Sustainability

Sustainability

Today, non-financial factors are as pivotal as financial ones in making prudent investment decisions. The integration of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) factors into companies’ strategies and operational cycles, along with the policies they develop, is intrinsically linked to their capacity to generate long-term value.

The level of transparency that companies achieve in managing ESG risks and opportunities has become a fundamental component of the value proposition presented to investors.

As sustainability-related risks and opportunities intensify, investors increasingly consider sustainability factors in their company selections. This trend has prompted capital market regulators and stock exchanges to pay close attention to this issue and undertake various initiatives to raise sustainability awareness. Companies that do not prioritize sustainability are perceived as riskier by financing institutions and investors, thereby increasing the risks for the institutions providing funds to these companies. Consequently, financing institutions are more meticulous and selective about which companies they provide financing to.

Understanding and appreciating the impact of sustainability issues on the long-term health and performance of financial markets, and recognizing the significant role markets can play in facilitating a transition to a more equitable and sustainable world, is crucial for transitioning to a more sustainable development policy.

Borsa Istanbul aims to integrate a long-term sustainability perspective into financial markets by offering a wide range of sustainability-focused products and activities, raising awareness, and leading by example through its practices as a company. Sustainability-themed training and seminars are being organized, contributing to stakeholder training programs, and producing guidance materials.

Borsa Istanbul continues to bring together domestic and international investors who wish to invest in this theme with our capital market through sustainability indices.

The Capital Markets Board’s regulations for green and sustainable debt instruments, which are a key mechanism in the green transformation of companies, were completed in 2022. Borsa Istanbul provides a  50% discount on listing fees is for bond and sukuk issuances that comply with this framework.

New sustainability-themed products and services are being developed, regulatory advancements are being supported, and collaborations with market participants are being established to foster the development of sustainable finance nationwide.

To ensure that the initiatives undertaken are effective and results-oriented, and to create a platform for discussing collective sustainability actions, the Sustainability Platform is established with the leadership of Borsa Istanbul and the participation of relevant organizations; associations, NGOs, international organizations, and public regulatory authorities. Although private sector organizations cannot become members, they can participate in meetings when deemed necessary by the members.

In 2019 and 2020, under the authority granted by the Coordination Council for the Improvement of Investment Environment in Türkiye (YOIKK), platform members worked to advance sustainable finance in Türkiye. A tangible outcome of these efforts, the Sustainability Principles Compliance Framework, was published by the Capital Markets Board in 2020, becoming part of the legislation.

For any inquiries, please contact sustainability@borsaistanbul.com,