Banks and asset managers are rushing-in to adopt environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk when making investment decisions. They are starting to provide their clients with direct assess to professional advisors who specialise in this area as well.

Being a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) has become a badge of honour for many pension funds and asset managers.

In June, EMEA Finance held a roundtable on environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment. Topics under discussion included the growing threat of ESG-related risk, how to turn knowledge into an investment tool, and what banks can learn from corporates.

In 2008, Abu Dhabi embarked on ambitious plans to create a world-leading sustainable eco-city that would serve as a blueprint for how other cities can accommodate rapid urbanisation while reducing energy output, water and waste. This vision was realised in Masdar City – a city reliant on clean energy generated on-site from rooftop solar technology as well as one of the largest photovoltaic (PV) installations in the Middle East.

Renewable energy resources do not just have the potential to meet Jordan’s electricity needs but, by 2050, they could provide more than 60 times the country’s energy consumption.

AFC and IDB - Building bridges

Guinea and donors kick-start hydropower development

Convergence strategy moves to Bulgaria

IFIs back Egyptian gas projects; and Mozambique coal industry collapse.

Private equity in Dubai; Omani banks eyeing mergers; and AMF supports Jordan.

Ukraine getting it right; and sale of Slovenia’s second-largest bank.

Moves and hires at African Development Bank, African Bank, StanChart and more.