The FinTech Magazine Guide to Green Bonds

To support the financing of climate action the World Bank – in partnership with investors and Swedish bank SEB – launched the world’s first green bond in 2008.

Designed to raise funds for environmental projects and promote climate resilience, green bonds have become incredibly successful over the past two decades.

All about bonds

A bond is a financial instrument that represents a loan made by an investor to a borrower – typically a government, municipality or corporation. When you buy a bond, you’re essentially lending money in exchange for periodic interest payments (known as coupon payments) and the return of the bond’s face value when it matures. Bonds are often used by institutions to raise capital for projects, infrastructure or operations, while investors value them for their relative stability compared to stocks.

There are several main types of bonds. Government bonds are issued by national governments and are usually considered low-risk – examples include US Treasuries or UK Gilts. Corporate bonds are issued by companies and carry higher risk but potentially greater returns. Municipal bonds are sold by local governments to fund public projects like roads or schools, often offering tax advantages.

Other variations include zero-coupon bonds, which pay no periodic interest but are sold at a discount and pay in full at maturity, and convertible bonds, which allow investors to convert debt into company shares.

A growing category in the finance world is green bonds, which fund environmentally sustainable initiatives. Each bond type balances risk, return and purpose, giving investors a range of options aligned with their financial goals and values.

About green bonds

Green bonds have evolved from niche financial instruments into mainstream vehicles for corporate climate action, enabling some of the world's largest companies to finance environmental projects. 

More than US$6tn in green, social, sustainability and sustainability-linked bonds (GSS+) have been issued, according to The Climate Bonds Initiative, a sharp increase from the US$2bn issued 15 years ago. 

“The extraordinary US$6tn milestone was achieved just 14 months after the US$5tn mark,” says Sean Kidney, CEO and Co-Founder of the Climate Bonds Initiative. 

“And the market keeps growing. One of the leaders in green bond issuance has been China, and one of the bonds that got us over the US$6tn mark was China’s first ever green sovereign bond, issued in the London market. We expect to see many more.

“With over US$6tn in cumulative aligned GSS+ issuance, we’re building the kind of market pressure that can drive real climate outcomes. The bond market intimidates, so let’s make it work for the planet."

As of June 2025, The World Bank puts the cumulative amount of green, social, sustainability, sustainability-linked and transition bonds issued in the market at US$6.3tn.

Asia-Pacific continues to lead, followed by Europe and North America, with China being the largest single-country issuer in 2025 and corporate issuers accounting for more than 40% of new green bond issuance.

SEB’s green bonds

As a key part in creating green bonds, SEB prioritises sustainable finance as a key growth vehicle, seeing both the financial and ethical benefits.

“Green bonds have been a part of SEB’s funding strategy since 2017, complementing our other market financing. With the new framework, we remain committed to continue issuing green bonds. By doing so we can further diversify our global investor base while supporting the bank’s customers in their sustainability transitions,” explains Kimberly Bauner, Head of Group Treasury at SEB. 

Greenwashing or green financing?

While the momentum is striking, critics remain watchful about greenwashing – companies raising funds without sufficient environmental impact. Efforts in 2025 to address this include expanded adoption of stricter reporting standards and independent verification. The Climate Bonds Standard, for instance, continues to evolve, requiring more granular data and forward-looking impact forecasts.

The green bond landscape is also being shaped by regulatory developments, such as the EU Green Bond Standard and China’s enhanced disclosure requirements, pushing issuers toward more rigorous transparency and impact measurement.

The future of green bonds

Green bonds have the opportunity to be a pivotal financial tool in achieving global climate targets and driving corporate transformation. Companies not only financing their net zero roadmaps but are influencing industry peers and supply chains to follow suit. With investor demand at record highs and regulatory structures becoming more robust, the era of green bonds is setting the foundation for a truly sustainable corporate future.

As the market continues its ascent, it will be crucial for stakeholders to ensure that environmental integrity, transparency and long-term climate returns remain at the heart of every green bond issued in 2025 and beyond.