Zurich to invest up to USD1 bn in green bonds

Insurance group Zurich is investing in green bonds issued by the World Bank, International Finance Corporation and other development institutions. Green bonds are impact investments, which fund projects around the world that help mitigate climate change and assist communities to adapt to its consequences. According to Zurich, it is the largest investment in green bonds globally and is a part of the company’s responsible investment strategy.

Cecilia Reyes, chief investment officer at Zurich, explained: “Responsible investment at Zurich is about ‘doing well and doing good’. We manage our investment portfolio of over USD200 billion in a way that achieves superior risk-adjusted returns relative to liabilities for the benefit of our customers and shareholders, while also creating value for our employees and communities in which we live and work. Zurich recognises that creating value for all its key stakeholders is crucial to long-term success.”