BRAC EPL Investments Limited has won the “Sustainable Investment Initiative of the Year (Fixed Income)” award from Environmental Finance, a globally recognised authority on sustainable finance that honours institutions and transactions demonstrating innovation, leadership and measurable impact in advancing responsible investment worldwide.
The award recognises BRAC EPL Investments’ role as lead arranger in structuring Bangladesh’s first International Capital Market Association (ICMA)-aligned social bond, a pioneering transaction in the country’s sustainable debt market.
The initiative was recognised for its alignment with global standards and its contribution to achieving eight sustainable development goals (SDGs): SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Issued by BRAC Bank PLC, Bangladesh’s first social bond introduces an innovative fixed-income instrument, with proceeds allocated to employment generation; financing cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSMEs); socio-economic advancement and empowerment; food security; affordable housing; and access to essential services and public health infrastructure.
BRAC EPL Investments conducted extensive investor awareness campaigns that led to the Tk 1,000 crore bond being subscribed by 665 investors, broadening access to the instrument for individual investors while addressing demand-side constraints in the country’s bond market.
The bond will be listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange’s (DSE) Alternative Trading Board (ATB), ensuring liquidity for existing investors and enabling wider participation through the secondary market.
Commenting on the achievement, Syed Rashed Hussain, chief executive officer of BRAC EPL Investments Limited, said, “Receiving the ‘Environmental Finance Sustainable Investment Award 2026’ validates our mission to serve as a catalyst for the development of Bangladesh’s capital market.”
“It reflects our vision of providing innovative, pioneering and world-class sustainable investment banking solutions.”
“We believe this milestone will encourage greater participation from issuers, investors and other stakeholders in building a vibrant impact investment ecosystem in Bangladesh and channel more capital towards initiatives that generate positive social and environmental impact,” he added.
