SynTao Green Finance (STGF) announced today that Moody's Corporation will acquire a minority stake in STGF.
The core team of STGF was established in 2009. Starting with providing ESG data and analytics to international responsible investors, STGF has developed and accumulated solid expertise and rich experience in the field of ESG data and ratings, green bond verification and green finance solutions. Its ESG evaluation and ratings cover listed companies and bond issuers, as well as macro ESG development trends. As an independent third party, STGF provides recommendations and proposals to policy makers surrounding sustainable finance, and offers ESG data analysis, green bond verification and green finance solutions to financial institutions and corporates as well. STGF, as a unique brand, has set its foot on the ground of China market with its years of professional services, and has won recognition from various international organizations. STGF was the first Chinese signatory joining the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) as a service provider and the first Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) Approved Verifier in China, and the sole Chinese green bond verifier within the first advisory council of Green Bond / Social Bond Principles by International Capital Markets Association (ICMA). It is also the founder of the China Social Investment Forum.
"In consideration of both global ESG standards and China's specializ*ed market characteristics, STGF has developed effective ESG methodologies dedicated to China and has accumulated a substantial amount of data," said Peiyuan Guo, Chairman of STGF. "Moody's investment will help STGF accelerate its data coverage, adoption and ability to further serve Chinese market participants. We are excited to partner with Moody's and look forward to future collaboration."
"Since its founding, STGF has solidified its position in China as a local standard setter and leading domestic platform for ESG data and analytics. STGF's China-specific data provide opportunities to enhance Moody's global ESG research and data," said Hao Shi, Managing Director, Country Manager for Moody's China operations. "Together we will seek to leverage our respective strengths and capabilities to provide a range of solutions for investor and issuer ESG needs, including joint research, product development and technical cooperation."
After the completion of this deal, STGF will continue to be operated by the existing management team and continue its contributions to the development of China's green finance and responsible investment sector.
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. It is expected to close by early November 2019.
ESG service development of SynTao Green Finance