As sustainable infrastructure investment scales globally, much of the conversation focuses on mobilizing capital at the outset—designing new roads, grids, or water systems that are climate-resilient and socially inclusive. But what happens once these projects are built?

That’s where the secondary market comes in.

The secondary market refers to the buying, selling, or refinancing of existing infrastructure assets. Once a project has moved beyond its early, high-risk phase—often after construction is complete and cash flows are predictable—it becomes an attractive opportunity for different types of investors. Early-stage funders can exit or recycle their capital into new projects, while long-term investors (such as pension funds or insurance companies) step in to manage more stable assets.

A trusted secondary market, as emphasized in our conversation with Hayden Morgan, enables early-stage investors to exit with confidence. It brings more capital into new, sustainable projects. It’s essential to the long-term viability of sustainable infrastructure.

However, this market remains underdeveloped, especially in private infrastructure. A key barrier is investor uncertainty around the credibility of sustainability claims. 

This is where initiatives like the FAST-Infra Label are playing a catalytic role. According to Hayden, Head of Climate & Sustainability Consulting, Pinsent Masons, tools like the Fast-Infra Label offer standardized, transparent criteria—helping de-risk projects for secondary investors and reducing concerns about greenwashing.

‍

How the FAST-Infra Label is Shaping a Healthier Market

• Builds investor trust: The Label certifies that a project meets globally recognized sustainability standards.
  
• Lowers perceived risk: Labeled projects are viewed as more stable, making them attractive for refinancing or acquisition.
  
• Unlocks new financial tools: Labeled projects can power bond indices, pooled securities, and more.
  

The result? Greater market depth, smoother capital flow, and stronger incentives for early-stage investments in sustainable infrastructure.

‍

Expert Insight

“With a stronger secondary market, early investors are more likely to commit to new projects, knowing they have a clear exit path or refinancing options.” — Hayden Morgan, Head of Climate & Sustainability Consulting, Pinsent Masons, and Steering Committee Member, FAST-Infra Label.

‍

Start your FAST-Infra Label journey with a quick, complimentary self-assessment. Register your infrastructure project on the Application Portal to get started.