Commonwealth Bank has played a leading role in supporting the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation’s (NHFIC)1 issue of its first ever sustainability bond, raising a capped $343 million.

NHFIC is the corporate Commonwealth entity dedicated to improving housing outcomes, with a focus on affordable housing. The funds raised through the 15-year sustainability bond will go towards the construction of around 600 social homes, 450 affordable and private rental homes, and 50 supported disability accommodation across sites in Brighton, Flemington and Prahran in Melbourne. 

NHFIC’s Sustainability Bond Framework means the funds raised not only support inclusive and social housing developments, but the projects also meet recognised environmental standards.

The issue was more than twice oversubscribed, demonstrating the continuing interest from investors both domestically and globally in bonds that support positive social and environmental outcomes.

Charles Davis, head of CBA’s Sustainable Finance team said NHFIC’s inaugural sustainability bond was an exciting step for NHFIC as it built on its earlier social bond issuances by meeting new environmental criteria within its sustainability framework.

“NHFIC’s first sustainability bond issue meant that it was able to attract a much larger group of global investors with specific social and sustainable investing mandates than it previously had.”

 “This finance will help deliver new social and affordable housing across Melbourne that not only provides independence for our vulnerable community members but also drives positive environmental outcomes,” he said.

CBA is playing a key role in arranging financing for clients that also helps them reach their ESG and climate goals, partnering with them to innovate and tailor individual transactions to support the transition to a low-carbon global economy.

1On 12 October 2023 the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFIC) changed its name to Housing Australia.