IIX, DSE launch collaboration to build ‘Orange’ capital market ecosystem

Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) and the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the introduction and promotion of Orange capital instruments in Bangladesh, aiming to support an inclusive, gender-smart, and climate-aligned capital market ecosystem.

The partnership brings together IIX's expertise in impact investing and gender-lens finance with DSE's leadership in the development of Bangladesh's capital market. The Orange Movement—aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality—seeks to mobilise US$10 billion at the intersection of gender equality and climate action, according to a press release.

Under the MoU, the DSE will explore facilitating the listing of Orange bonds and sukuk under a dedicated thematic or sustainable finance category, subject to regulatory approvals. The collaboration will also focus on market readiness, awareness-building, and regulatory engagement to position Orange as a thematic debt instrument in Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in realigning its financial markets with the nation's inclusive economic growth priorities," said Professor Durreen Shahnaz, founder and chief executive officer of IIX, adding that the initiative could help attract international investors and strengthen global market linkages.

"Capital markets play a vital role in channelling long-term finance towards national development priorities," said Nuzhat Anwar, managing director of DSE, adding that the collaboration reflects the DSE's focus on innovation, investor confidence, and instruments that deliver measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns.

The MoU also outlines joint advocacy, market promotion, and capacity-building activities, including workshops, investor engagement events, and policy dialogues with regulators, financial institutions, and development partners, according to the release.