Experts at a panel highlighted that Colombia leads the region in green bond issuance, with US$2.200 million over the past decade, yet agreed that additional incentives are needed to expand its reach.
Nicolás Mayorga Mora, from Bolsa de Valores de Colombia, noted during the panel Taxonomía Verde y capital sostenible that clear mandates and incentives are lacking to include green bonds in portfolios. He added that the country is advanced in regulation but needs the will to make it work.
María Fernanda Manrique, from Bancóldex, and Álvaro Puyo, from Bbva Colombia, stressed the challenge of bringing these instruments to mipymes, which represent 99% of the business fabric. Puyo said large companies master ESG dynamics while smaller ones need support.
Santiago Bernal, from Sura Investments, highlighted the prominence of green bonds, though energy infrastructure projects offer greater predictability and measurable impact. Manrique also mentioned operational savings of up to 35% in energy costs for intensive users.