Primer on Social Bonds and Recent Developments in Asia

Social bond markets have grown rapidly in Asia and around the world amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Today, the global social bond market is dominated by bonds that address pandemic-related social impact areas. To better understand the potential contribution of social bonds in tackling developing Asia’s most urgent social issues, this study reviews the current status and recent trends of global and Asian social bond markets. It further analyzes social impact areas that can be addressed by social bonds in both the short and long term. The study’s findings can help align finance with the Sustainable Development Goals and maximize the impact of the social bond market for sustainable development.