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Recognised as lead manager of the year for sustainability bonds

NatWest has been recognised by Environmental Finance as lead manager of the year for sustainability bonds – supranational, sub‑sovereign and agency (SSA), at their Sustainable Debt Awards 2026.

The award reflects the role that structured, well‑governed sustainable finance continues to play in mobilising capital at scale to support environmental and social objectives.

Now in their eleventh year, the Sustainable Debt Awards recognise leading green, social, sustainable and sustainability‑linked bond and loan activity globally. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges, with a focus on market innovation, thought leadership and best practice in sustainable finance.

Supporting SSA issuers through the full sustainable finance lifecycle

SSA issuers play a pivotal role in financing the transition to a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive global economy. Their ability to raise capital efficiently, transparently and at scale helps underpin investment into climate action, infrastructure, social development and public services across borders.

NatWest supports SSA clients across the full sustainable finance lifecycle – bringing together sustainable finance advisory, framework development, investor engagement, transaction structuring, distribution and post‑issuance impact reporting. This integrated approach is designed to help issuers meet evolving regulatory expectations, strengthen credibility with investors and optimise execution in global debt capital markets.

Recent sustainable bond activity

During 2025, NatWest acted as lead manager or arranger on a number of SSA sustainable bond issuances across currencies and tenors, including:

These transactions reflect continued investor demand for high‑quality, transparent sustainable debt and the importance of rigorous frameworks and impact reporting.

Commenting on the award Caroline Haas, Head of Sustainable Finance Advisory, said, “Given the central role supranational, sub sovereign and agency issuers have in leading the transition to a more sustainable, fairer, low-carbon economy, this award recognises our strong transaction activity, market coverage and innovative approach. We’re proud of the trust placed in NatWest by our SSA issuers and delighted that our focus on delivering the best outcomes for customers is recognised by this prestigious award.

Client recognition across sustainable finance markets

Alongside NatWest’s recognition, several clients advised or supported by the bank were also awarded by Environmental Finance, highlighting the breadth of activity across sustainable finance structures:

Rural Asset Finance: sustainability‑linked loan of the year (other), supporting UK farmers in accessing finance while scaling sustainable practices. NatWest acted as senior lender, hedge provider and sustainability coordinator. Read more about Rural Asset Finance here.

TDC NET: sustainability‑linked bond of the year (corporate), for a €500 million SLB aligned to an ambitious net‑zero transition. NatWest acted as Joint Bookrunner.

RWE: green bond of the year (corporate, EMEA), supporting large‑scale investment in renewable energy and low‑carbon infrastructure. NatWest acted as Sole Structuring Advisor and Bookrunner.  Read more about RWE green bond here.

Congratulations to these and all of the winners across the Sustainable Debt Awards for demonstrating innovation, credibility and best practice in sustainable finance, and for the role they continue to play in advancing positive environmental and social impact through the capital markets.

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