small and medium-sized enterprises

Small and medium enterprises are seen as the backbone of the net zero approach to the climate. But the vast majority of them lack the financing to implement their environmental, social, and governance ( ESG) programmes. A New York City based start-up named Marco Polo Exchange (MPX) is rolling out its POLO marketplace to help at least 150,000 SMEs overcome these challenges. 

As in the sovereign and corporate bond markets, private debt valuations have risen sharply. “However, by focusing on the lower end of the middle market, we have been able to maintain spreads,” said  David Bouchoucha, CIO of Private Debt and Real Assets at BNP Paribas Asset Management, in conversation with Fondsnieuws, Investment Officer Luxembourg’s sister publication.