Mai Lin C. Villaruel

Economics Officer, Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, ADB

Mai Lin is a part of the team that produces the ADB publications Asian Development Outlook and Asia Bond Monitor, and handles economic monitoring and forecasting of selected developing Asian economies. Mai Lin previously worked in national accounts at the National Statistical Coordination Board of the Philippines, now, Philippine Statistics Authority.

Green and social financing work in real-world settings. Photo: Jienz Lou

As Asia Recovers, Will Green and Social Finance Have Real Impact?

Evidence shows that green and social finance are associated with positive environmental and social outcomes and can contribute to a more sustainable world.

Shu Tian, Donghyun Park, Mai Lin C. Villaruel

Filling the Finance Gap for a Green and Inclusive Recovery

Decreased tax revenues and increases in public spending due to COVID-19 make it imperative for developing Asian countries to mobilize private capital for the vast investments needed to achieve the SDGs.

Shu Tian, Donghyun Park, Yothin Jinjarak, Cynthia Castillejos Petalcorin, Mai Lin C. Villaruel

Asian currencies are sensitive to global headlines. ADB photo.

Read All About It: How Big News Events Can Roil Asian Currencies

Major news events, as well as monetary policy uncertainties in the United States, have a significant impact on Asian currencies, but not in the way that some might expect.

Donghyun Park, Irfan A. Qureshi, Shu Tian, Mai Lin C. Villaruel

Singapore is using a carbon tax to help meet its Paris Agreement commitments.

Taxing Emissions in Singapore

Singapore’s carbon tax is designed to maximize green investments while minimizing negative effects on the overall economy.

Donghyun Park, Shu Tian, Mai Lin C. Villaruel

Financing investments that benefit the environment, poor and vulnerable groups and other social good is profitable. Photo: Nandhu Kumar

What is Driving the Growth of Green and Social Finance?

There is evidence of a positive link between sustainable behavior and financial return which will likely drive the continued growth of green and social finance.

Shu Tian, Donghyun Park, Mai Lin C. Villaruel