Practical Guide to Sustainable Financial Instruments for Public Credit Bureaus and Treasury

The global need to steer the economy toward a sustainable and decarbonized path requires an effort from both the public and private sectors to direct capital flows in the direction of sustainable investments. This practical guide is a learning tool to disseminate experiences and best practices in the issuance of sustainable financial instruments (thematic bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, among others). The purpose of this document is to facilitate and encourage the participation of new issuers in the growing sustainable finance market and contribute to the transition toward a more resilient and sustainable economy in Latin America and the Caribbean. To this end, pioneering cases on sovereign thematic issues in the region are analyzed, highlighting the different instruments that address the countries' environmental and social challenges, as well as the regulatory framework, processes and lessons learned for each case. In addition, relevant experiences of innovative financial instruments developed in the region are examined, such as catastrophe bonds, gender bonds, and debt-for-nature swaps. The guide concludes with a summary of best market practices, perspectives, benefits and challenges to address sustainable financing and investment needs.