UOB launches first Singapore-focused ESG fund
This supports SG's goal to finance infrastructures through green bond issuances.
UOB revealed the first ESG fund focused on Singapore, the United Smart Sustainable Singapore Bond Fund.
The said fund invests its assets in high-quality green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked bonds with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) mandates. Corporate bond assets based across Asia are covered in its portfolio.
The approach of the fund towards sustainability is based on UOB Asset Management’s proprietary ESG rating model. Data taken into account includes third-party data providers such as MSCI and S&P Global Trucost, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
According to UOB, this was done in favour of the Singapore government’s recent announcement to finance up to $19b of public sector infrastructure projects through green bond issuances.
Thio Boon Kita, Group CEO, UOBAM, has said that this was done to also shape a sustainable Singapore for future generations.