UBS enters ESG debt swap market

Green ambition: A UBS shareholder arrives for a meeting in Basel. The firm’s involvement in the Barbados deal underlines its gradual expansion into nature finance markets following its takeover of Credit Suisse. — AFP

LONDON: UBS Group AG is working on its first-ever environmental, social and governance (ESG) debt swap, building on expertise it inherited from Credit Suisse after taking over the bank last year.

UBS will form part of a consortium of firms working to raise funds for a US$300mil refinancing arrangement for Barbados that will help fund climate-resilient infrastructure, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing private talks.