Finance / Capital Markets | Understand The Issuance Process of Green Bonds in Brazil in 5 Key Points

Green Bonds are fixed income securities used by companies to raise funds aiming to develop projects or assets (or refinance existing ones) that have a positive impact on the environment or climate. 

Due to its potential in agribusiness, renewable energy and infrastructure, Brazil may become one of the largest global markets for Green Bonds.

Understand below 5 key points in the issuance process of Green Bonds in the Brazilian market:

1. Who Can Issue Green Bonds: agribusiness companies, cooperatives, suppliers, trading companies, distributors, energy and infrastructure companies, financial institutions, among others. 

2. Which Projects May Be Financed: examples are sustainable agriculture and livestock projects, renewable energy and energy efficiency, infrastructure, clean transportation, treatment of water resources, development of efficient products and processes. 

3. What Financial Instruments Are Used: Green funding in the Brazilian market has been carried out in the last 5 years through (i) issuance of Agribusiness Receivables Certificate (CRAs), (ii) Real Estate Receivables Certificate (CRIs), (iii) Debentures, (iv) Infrastructure Debentures, (v) Receivables Investment Funds (FIDCs), and (vi) Promissory Notes. 

The Brazilian law governed Green Instruments above are aimed at capital market investors, whether qualified or retail, depending on the characteristics and size of the funding. 

In addition to Green Bonds, it is possible to raise green funds through credit lines, called Green Loans, taken with financial institutions and funds. 

4. What Are the Benefits for the Issuer of Green Bonds: we highlight 2 main advantages: (i) diversification and expansion of the financing base, through new investors, such as sustainable funds, and investors who buy Green Bonds, and (ii) reputational gains, with the recognition that the issuer is committed to the conservation of the environment and the mitigation and prevention of risks caused by climate change. 

5. What are the Stages of the Issuance Process: (i) Structuring: issuer identifies potential project that meets the requirements of the sectoral criterion for structuring the Green Title, and contract an institution that will coordinate the issuance to define the amount to be raised, terms and conditions of the transaction, which investors will be targeted, and if there will be interested investors; (ii) Verification: the issuer must hire an third party independent company (Verifier) ​​to carry out a report confirming that the project meets the requirements for being considered “green”; (iii) Issuance of Green Certificate: the Issuer will submit the Verifier’s report to an international certification company, such as the Climate Bonds Initiative, which will issue a pre-issuance Certificate of the Green Title; (iv) Issuance of the Green Bond: the Issuer issues the Green Bond (s) for acquisition by the target investors; and (v) Post-Issuance Compliance: Issuer shall prepare and make available an annual report on the evolution of the project and compliance with the criteria.

Due to the potential of agribusiness, renewable energies and infrastructure, Brazil will be one of the leaders in Green Bonds in the coming years, as more issuers and investors become aware of this funding option, the environmental and reputational benefits.

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