Sustainable Bond Issuance Grows 50% Through Mid-2026
The surge in green and social bond custody gives operators new pathways to access sustainable capital markets internationally.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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Euroclear Bank processed over EUR 233 billion in green, social, and sustainability (GSSS) bonds during the first half of 2026, marking a 50% increase over the same period in 2025. Total GSSS bond custody at the bank reached EUR 1.84 trillion by June 30, 2026.
Why it matters
The surge in issuance indicates a robust expansion in sustainable finance capital pools available for operators and institutional borrowers. This growth in custody volumes reflects a broader shift toward structured debt instruments that align with international environmental and social targets.
GSSS bond issuance hit EUR 233 billion in the first half of 2026, a 50% increase compared to the first half of 2025. Total custody reached EUR 1.84 trillion by June 30, 2026, with green bonds leading the category growth at 85%.
The players
Euroclear Bank
A major international financial services company that provides post-trade services and custody for bonds, funds, and derivatives.
The details
Eurobond structures now account for more than 50% of the GSSS bonds under custody, facilitating cross-border capital flow for issuers. Growth remains diversified across issuer types, with debt agencies reporting a 25% increase in issuance, while sovereign and financial institution issuances both expanded by 17%. The euro remains the primary currency for these instruments, followed by the U.S. dollar and the British pound.
Timeline
H1 2025 served as the baseline period for issuance comparison.
H1 2026 saw the processing of over EUR 233 billion in GSSS bonds.
June 30, 2026 marked the date total GSSS bond custody reached EUR 1.84 trillion.
Market Landscape
The current growth follows the 2025 market stabilization period for GSSS bonds. This accelerated volume marks a departure from the flatter performance observed during the preceding year.
Operators should monitor the continued dominance of the Eurobond structure as a standard for raising sustainable capital across different jurisdictions. The increase in issuance volumes suggests that liquidity for green and sustainability-linked debt is becoming more accessible for institutional borrowers.
The takeaway
The rapid expansion of the green bond market highlights a shifting preference for structured sustainable debt among major financial institutions. Operators should track the currency mix of their own debt portfolios, as the euro continues to lead as the preferred denomination for GSSS issuance.
Further reading
For broader trends in global capital markets, see Economic Indicators.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Markets Media.
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