate Transition Benchmarks (CTB). These indices cover investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds across multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, and GBP. STOXX handles index design and administration, while ICE supplies pricing data, benchmark analytics, and calculation infrastructure. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance climate transparency in fixed income markets, giving investors tools to align portfolios with environmental targets.
According to BlackRock, bond ETFs could grow to $6 trillion by 2030, signaling strong market demand for sustainable options. These indices offer detailed climate screening, carbon intensity metrics, and issuer alignment with the Paris Agreement. Designed for ETF providers, asset managers, and institutions, the offering supports ESG integration across fixed income strategies. (source: stoxx.com).
IFC and FRC Expand Sustainable Finance Partnership in Mongolia
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Mongolia’s Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC) have renewed and expanded their partnership to support the development of a sustainable finance market in Mongolia. The June 2025 agreement focuses on strengthening regulatory frameworks for thematic financial instruments such as green bonds, blue bonds, and sustainability-linked bonds. It also aims to align ESG reporting standards with IFRS Sustainability Standards (SS1 and SS2).
Building on their successful 2021 collaboration—which enabled Mongolia’s first green bond issuance and over $338 million in capital raised—this initiative will promote climate resilience, financial transparency, and access to capital for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in agriculture and environmental sectors. The partnership represents a vital step toward embedding ESG into Mongolia’s capital markets and encouraging global investor confidence.(source: ifc.org).
Regulations, Law and Frameworks
ISSB Faces Backlash Over Proposal to Omit Financed Emissions
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is facing sharp criticism over its proposal to allow companies to exclude financed emissions from mandatory sustainability disclosures.Organizations like the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) argue this would severely undermine accountability and transparency across the financial sector.
Financed emissions represent the largest share of climate impact for banks and asset managers. Omitting them risks weakening global climate reporting standards and harming investor trust.Critics stress that such a change contradicts core principles of climate risk management and opens the door to greenwashing.
The proposal has triggered backlash from regulators, NGOs, and market participants alike.It highlights growing tensions between standard-setting bodies and climate finance advocates who demand stricter, unified global disclosure frameworks.This debate underscores the urgent need for credible, comparable data in ESG markets as sustainable finance continues to scale (source: carbonaccountingfinancials.com).
US Senator Pushes for Mandatory Climate Risk Disclosure in New York
A New York state senator is pushing for a groundbreaking bill that would require institutional investors to disclose portfolio-level climate risks.The legislation comes amid a federal slowdown on ESG policy and growing concern from asset owners about transparency on climate exposure.
The proposed law would mandate reporting on risks from floods, heatwaves, transition shifts, and regulatory changes, helping align investment practices with scientific risk models.It’s seen as a blueprint for proactive state-level leadership in climate finance, especially as federal agencies struggle to implement national disclosure rules.The bill is supported by pension funds and financial institutions seeking consistent, enforceable ESG standards.
By mandating clear, comparable data, the law could support better pricing of climate risks and protect long-term beneficiaries.If passed, the measure could serve as a model for other states looking to lead in climate governance and investor protection (source: nysenate.com).
New Methane Abatement Guidelines Set to Boost Transition Finance
A coalition of industry groups and financial institutions is preparing to release new methane abatement guidelines designed to support transition finance frameworks. These best practices will help standardize sustainability-linked bonds and loans aimed at methane reduction projects.
Methane is over 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period. Targeting it offers high-impact climate gains at relatively low cost. Yet investment in methane abatement has lagged due to a lack of clear frameworks.The new guidance will offer investors, issuers, and regulators a consistent set of criteria for financing methane-focused projects. It is expected to stimulate issuance of transition bonds tied to verified climate outcomes.
This initiative addresses a major gap in climate finance by enabling credible funding flows toward one of the most impactful mitigation opportunities. It also signals growing sophistication in climate-related capital markets (source: energy.ec.com).
ESG- and Green Bond Issuances
Madrid’s €500M Green Bond Debut Draws Strong Investor Demand
The Madrid regional government has successfully issued its first European Green Bond (EuGB), raising €500 million to fund sustainable infrastructure. The issuance drew strong interest, demonstrating investor appetite for high-integrity sovereign and municipal green bonds.
Proceeds from the bond will be used to finance projects in clean mobility, energy efficiency, biodiversity protection, and climate adaptation. The deal aligns with the EU Green Bond Standard, considered the most robust green finance framework globally.
Madrid’s success sets a benchmark for other public entities looking to tap into sustainable capital markets. The region also reinforced its commitment to aligning fiscal policy with climate goals.
The strong investor response confirms that transparent, standards-aligned green bonds remain attractive despite market volatility. It also highlights the growing role of sub-national entities in mobilizing ESG capital (source: comunidad.madrid.com).
Rivian to Launch $1.25B Green Bond for EV Growth
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian is planning to issue its third green bond, targeting $1.25 billion through a private placement. The proceeds will support expansion of its sustainable vehicle production, supply chains, and battery development infrastructure.
Despite a slowdown in automotive green bond issuance this year, Rivian’s move demonstrates strong long-term ESG alignment. Funds will be allocated to certified green projects under the company’s green finance framework.
Rivian’s previous bonds helped finance EV assembly and clean energy systems. This issuance underscores its role as a climate-focused disruptor in the transport sector.
