Background
Sustainability is rapidly evolving into a mainstream feature of the international capital market and its importance is set to increase further as the world is facing up to environmental and social challenges. ICMA’s European Repo and Collateral Council (ERCC), as the principal representative body of the European repo and collateral market, recognises the growing importance of the sustainable finance market and is looking to help drive the development of repo and sustainability.
Reports
In April 2021, the ICMA ERCC published a consultation paper on the role of repo in green and sustainable finance, exploring the sustainability aspects of repo and collateral as well as assessing the existing opportunities and potential risks in this area. The paper has been published alongside a list of consultation questions, asking firms to respond with their views on the subject by 4 June 2021.
In September 2021, a summary report was published to reflect feedback received in response to this market consultation. The report summarised the consultation feedback, highlighting the key themes raised in the 20 responses that were submitted.
Repo and Sustainability Task Force
ICMA’s Repo and Sustainability Task Force comprises representatives from the ERCC and from Members and Observers of the Principles. The overall objective of the Taskforce is to provide advice and promote dialogue around repo and sustainable finance. The aim is to (i) monitor, discuss and assess any existing or upcoming market and regulatory initiatives, (ii) coordinate and liaise with the ERCC Committee and the Executive Committee of the Principles and (iii) develop and publish joint guidance and market best practice if needed.
Contacts
For further information about ICMA’s work in relation to Repo and Sustainability, please contact ercc@icmagroup.org or Zhan Chen, secretary to the ICMA Repo and Sustainability Task Force.