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The EU taxonomy and the syndicated loan market

Abstract:

The European Union (EU) Taxonomy on Sustainable Activities is one of the most far-reaching financial market regulations to combat climate change. Using international data from the syndicated loan market, we demonstrate that firms with larger EU Taxonomy-eligible revenue shares paid lower interest rates in the years before the formal introduction of the Taxonomy. Business revenue is Taxonomy-eligible if it originates from “transitional activities” that substantially contribute to climate change mitigation. A one-standard-deviation increase in firm revenue from transitional activities is associated with 5 basis points (bp) lower loan spreads (5% relative to the standard deviation). Effects are more pronounced for firms in countries with greater climate risk exposure and more stringent environmental policies, and when lending institutions have green preferences. The effects of transitional revenue do not simply reflect a borrower’s ESG ratings or broad exposure to climate risks and opportunities. Overall, our results indicate that financial markets already priced in some of the intended effects of the Taxonomy.

Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Files:
Publisher copy:
10.1007/s10693-024-00441-x

Authors

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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
SSD
Department:
SOGE
Sub department:
Smith School
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-5262-0269


Publisher:
Springer Nature
Journal:
Journal of Financial Services Research More from this journal
Volume:
69
Issue:
1
Pages:
109–134
Publication date:
2025-01-25
Acceptance date:
2024-12-03
DOI:
EISSN:
1573-0735
ISSN:
0920-8550


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
2080521
Local pid:
pubs:2080521
Deposit date:
2025-03-17
ARK identifier:

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