Linklaters advises Impact Investment Exchange on the issuance of US$52.8m Women’s Livelihood Bond

Linklaters advised Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), a Singapore-based impact investor, on the issuance of its US$52.8m Women’s Livelihood Bond (WLB7), the latest in the pioneering series designed to support women’s economic empowerment and environmental sustainability across South and Southeast Asia.The bonds, which will mature in 2029, are listed on the Singapore Exchange.

The bond is certified by Sustainable Fitch Limited as complying with Orange Bond Principles, as well as the International Capital Market Association’s Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and Sustainability Bond Guidelines. It also aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal number five, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Proceeds from the bond will be used to fund companies from India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka across a range of sectors that empower women to build economic resilience and advance environmental sustainability.

The Linklaters cross-practice, multi-jurisdictional team was led by partner and Head of South and Southeast Asia Capital Markets Amit Singh and capital markets partner Michele Discepola, with support from capital markets counsel Xunming Lim, Catherine Russ and George Gooderham, as well as US tax counsel Omer Harel and US tax associate Erika Jensen.

Linklaters’ Head of South and Southeast Asia Capital Markets Amit Singh commented:

“We are proud to support IIX on this innovative issuance, which exemplifies the growing momentum of gender-lens investing in Asia and globally. By adopting a blended finance model that draws on public, private, and philanthropic capital, WLB7 sets a new benchmark in sustainable capital markets by mobilising private capital for social impact, climate action and the advancement of women and communities.”