Insights
ESG in Sovereign Fixed Income Investing: From Numbers to Narratives
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Sustainable Investing
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July 14, 2025
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July 14, 2025
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ESG in Sovereign Fixed Income Investing: From Numbers to Narratives |
Since the establishment of our Sovereign ESG Methodology in 2019, we have been evolving our approach to evaluating countries’ sustainability performance to support our sovereign bond investment decision process.
Our framework continues to aim to identify countries with leading ESG practices or positive improvement while avoiding systematic bias against developing countries through contexualizing countries’ performance within their stage of development.
We previously highlighted the importance of a comprehensive assessment of sustainability momentum to address data lag and reward countries on a positive trajectory. In our revamped approach, we recognise the limitations of ESG data and stress the importance of supplementing it with qualitative insight and, where possible, active engagement with policymakers, to paint a more complete picture of a country’s management of sustainability risks and opportunities.
By accounting for regional dynamics, income disparities and policy contexts, we can support forward-looking investment decisions.
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Managing Director, Global Head of Fixed Income ESG Strategy & Research
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Mariana Jordao
Vice President, Fixed Income
ESG Research Analyst |