VEF has today also updated its Sustainability Bond Framework. The framework builds on the Company’s existing framework from 2022 and reinforces VEF’s commitment to invest in companies contributing to financial inclusion, fairness and wellness of people and small businesses in emerging markets as well as the access to renewable energy sources. The new framework is available on VEF’s website, https://vef.vc/investors/.

VEF has obtained a Second Party Opinion from Sustainalytics to confirm the transparency of the framework and its alignment with the ICMA Green Bond Principles, ICMA Social Bond Principles and ICMA Sustainability Bond Guidelines. DNB Markets has been acting as Sole Sustainability Bond Advisor in connection with updating the Sustainability Bond Framework.

VEF CEO, Dave Nangle comments:

“We remain committed to our sustainability focused investment mandate, investing in companies that contribute to the financial inclusion, fairness and wellness of individuals and small businesses across Emerging Markets. Following the issuance of our first Sustainability Bond, we allocated the proceeds to four standout VEF portfolio companies, Konfio, Solfacil, Rupeek and Mahaana. With our investment in Solfacil, we broadened our sustainability impact as our capital now contributes to the access of affordable renewable energy sources.”

An expected 3-year SEK-denominated floating-rate senior unsecured sustainability bond may follow, subject to inter alia market conditions. The proceeds from the contemplated bond issue will firstly be used to refinance the Company’s outstanding 2022/2025 senior unsecured sustainability bonds (ISIN SE0016609903), and secondly in accordance with the Company’s updated Sustainability Bond Framework.