DBS has joined over 100 companies from ten sectors headquartered in 24 countries and regions in the inaugural sector-neutral 2018 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI). Launched yesterday, the reference index measures gender equality across internal company statistics, employee policies, external community support and engagement, and gender-conscious product offerings.

Said DBS CEO Piyush Gupta, “It’s a milestone moment for us, to be recognised globally among some 100 firms as best-in-class for gender equality. We believe gender, generational and cultural diversity is our source of strength. We believe that when you achieve a critical mass of women across all levels, this will make a difference in an organisation’s ability to succeed and contributes to our ability to consistently punch above our weight. In Singapore, women form 60% of DBS’ overall workforce, and 40% of our senior management (senior vice presidents to managing directors) are women. Women also make up 30% of our Group Management Committee, which sets the strategy and direction of DBS.”

DBS has established a Board Diversity Policy to promote diversity on its Board of Directors. In addition, as part of the bank’s commitment towards instituting family-friendly policies, DBS employees can choose from different working arrangements depending on their needs. These include: flexible time arrangement, where they can choose their start and end time as long as they complete the stipulated hours; part-time arrangement, where employees can choose to work a reduced number of hours a day or fewer days a week; work-from-home arrangement; and sabbatical leave arrangement.

DBS also takes care to support and provide inclusive banking services and products. The bank played an active role in bringing the Women’s Livelihood Bond to fruition – the world’s first social sustainability bond to be listed on a stock exchange, one that positively impacts the livelihoods of over 385,000 women in Cambodia, the Philippines and Vietnam through micro and small loans. In addition, DBS Foundation, the first foundation in Singapore dedicated to championing social entrepreneurship, supports and funds numerous social enterprises that empower disadvantaged women and girls.

The 2018 GEI represents 24 countries and regions, including firms headquartered in Belgium, Chile, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Singapore and Taiwan. Companies range from a variety of sectors, including communications, consumer staples, energy, financials, materials and technology.

Highlights from this year's index include:

• 2018 GEI members have a 26.2% representation on boards, compared to an average of 12.7% in the ESG universe of coverage
• Women in GEI member firms hold 26% of senior leadership positions, 19% of executive officer roles, and earned 46% of promotions in 2016
• The percentage of executive level positions held by women in GEI member firms increased 33.5% from fiscal year 2014 to 2016
• 67% of members evaluate all advertising and marketing content for gender biases prior to publication
• 65% of members are signatories to or members of organizations advocating for gender equality

"We commend DBS and the other 103 companies included in the 2018 GEI for their efforts to create work environments that support gender equality across a diverse range of industries," said Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg and Founding Chairman of the U.S. 30% Club. "Their leadership sets an important example that will help all organizations innovate and navigate the growing demand for diverse and inclusive workplaces."

"As investors continue to seek more information on companies' approaches to environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, the 2018 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index allows investors to compare companies' commitments to gender equality across industries," said Kiersten Barnet, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Chairman at Bloomberg. "More data and greater transparency in this space will allow investors to make better-informed decisions and help companies better understand their own progress towards gender equality."

Firms submitted a social survey created by Bloomberg in partnership with third-party experts Catalyst, Women's World Banking, Working Mother Media, National Women's Law Center, and National Partnership for Women & Families. Those included on this year’s index scored at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies.

For more information on the GEI, visit www.bloomberg.com/professional/sustainable-finance.

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About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 280 branches across 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings, is among the highest in the world.

DBS is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, and has been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney. The bank has also been recognised for its leadership in the region, having been named “Asia’s Best Bank” by several publications including The Banker, Global Finance, IFR Asia and Euromoney since 2012. In addition, the bank has been named “Safest Bank in Asia” by Global Finance for nine consecutive years from 2009 to 2017.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in all of our 23,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

DBS makes Bloomberg’s global gender-equality index