Takeaways

• Standard Chartered has launched its first Green Wonton Bond worth HKD2 billion ($255 million), marking a milestone for Hong Kong’s sustainable finance market.
• The proceeds will support renewable energy, green buildings, and circular economy projects across Asia.
• Strong investor demand highlights growing interest in HKD-denominated sustainable finance products and reinforces Hong Kong’s role as a regional financial hub.

Standard Chartered has issued its first-ever Green Wonton Bond, raising HKD2 billion ($255 million) in a move that adds momentum to Hong Kong’s growing green debt market.

The deal marks the first public Hong Kong dollar-denominated green bond issued by a Financial Institutions Group issuer. It also represents Standard Chartered’s largest HKD bond issuance so far, exceeding its previous HKD1.5 billion benchmark.

Investor interest in the bond was strong. Demand crossed HKD3.8 billion during the offering, showing continued confidence in the bank’s sustainable finance strategy and green asset portfolio.

The new HKD green bond gives investors exposure to sustainable debt issued by a UK-regulated international bank while also supporting Hong Kong’s ambition to become a leading sustainable finance hub in Asia.

Read More: Emerging Markets Drive Green Bond Resilience in 2025

According to Standard Chartered, the proceeds from the Green Wonton Bond will be used to finance projects linked to renewable energy, green buildings, and the circular economy. Most of these projects are expected to be based in Asia and will fall under the bank’s Sustainability Bond Framework.

The funding aims to support cleaner energy systems, energy-efficient buildings, and projects that reduce pollution and waste. The announcement comes at a time when Asian economies are facing growing pressure to finance climate-related infrastructure and transition projects.

The bank said the issuance also helps diversify its funding sources by tapping into Hong Kong dollar liquidity pools. For global lenders such as Standard Chartered, raising capital across multiple currencies is becoming an important part of long-term sustainable finance planning.

The transaction is Standard Chartered’s sixth sustainable finance issuance overall. Earlier in 2026, the bank also issued a EUR1 billion Green Bond as part of its broader sustainability strategy.

The bank stated that the latest issuance is linked to its sustainable finance asset pool, which currently includes around USD17 billion in green assets. More than 62% of these assets are located in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, regions where demand for climate investment continues to rise.

Dan Hodge, Deputy Group Chief Financial Officer and Group Treasurer at Standard Chartered, said the issuance reflects the bank’s strategy of using its cross-border network to create long-term sustainable value while giving Hong Kong dollar investors access to a diversified portfolio of green assets.

Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer at Standard Chartered, added that the bond highlights the bank’s ability to raise funding in multiple currencies while supporting sustainable and inclusive growth across its core markets.

The deal is also seen as an important development for Hong Kong’s financial sector. The city has been expanding its role as a gateway for sustainable capital flows into Asia, and the successful issuance may encourage more local-currency green bond offerings from financial institutions.

Mary Huen, CEO for Hong Kong and Greater China & North Asia at Standard Chartered, said the Green Wonton Bond strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a “super-connector” for capital entering the region.

Also Read: Sustainable Finance Market Size Set to Double by 2031, Green Bonds Dominate

Market observers believe the issuance reflects a broader shift in sustainable finance, where banks are increasingly using labelled debt products to connect global investors with climate-focused projects in fast-growing economies.

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Source: ESG NEWS