Iker Vinageras is Head of ESG at Mexico’s Institutional Stock Exchange, BIVA, spearheading BIVA’s efforts to accelerate Mexico’s adoption of ESG standards and sustainability metrics. A member of Chapter Zero and Mexico’s Green Finance Advisory Council (CCFV), Mr. Vinageras has accompanied BIVA’s growth since 2018, when it received formal authorization to operate as Mexico’s second stock exchange. Through BIVA’s Sustainable 360 Program, in whose design, implementation and evolution Mr. Vinageras played a key role, BIVA completed over thirty ESG placements, totalling US$5.7Bn. In 2021, 46% of the total amount financed through BIVA was achieved using an ESG instrument. Mr. Vinageras has been responsible for the implementation of BIVA’s 5-Pillar Strategy to expand ESG offerings in Mexico, guiding market participants in the issuance of ESG-compliant products, including debt, equity, and structured finance. Thorough Mr. Vinageras’ team efforts, BIVA has exponentially increased the number of listings in the International Quotation System (SIC BIVA), by over 500 listing, including, Apple, Tesla, Amazon, Coinbase, Airbnb, I Shares, JP Morgan ETFs, Principal, HSBC ETFs, and KKR.
Thematic and sustainability-related bonds are attracting increasing interest from issuers. For the market to continue to develop, a clear understanding of the challenges and, of course, the opportunities they present is important.