Claire Coe Smith

Artificial intelligence could help turbocharge sustainability efforts in private markets by freeing up stretched ESG professionals to focus on strategic work.

Private debt is moving into a new era of impact lending and sustainability-linked loans.

Credit funds are ramping up efforts to influence gender diversity among borrowers.

Strides are being taken to make tangible progress in private markets.

'Agriculture and food production is way behind other industries in terms of technology adoption, but disruption is now coming in fast,' says Alastair Cooper of ADM Capital.

ESG-linked subscription lines are becoming more common, with the market evolving quickly on both sides of the Atlantic.

Private debt has come a long way in its adoption of ESG, with most managers now embedding it into their investment processes. But regular reporting continues to present challenges.

Responsible investing and the need to avoid certain industries is adding new levels of complexity to private debt dealmaking.

Many firms scored low marks in a new survey that measures the ESG performance of 122 venture firms.

With targets due to be set for air quality, biodiversity, water, waste reduction and resource efficiency, the legislation could impact portfolio companies in a range of sectors.