World Bank and Nomura Promote Socially Responsible Impact Investing in Japan through World Bank Sustainable Development Bonds

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD), rated Aaa/AAA, and Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. announced the launch of three World Bank Sustainable Development Bonds designed for Japanese retail investors. These bonds, denominated in Turkish Liras (TRY), Brazilian Reals (BRL), and Indian Rupee (INR), were offered to investors from December 10 for one week and will settle to Japanese investors on December 17.

The World Bank raises funds in the international capital markets to finance sustainable development projects in developing countries focusing on poverty reduction and inclusive growth across a range of sectors including among others: agriculture and food security; education; energy; finance, trade and industry; healthcare and social services; law and governance; transport; and water and sanitation.

The World Bank’s mission is to end extreme poverty within a generation and to promote shared prosperity in a way that is sustainable over time and across generations. This requires promoting environmental, social and fiscal sustainability.

Nomura has been promoting sustainable and responsible impact (SRI) investing as an investment strategy for Japanese retail investors. Through the distribution of World Bank Sustainable Development Bonds, Nomura is increasing awareness in Japan about how individuals can achieve attractive and safe returns on their investments while also participating in providing solutions to social and environmental issues that affect communities in developing countries and around the world. Since the beginning of the year, Nomura has sold a total of over JPY 56 billion (USD eq. 450 million) in World Bank Sustainable Development Bonds, making it this products’ largest distributor in the Uridashi market.

“World Bank projects support communities by promoting inclusive economic and environmental sustainability. We welcome the participation of the Japanese retail market in supporting projects that positively impact these communities in areas such as health, education, clean water, and transportation,” said Yoshiyuki Arima, Lead Financial Officer & Representative of Japan, World Bank Treasury.

“World Bank Sustainable Development Bonds are a popular SRI product in the bond market in Japan. We are pleased that many retail investors appreciate the value of investing in products focused on achieving positive social impact. As a brokerage house that conducts financial intermediation, Nomura would like to continue to assist the sustainable development of developing countries,” said Teruhiko Ishida, the head of Debt Capital Markets Department of Nomura Securities Co., Ltd.