Investments by Dutch development bank FMO in renewable energy projects across fragile and conflict-affected states have generally achieved positive outcomes, with default rates comparable to those in more stable markets, according to an independent evaluation. The analysis underscores FMO's financial additionality – the extent to which its involvement helps mobilise funding that would not otherwise be available – and underlines the value of collaboration with other development finance institutions. According to the evaluation, investments have helped improve livelihoods and benefited communities and there is no evidence they have exacerbated conflict. The report recommends that FMO further integrate conflict-sensitive approaches into its operations.

Murli Maiya, CEO of Clifford Capital, says the specialist finance company's strategy of combining infrastructure assets from both developed and emerging markets within asset-backed securities has brought increased private investment into Southeast Asia's low-carbon transition. Over the past seven years, the firm has issued more than $1.4bn in such securities, with a growing proportion allocated to renewable energy projects. According to Maiya, innovations such as blended finance and transition credits are possible avenues to help address the region's substantial funding gap for sustainable infrastructure, although policy stability poses a challenge.

The need for investment in energy infrastructure should boost demand for European green bonds this year, according to Gregor Vulturius, lead scientist and senior adviser at Nordic banking group SEB. He says geopolitical tensions, including the US kidnapping of Venezuela's president and its attacks on Iran, have turned a spotlight on European dependence on energy imports and the need to strengthen domestic supply. The construction of power-hungry AI data centres is already pushing up electricity prices, indicating the need for Europe to increase both power generation and distribution capacity. The recent attack on power lines in Berlin also highlights the need to protect energy infrastructure against physical as well as cyber-threats.

Moody's expects roughly $900bn in global labelled sustainable bond issuance in 2026, broadly unchanged from 2025. Green bonds will make up roughly 60% of the total, with renewable energy and clean transport retaining a dominant role. The volume of transition bonds, meanwhile, is projected to nearly double to $40bn, supported by the introduction of new guidelines that encourage clearer labelling and enhanced safeguards. Analysts at the ratings agency say that regional frameworks, particularly in emerging markets, are fuelling diversification and that adaptation finance, nature-related projects and digital infrastructure are drawing growing attention in the market.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development says it will increase its sustainability-related financing to a minimum of €150bn by 2030, comprising both direct lending and capital mobilised from the private sector. The institution says that 50% of its financing will go to green investment in the energy, industrial, agrifood and transport sectors, as well as in urban and financial systems.

Finance in Motion, an impact asset manager backed by the German government, has broadened its blended finance activities in Ukraine by investing in renewable energy projects and extending targeted funding to small and medium-sized enterprises. Its Green for Growth Fund and European Fund for Southeast Europe are supporting wind and solar developments while providing liquidity to businesses disrupted by the conflict. According to the firm, these initiatives are designed to strengthen Ukraine's economic resilience, maintain energy security and help stabilise European agricultural value chains during ongoing hostilities.

Miami-based Atlas Renewable Energy, which is owned by BlackRock's specialist manager Global Infrastructure Partners, has secured $3bn (€2.54bn) in refinancing for its renewable energy portfolio in Latin America. The company develops and operates large-scale solar and wind energy generation facilities in Brazil, Chile and Mexico.

The European Investment Bank Group has launched its third Gender Action Plan, a strategy aimed at promoting gender equality and the economic empowerment of women both in Europe and abroad. Under the plan, the EIB Group will substantially increase its advisory support to help clients and partners integrate equity successfully; launch digital tools to support gender-smart development; issue Sustainability Awareness Bonds with gender equality objectives in an effort to attract private-sector funding for inclusive growth. The Group has doubled its gender-focused investments to more than €30bn over the past five years.

The Indo-Pacific NGO Blended Finance Accelerator, launched by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in partnership with Convergence Blended Finance, has received more than 80 proposals from NGOs seeking to mobilise private capital for climate and gender-related projects. Semi-finalists include Caritas Australia's Lumana Health Facility, which looks to expand reliable solar energy across rural health facilities in Papua New Guinea, and Grameen Foundation and IIX's InvestHER Climate Resilience Bond for Women, which is aimed at channelling capital to women-focused SMEs in the Philippines with green and blue economy solutions. Organisers say the volume of responses reflects NGOs' growing interest in blended finance options.

The UK government has released its final Sustainability Reporting Standards S1 and S2. These guidelines, which are closely aligned with the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, are currently available for voluntary adoption but may become mandatory for listed companies, depending on the outcome of a Financial Conduct Authority consultation. The move is designed to improve comparability for investors as the UK seeks to become a centre for sustainable finance.

Global investment in the energy transition, which reached $2.3trn in 2025, is expected to power ahead in 2026, according to asset manager AllianceBernstein. Private credit is expected to play a key role in financing renewable projects as policy uncertainty subsides. Demand for clean power remains strong, despite changes to US policy on sustainable energy and a shifting tariff landscape. Growth is being fuelled by the expansion of AI, electric vehicles and urbanisation. Both the US and Europe require increased capital for new and upgraded infrastructure. Lenders with expertise in structuring and risk assessment are expected to benefit as the transition accelerates.

France's National Assembly has voted in favour of a report recommending that the European Central Bank examine the possibility of introducing dual interest rates for sustainability-related lending, such as targeted longer-term refinancing operations, to boost the profitability of long-term green projects. The report also approved reinstating mandatory transition plans for banks and applying different weightings for capital requirements based on institutions' climate risk exposure, along with an increase in the ECB's targeted inflation rate from 2.0% to 3.0%. The report also advocates creation of a European Credit Council that would advise the European Parliament, providing democratic oversight and coordination.