Bank DBS Indonesia together with PT BNP Paribas Asset Management Fulfil Customers’ sustainability aspirations | Bahasa
Collaboration to strengthen commitment to delivering solutions in accordance with global ESG trends
Indonesia, 02 Aug 2023 - Bank DBS Indonesia has entered into a partnership with PT BNP Paribas Asset Management (PT BNP Paribas AM) to offer BNP Paribas Indonesia ESG Equity. The unit trust fund is the latest solution for priority and private banking customers who want to invest while applying the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The partnership is a tangible manifestation of Bank DBS Indonesia's commitment to sustainability to create a better world for future generations through curated solutions. BNP Paribas Indonesia ESG Equity is a mutual fund that integrates ESG metrics into investment decisions to support better and sustainable business practices. The agreement was signed by Rudy Tandjung, Consumer Banking Director at PT Bank DBS Indonesia,and Priyo Santoso, President Director of PT BNP Paribas AM.
PwC 2022 data revealed that ESG-related assets under management (AuM) in Asia-Pacific are expected to grow more than threefold to US$3.3 trillion by 2026, faster than the growth of products in other asset and financial markets. In Indonesia, ESG is a rising trend. In February 2023, AuM of ESG-themed mutual funds stood at Rp4.796 trillion, a significant increase from Rp253 billion in 2017. This is also in accordance with the dramatic increase in the number of ESG-focused mutual funds, from one product in 2016 to 20 in February 2022.
At the same time, the priority and private banking segments are shifting to ESG-focused investment instruments. In fact, Bank DBS Indonesia has taken steps to stay ahead of trends. Consumer Banking Director at PT Bank DBS Indonesia Rudy Tandjung said, "We believe that ESG investing, especially among DBS’ wealth management clients, will remain in high demand because ESG products tend to have lower risk since they also implement good governance principles, and, naturally, can contribute positively to the wider community and the world. Through a strategic partnership with BNP Paribas AM, Bank DBS Indonesia presents the latest ESG-focused investment option, the BNP Paribas Indonesia ESG Equity mutual fund. This product is available on the full-fledged digital banking application digibank by DBS, making it easier for customers to buy and sell investment products while contributing positively to the environment and Indonesia’s economy."
PT BNP Paribas Asset Management President Director Priyo Santoso explained that, "BNP Paribas Asset Management is committed to sustainability worldwide, including in Indonesia. Through the BNP Paribas Indonesia ESG Equity mutual fund, we apply ESG criteria that refer to the ESG principles and guidelines followed by BNP Paribas Asset Management worldwide to select issuers in its portfolio. We believe that this method offers better management of risk-adjusted returns while encouraging investors to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our focus on Environmental sustainability, Equality & inclusive growth, and Energy transition, or 'the 3Es'. Our commitment to these goals is shared openly and regularly with our investors, as we strive to improve our ESG scores and to reduce our carbon footprints to below the benchmark. This is the first ESG disclosure by an investment manager in Indonesia."
BNP Paribas Indonesia ESG Equity is the third mutual fund issued by PT BNP Paribas AM that applies the ESG criteria to its portfolio management. The first two products, BNP Paribas Cakra Syariah USD and BNP Paribas Greater China Equity Syariah USD, are also available at Bank DBS Indonesia. The two companies have previously collaborated to offer the BNP Paribas SRI-KEHATI Index mutual fund. The fund has been officered since November 2022 through the digibank application by DBS to encourage customers to invest while supporting efforts to strengthen food security in East Nusa Tenggara and to donate mangrove trees.
Efforts to convince investors to focus on sustainable assets are supported by the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Head of Business Development 2 Division at PT Bursa Efek Indonesia Ignatius Denny Wicaksono, said, "The IDX seeks to develop an Indonesian capital market ecosystem that adopts and utilises sustainability practices. Therefore, we greatly appreciate the collaboration between Bank DBS Indonesia and PT BNP Paribas AM in offering the BNP Paribas Indonesia ESG Equity mutual fund. We hope that this step can encourage the development of a sustainable investment ecosystem and motivate other companies to contribute to efforts to achieve sustainable development goals in Indonesia."
The launch of the BNP Paribas Indonesia ESG Equity mutual fund has strengthened the commitment of the two parties to making sustainability one of the main focuses of their business partnership. Their mission is to work together to find solutions that can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy and encourage more companies to adopt sustainable practices.
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
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, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.