SANTO DOMINGO. - Banco Popular Dominicano received recognition for the innovative issuance of the country's first green bank bond, within the framework of the II "Innovation and Impact" Awards, which were held during the III Latin American Congress of Sustainable and Inclusive Banking, an activity organized by the Latin American Federation of Banks (FELABAN) and the Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA).
This award highlights Banco Popular's excellence in the category of "Execution of sustainable financial instruments", recognizing its pioneering role in mobilizing resources towards high-impact environmental initiatives, in line with its commitment to promoting a low-emission and more resilient economy in the face of climate change.
On behalf of Banco Popular, Juan Lehoux, senior executive vice president of Technology and Operations, received the award from the Superintendent of Banks, Alejandro Fernández W., the executive president of the ABA, Rosanna Ruiz, and the financial director of FELABAN, Jorge Saza.
He valued the distinction as an endorsement of the sustainability vision that guides Banco Popular's actions.
“We are committed to a greener and more sustainable future, and that is why our green bond is earmarked for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility projects. It is a bond rated with the highest creditworthiness and a milestone in our mission to promote sustainable development and the Principles for Responsible Banking,” said Lehoux.
The award highlights excellence in the category "Implementation of sustainable financial instruments". (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
A benchmark for the regional banking industry
The award jury highlighted the importance of the presented case as a benchmark for the rest of the regional banking industry, due to its ability to adapt to the challenges of sustainability and for contributing to the strengthening of a responsible, inclusive banking sector committed to environmental development.
Popular's green bond, out of a total of RD$2.5 billion approved by the Superintendency of the Securities Market (SIMV), issued its first tranche for RD$300 million in May 2024, which was acquired in full by institutional investors to finance the final tranche of the Coastal Solar photovoltaic park, the largest installation in the Dominican Republic.
Santo Domingo Declaration
During the Latin American Congress on Sustainable and Inclusive Banking, which featured the presence of the CEO of Banco Popular, Mr. Christopher Paniagua, on its opening day, the Santo Domingo Declaration was also signed.
Mr. Robinson Bou, Executive Vice President of National and International Business, reinforced this formal commitment between FELABAN's Sustainable and Inclusive Banking Committee and representatives of the Latin American banking system.
This declaration reaffirms the sector's commitment to proactively contribute to more inclusive and sustainable economic and social development, as well as to promote strategic alliances to enhance sustainable financial services for households and productive sectors.
Active participation in the congress
Several executives from Banco Popular participated in panels and conferences during the two-day congress, highlighting the bank's leadership in key issues of sustainability and financial innovation.
Mr. Francisco García, Vice President of Investment Banking, participated in the panel "The capital market as a catalyst for sustainable finance"; Ms. Giselle Moreno, Vice President of Marketing, shared her vision in the conference "Financial inclusion and innovation: new digital tools for a more equitable future"; while Ms. Mariel Bera, Vice President of Corporate Relations and Responsible Banking, presented the organization's point of view in the presentation "The new corporate DNA: how ESG-based financial decisions ensure growth and resilience.".