The bond also reflects increasing investor confidence in mission-driven manufacturers focused on zero-emission mobility. With governments tightening CO₂ regulations, demand for green transport financing is expected to grow—and Rivian is positioning itself at the forefront (source: eletric-vehicles.com).
Net Zero Commitments
Nippon Steel Pledges $6 Billion for Low-Carbon Steelmaking
Nippon Steel has announced a $6 billion investment in low-carbon steelmaking technologies, aiming to transition from traditional coal-powered blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces at three major plants. This marks one of the largest decarbonization commitments in the global steel sector.
The investment will significantly reduce carbon emissions from one of the most energy-intensive industries. The initiative aligns with Japan’s national net-zero target for 2050 and global climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
The move will also help Nippon Steel position itself as a future supplier of green steel, catering to growing ESG demands from automakers and construction sectors. By replacing fossil-fuel-based processes with electric and renewable-powered alternatives, the company enhances its competitiveness in a low-carbon economy.
This major step showcases how industrial giants are now taking bold action to meet sustainability expectations and regulatory pressure (source:nipponsteel.com).
Aircapture Raises $50M to Scale Direct Air CO₂ Capture
Climate tech startup Aircapture has secured $50 million in funding to scale its direct air capture (DAC) technology, which removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere for industrial reuse. The company plans to expand deployment at manufacturing and chemical sites. DAC is considered a key solution in the fight against climate change, particularly for sectors where emissions are hard to eliminate. Aircapture’s systems capture CO₂ at source and convert it into usable materials or fuel.
The investment round, backed by venture capital and climate-focused funds, will accelerate commercialization of this negative-emissions technology. The capital will also fund research into scaling infrastructure and reducing costs.
This funding reflects rising investor interest in scalable decarbonization solutions beyond traditional offsets. Aircapture’s technology represents a new frontier in emissions reduction, supporting carbon markets and corporate net-zero strategies (source: aircapture.com).
Leadership Announcements
Ex-SEC Chair Mary Schapiro Joins Japan’s Green Transition Council
Mary Schapiro, the former Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has joined Japan’s Green Transformation (GX) Advisory Council. Her appointment comes as Japan aims to accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy and align with international climate frameworks.
Schapiro brings global expertise in sustainable finance, ESG regulation, and policy implementation. Her role will include advising the Japanese government on ESG standards, reporting alignment, and investment frameworks.This move positions Japan to attract international green investment and aligns its corporate climate efforts with global expectations. Schapiro’s involvement also sends a strong signal of Japan’s intent to lead on ESG issues in Asia.
With increasing scrutiny on corporate emissions and governance, her input may help shape a new generation of sustainability policy in Japan. The appointment strengthens the global credibility of Japan’s green transition roadmap (source:gfanzero.com).
Schneider Electric Names Esther Finidori as Chief Sustainability Officer
Schneider Electric has appointed Esther Finidori as its new Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in sustainable innovation. The appointment comes at a time when corporate ESG leadership is under growing global focus.
Finidori will lead Schneider’s global sustainability strategy, including its net-zero targets, reporting practices, and stakeholder engagement. With decades of experience in environmental policy and corporate responsibility, she is expected to expand the company’s impact across industries and geographies.Her priorities will include accelerating Schneider’s decarbonization goals and integrating circular economy practices throughout its product and service lines. She will also oversee ESG disclosures in line with international standards.
This leadership move highlights Schneider Electric’s commitment to driving measurable impact through science-based targets and responsible business models. As ESG expectations rise, Finidori’s role will be key in aligning corporate goals with real-world sustainability performance (source: se.com).
ESG Data & Analytics
$14.6 Billion Ocean Finance Gap Revealed in New Report
A new report reveals a staggering $14.6 billion gap in funding for ocean conservation, threatening global progress on marine protection and biodiversity.Despite the ESG investment boom, financial flows to ocean health projects are insufficient and declining.
The gap puts ecosystems, coastal economies, and climate resilience at serious risk. Coral reefs, fisheries, and natural carbon sinks are especially vulnerable without adequate support.The report calls for increased investment through blue bonds, blended finance models, and ESG-linked funds targeting ocean-positive outcomes.
It also recommends integrating ocean finance into broader climate strategies, emphasizing data tracking and performance metrics.Without immediate action, global biodiversity goals under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement may fall short.The findings make a compelling case for scaling up finance to marine systems, positioning oceans as a central pillar of climate and nature-based investment strategies (source: climate.com).
Sustainability Is Business-Critical, Say 92% of Global Companies
According to a recent global survey conducted by Aras, 92% of companies now view sustainability as a core driver of long-term business success—not just a communications tool.The report reflects a major shift in corporate thinking, with ESG strategies increasingly embedded in decision-making and operational frameworks.
Companies are investing more in decarbonization, resource efficiency, and transparent supply chains to meet stakeholder expectations and future-proof operations.While challenges remain—especially around regulatory uncertainty and ESG data management—firms are moving forward with or without policy clarity.The report highlights that ESG has moved from being a “nice-to-have” to a strategic imperative, especially for companies operating globally or under investor pressure.
Organizations that integrate ESG holistically are more likely to outperform peers and build lasting resilience.As sustainability matures into a business-critical function, corporate leaders are adapting their governance models to meet rising demands (source: aras.com).