Responsible InvestmentResponsible Investment

"Investments are an increasingly popular way for individuals to save and grow their wealth. We have seen a significant influx of investors into the market and would like to allow them to invest responsibly and follow global ESG best practices. Companies that meet ESG metrics are attracting more and more attention from investors worldwide, and we are confident that this approach will also be in demand in Russia. It is important for both our investors and us that investments do not just perform financially, but work for the benefit of all stakeholders including employees and society as a whole".

Vladimir Potapov VTB Capital Investments Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, VTB Bank

Issues Regarding Social and Green Bonds by Russian Railways OJSC

The transaction was the first market placement of green bonds in Russia for a state corporate borrower with the highest credit quality. In addition, the transaction was the largest rouble-denominated bond placement in Russia and the CIS, and the largest perpetual bond issue by a corporate issuer in the CIS, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Cash proceeds from the placement of the bonds will be used to finance green projects of Russian Railways.

The bond issue was recognised by the Expert RA rating agency as compliant with the Green Bond Principles of the International Capital Markets Association and the Russian national methodology developed under the guidance of VEB.RF.

VTB Capital also acted as a co-organiser of a CHF 250 million six-year green bond placement by Russian Railways. This placement was the first issue of Swiss francs in the green format among issuers in the CEEMEA region, within the framework of which it was possible to achieve the the lowest coupon rate in the history of the placement of Russian Railways Eurobonds in different currencies. The proceeds from the placement are to be used by Russian Railways to finance green projects, including the purchase of electric trains.

VTB Capital also acted as a co-organiser in the placement of Russia's first ever social Eurobonds of Russian Railways in the amount of RUB 25 billion, maturing in March 2028. This was the longest ever public placement of Eurobonds denominated in Russian roubles by a Russian issuer. The proceeds from the Eurobond placement will be used to finance and refinance expenses related to the implementation of the Company's social projects. The issue was prepared in accordance with the Social bond principles, International Capital Markets Association. The confirmation of compliance for Russian Railways is provided by Sustainalytics.

Management of Largest Endowments in Socially Significant Spheres of Society Development

The company successfully invests special-purpose capital funds of the country's largest endowments in education, culture and art, science, non-professional sports and other critical areas of community development. VTB Capital Asset Management JSC has the largest endowment pool in Russia under management with over RUB 11 billion, including the Special endowment fund for Support and Development of Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, the State Tretyakov Gallery Support Fund, as well as endowments at major universities (MGIMO, St. Petersburg State University, HSE, Law Enforcement Academy, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, etc.) and a number of other socially important funds.

VTB currently manages 76 funds in seven federal districts of the Russian Federation. VTB Capital Investment representatives are actively involved in developing the institution of endowment funds, designing legislation and communicating with the professional community.

Investment Programme with an Embedded Charity

The Old Age in Joy charity fund has been operating since 2011. The foundation's strategic goal is to build a system of assistance in Russia that will be available to every elderly person who finds themselves in a difficult life situation. Currently, the Old Age in Joy charity fund supervises more than 350 nursing homes and psycho-neurological residential institutions across Russia. VTB has been providing charitable and volunteer support to the fund since 2017.

During 2020 when the programme with embedded charit was in operation, VTB Capital Investments transferred more than RUB 4 million to the Old Age in Joy charity fund. The funds were used to provide medicines and non-contact thermometers to three nursing homes for the elderly and disabled, to pay additional employees for the care and recreation of boarders, and to buy Christmas presents.

In addition, in 2020 VTB Capital Investments agreed the practice of allocating one-time assistance upon request for charitable fund projects from the management company's fee for managing the investment fund, and supported the Help me do it myself! project of the Different Kids charitable fund a charity fund helping children from boarding schools, children with Down syndrome and children with disabilities).

In the future, VTB Capital Investments plans to launch new embedded charity programmes, and it aims to expand cooperation with other charity funds.

ESG Funds

In 2020, VTB Capital Investments was the first company in Russia to launch two open investment funds (OIF) for responsible investment. When managing assets, along with traditional fundamental indicators, ESG factors are taken into account: ecology, social responsibility and corporate governance. VTB Capital Investments offers its customers two such funds for investments in equity and bonds of Russian companies.