Natixis has expanded its range of green structured investment solutions offered to institutional investors with the creation of the first green structured note, for Agence France Tresor, a French government agency that is part of the French Ministry for the Economy and Finance. 'This first structured green rating confirms Natixis' ability to innovate and create green investment solutions,' said Luc François, head of global markets at the bank, in a statement.

OAT 2039 Green Repack is a repackaging of the first green OAT issued by Agence France Tresor, allowing the coupon to be adapted to investors' needs. It was independently reviewed by Vigeo Eiris, a financial rating agengy, which had provided the second party opinion on the green character of the OAT when it was issued in January 2017. OATs are bonds issued by the French Republic backed by the 'full faith and credit of the State'. Retail investors can purchase fixed-rate OATs with maturities ranging from two to 50 years. These bonds have annual coupons and are redeemable at maturity, and are also available for retail investors as index-linked OATs.

The French bank stepped up its green and sustainable economy ambitions in the third quarter of 2017 with the launch of the Green & Sustainable Hub. Natixis has also increased its ESG offering as it moves to play an active role in financing energy transition and providing new investments and renewable energy financing. At teh end of 2015, the bank launched its first dedicated climate index comprising a basket of European companies actively engaged in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and developing low-carbon solutions. The NXS Climate Optimum Prospective index, which is a composite smart beta strategy of low-carbon stocks, underlies a 12-year structured green bond launched by the World Bank in 2016.

This was followed by the launch of the Federal Objectif Climat Index in October 2016, a climate index consisting of the 50 shares from the Stoxx Index 600 Europe, recognised for the performance of their climate-related strategy, and selected according to ethical, climate and financial criteria. This index also features on a 7.8-year structured life insurance product sold in France by Federal Finance Gestion.

Most recently Natixis deployed the Euronext Climate Orientation Priority 50 Equal Weight Excess Return Index in structured products marketed in France and Italy.

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