SEC to develop Social Bond Guidelines; over half of listed firms report on ESG indicators

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is in the process of developing Social Bond Guidelines aligned with the International Capital Market Association’s ICMA Social Bond Principles (SBP).

According to the SEC, the guidelines would aim to encourage the development of a credible and transparent social bond market, promote financing for projects that deliver positive social outcomes while ensuring integrity, transparency, and accountability in the issuance and reporting of social bonds.

Overall, the SEC’s approach is explicit about aligning capital market development with national and global sustainability goals.