FIERA Capital was the sole investor in World Bank’s USD 10 million five-year Sustainable Development Bond that was released as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the world’s freshwater and marine resources and the importance of addressing water and ocean pollution.

The Canadian-headquartered asset management firm purchased the bond for its Fiera Multi-Strategy Income fund. JP Morgan was the sole underwriter and distributor of the bond.

"The COVID-19 pandemic poses additional threats to water and oceans as difficult short-term choices between health and the environment result in an increased use of single-use plastics and increased production of medical waste, which can end up in the Earth’s oceans," said the World Bank.

Through this engagement, the World Bank and Fiera Capital are raising awareness for Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), clean water and sanitation, and SDG 14, life below water.

"We are extremely pleased to once again be partnering with the World Bank, a global leader in the impact investing space, in a bond that combines financial return and contributes to a more sustainable future," said Mr Nicolas Vaugeois, VP and Portfolio Manager of Fiera.

The World Bank is the largest multilateral funder for ocean and water projects in developing countries. Its programmes include projects that range from implementing large regional fisheries programs, to tackling all sources of marine pollution, protecting critical marine habitats and supporting coastal development around the globe.