Project Details
Project
KHFC Social Financing Social Bond Framework Second-Party Opinion
Client
Korea Housing Finance Corporation
Project Type
Social Bond/Loan
Industry Group
-
Use of Proceeds
-
Location
South Korea
Evaluation Date
Feb 2019
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the Korea Housing Finance Corporation (KHFC) Social Financing Framework is credible and impactful, and aligns with the four core components of the Social Bond Principles 2018. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible category for the use of proceeds, affordable housing, is aligned with those recognized by the Social Bond Principles that seek to achieve positive socio-economic outcomes. Sustainalytics considers that KHFC’s mortgage loan products will help to achieve two social objectives: (i) to improve the housing welfare of targeted vulnerable populations, specifically low- and middle-income households, and (ii) to provide stable supply of affordable and sustainable housing finance in South Korea through its long-term, low-interest, fixed-rate loans. Additionally, KHFC’s mortgage loans advance the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11.
PROJECT EVALUATION/SELECTION
KHFC’s loan products reflect the government’s housing policy and market situation. Mortgage loan products are reviewed by the KHFC Risk Management Committee chaired by KHFC’s Vice President and approved by the Managing Director of the Securitization Business Group. The KHFC Securitization Working Group, comprised of crossdepartmental team members, will review the social cover pools, social MBS pools and annual reports. Additionally, KHFC has processes in place to pre-screen a majority of the borrowers to ensure that they meet loan eligibility criteria. KHFC has sufficient oversight internally to ensure that its mortgage loan products meet the eligibility criteria and that loans are disbursed to eligible borrowers as per the eligibility criteria. This process is in line with market practice.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
The process for the management of proceeds is aligned with market practices, as KHFC is required by law to (i) physically separate the purchased mortgage loans from KHFC’s other assets, and (ii) separately manage the mortgage loans. KHFC plans to immediately allocate all proceeds. Unallocated proceeds will be invested in cash or cash equivalents, in accordance with KHFC’s liquidity management policy. This is in line with market practice.
REPORTING
KHFC commits to disclosing an allocation and impact report on its website annually comprising relevant transaction information along with social impact metrics. Sustainalytics anticipates the level of disclosure to be aligned with current market practices.