Circular Economy Hub – 3rd session of Online Study Program Circular X “Circular Economy and Municipalities” held on June 22

Circular Economy Hub has been holding a monthly series called Circular X since April 27th, 2021. The study program helps users learn about the future image of circular economies, which are spreading in every industry and region.

*This Peatix page is the page for the 3rd session of the Circular X series.
You can see the overview for the whole program here.

3rd Topic – Circular Economy and Finance

The 3rd topic in the series was Circular Economy and Finance. Along with ESG investing becoming more widespread, investment in circular economies is getting attention. This includes funds which incorporate organizations making efforts towards circular economies as a way of investing in the environment. The Ministry of the Economy and Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd. spoke during the event. The MoE has published the “Disclosure and Engagement Guidance to Accelerate Sustainable Finance for a Circular Economy” regarding the indispensable role of finance in realizing a circular economy as well as the latest trends, Nomura Asset Management has started handling the “Nomura Black Rock Circular Economy Stock Investment Trust,” (also known as The Circular) a fund that specializes in the circular economy.

Session contents

In January 2021, the Ministry of the Economy and the Ministry of the Environment published the “Disclosure and Engagement Guidance to Accelerate Sustainable Finance for a Circular Economy.” According to both ministries, it was formulated as the world’s first disclosure and engagement guidance from a public institution initiative which specializes in the circular economy. Organizations making efforts towards a circular economy are expected to play a role in guidance for calling investment and lending based on suitable evaluations from investors. Mr. Yokote from the Ministry of the Environment spoke in detail regarding the contents, viewpoints and ways of utilizing this guidance.

In July 2020, Nomura Holdings began handling the “Nomura Black Rock Circular Economy Stock Investment Trust,” (also known as The Circular) a specialized fund from the standpoint of the circular economy. As of May 2021, the total balance of net assets is 72.5 billion yen, and many are taking a high level of interest in it. Mr. Kawabe from Nomura Asset Management, which is a sales company in this fund, explained the fund’s portfolio creation process, in addition to the move to a circular economy from the point of view of finance.

Program Details

https://cehub.jp/news/circular-x3/ (Japanese)