A decade of trailblazing contributions to the sustainable debt market has earned Bodo Winkler-Viti, head of funding and investor relations at Berlin Hyp, the title of "Personality of the Year" at the 2025 Environmental Finance Sustainable Debt Awards. The accolade marks a significant milestone since the German mortgage bank launched its revolutionary green pfandbrief in April 2015. Under Winkler-Viti's leadership, Berlin Hyp achieved several milestones, including being the first European bank to issue a sustainability-linked bond (SLB) in 2021. These achievements have solidified the institution as a leader in sustainable finance.

Decade-Long Journey Toward Sustainability

In the vibrant world of financial innovation, Berlin Hyp emerged as a beacon of change in the spring of 2015 when it introduced its groundbreaking green pfandbrief. Over the years, this initiative evolved under the guidance of Bodo Winkler-Viti, propelling the bank into uncharted territories of sustainable finance. By 2021, Berlin Hyp became the first European financial entity to issue an SLB, raising €500 million—a move described by Winkler-Viti himself as even more impactful than traditional green bonds due to its unique structure.

Furthermore, Berlin Hyp was instrumental in establishing minimum standards for green and social pfandbrief through collaboration with the Verband deutscher Pfandbriefbanken (VDP). This framework, aligned with international principles like the Green Bond Principles and EU Taxonomy, ensures transparency and accountability. Today, numerous institutions across Germany and Austria adopt these standards, reflecting their widespread acceptance and influence.

Winkler-Viti acknowledges the challenges inherent in pioneering such initiatives but emphasizes the importance of starting correctly. His vision extends beyond individual achievements; he advocates for integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into every aspect of banking operations, transforming Berlin Hyp into a model organization for sustainable practices.

From securing over $15 billion from sustainable bonds to becoming the first commercial bank in Germany to incorporate quantitative sustainability targets into its corporate strategy, Berlin Hyp continues to push boundaries despite regulatory hurdles. The bank remains committed to fostering a sustainable future, leveraging its pivotal role in liquidity allocation.

As one nominating commercial bank aptly put it, Winkler-Viti's influence on the sustainable finance market is transformative, making Berlin Hyp a benchmark for excellence in this field.

Reflecting on his journey, Winkler-Viti expresses hope that banks will continue prioritizing sustainability amidst competing priorities, ensuring they remain key contributors to building a better world.

Despite frustrations related to regulations, Winkler-Viti remains steadfast in seeking innovative opportunities within sustainable finance, underscoring his unwavering dedication to progress.

The story of Berlin Hyp and Bodo Winkler-Viti exemplifies how visionary leadership can reshape industries, setting new benchmarks for others to follow.

From a reader’s perspective, this narrative underscores the critical importance of forward-thinking strategies in addressing global challenges. It inspires confidence in the potential of financial institutions to drive meaningful change while highlighting the need for continued commitment and collaboration toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.