A conversation with BIL
In an age of rapid change, sustainability has become an increasingly important issue, and finance has a crucial role to play in driving the transition towards more sustainable models. As a stock exchange, we understand the pivotal role we play in building capacity and helping other institutions tap into the full potential of the market.
To explore the ways in which banks can contribute to this ever-growing market, we sat down with two seasoned experts from Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL): Xingshi Guo, a Business Developer who attended our LGX Academy courses, and Olivier Habay, the Head of Long Term Funding, who oversaw the listing of the bank’s green bonds.
In part one of this exclusive interview, Xingshi Guo shares her experience as an LGX Academy student and delves into why she believes that knowledge in sustainable finance is a critical skill to have for business developers. She also reveals how sustainable finance can be harnessed to redirect capital flows towards sustainable projects, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
What made you want to learn more about sustainable finance?
Xingshi Guo: As a business developer in the Agency Services team in BIL, I see how the financial sector can push for more sustainable practices. Businesses have to adopt sustainable models in order to remain competitive. To transition, they need funding. This is where finance comes into play as we can help channel private funds towards sustainable projects.
By learning more about sustainable finance, I now have a comprehensive view of the industry, from the impact on capital markets, banking, asset management, to the regulatory environment and the green taxonomies, as well as a clearer view on the sustainable bond market, the market players, the reporting and case studies.
Thanks to this knowledge, we can provide better listing, issuing and paying services to our clients who have interests in issuing sustainable bonds.
There are many courses in the market, why did you choose the LGX Academy to start your learning journey?
Xingshi Guo: The LGX Academy was recommended to me by a colleague who participated in the course and had a very good experience.
I was also quite interested in the setup of the courses with three independent modules, each focusing on different aspects: the fundamentals, products and market standards, and sustainable bonds ecosystem.
The courses are online which makes it more convenient to attend from all over the world.
Why is it important for business development professionals in your industry to increase their sustainable finance knowledge?
Xingshi Guo: Sustainable finance, and especially sustainable investment issuance, is increasingly important for businesses. They need the funds to finance research projects, and new production equipment, that are more respectful of the environment. In addition, younger investors show more interest in ESG projects. Lastly, businesses are facing sustainability risks and must comply with new ESG disclosure requirements. This information is and will be increasingly scrutinised by their stakeholders.
Business development professionals and asset managers in banks who want to stay ahead of the curve in the industry, are always sensitive to the demand of market, and able to help clients to understand sustainable finance.
The market needs to be educated on sustainable finance. It starts with us, business developers.
If you could only name one thing, what is the most important thing you learned during your LGX Academy courses?
Xingshi Guo: The most important thing I learned during the LGX Academy course is that I understood the environmental, and social impact of financial decisions on products and projects.
How do you concretely apply your new knowledge?
Xingshi Guo: By sharing sustainable finance knowledge with my colleagues, clients and other stakeholders, I have opportunities to know the needs of sustainable finance from the market.
By working on new prospects targeting sustainable issuance, I’m able to deliver an even stronger professional service with new knowledge learned.
By reading reports and newsletters from LGX and associations as well as attending forums organized by them, I keep my knowledge up to date.
