Tensions and disputes between the U.S. and China are likely to continue, possibly resulting in further sanctions. We focus on lessons learned from the U.S. sanctions policy towards Russia, and what those could mean for U.S. sanctions towards Hong Kong or China. 

As the mountain of negative-yielding debt hits new record highs, EM sovereigns continue to benefit from the search for yield ; Emerging markets set to rely increasingly on USD borrowing as abundant global central bank liquidity persists; China has significantly cut back its lending to low-income countries

This briefing note describes the major themes and developments observed during this festival.

The IIF Sustainable Finance Monitor covers key developments in the global sustainable finance agenda. In the December issue, we discuss the how a US framework for sustainable finance could take shape under a Democratic Administration. In addition, we share the latest policy and regulatory updates, an overview of open sustainable finance consultations, news on key initiatives, frameworks and tools, our ESG market snapshot, and a calendar SFWG activities in 2021.

The PBoC halted its emergency easing as early as April, but continued to support the economy via fund-for-lending schemes and subsidies to bank loans. This note summarizes PBoC actions this year, with particular attention to the emergency funding schemes.

The November/December 2020 IIF Global Regulatory Update provides updates on current work streams. 

COVID-19 has exacerbated regional labor market vulnerability, and lockdowns have worsened the deterioration in employment conditions. Uneven losses across formal and informal sectors suggest declining job quality. Slow post-lockdown job growth raises fears of a jobless recovery in some countries. 

Global ESG fund assets top $1.3 trillion in 2020—up by more than 50% from 2019 levels; Flows into ESG-dedicated equity ETFs have surged in recent weeks, anticipating a more active climate and ESG agenda in the Biden Administration; Voluntary carbon offset issuance reached record highs in 2020, largely driven by India, China, and the U.S.

This paper—the second in a series of IIF briefing notes on data ethics—discusses the intersection of responsibilities between the Risk function and the Chief Data Officer.