DBS Hong Kong and MTR Corporation sign a maiden HKD 1 billion sustainability-linked loan | 繁體
Hong Kong.27 Jan 2025
Supporting MTR Corporation’s decarbonisation targets
Hong Kong, 27 Jan 2025 - DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“DBS Hong Kong”) announced the successful closing with MTR Corporation of a 5-year sustainability-linked revolving loan facility (“SLL”) amounting to HKD1 billion late last year. The financing structure reinforces MTR Corporation’s realisation of its decarbonisation targets and commitments to sustainability stewardship.
This facility is the first SLL in Hong Kong’s public transportation sector with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved decarbonisation targets. In accordance with market best practice, DBS Hong Kong was the first bank to assist MTR Corporation in securing a positive Second Party Opinion from a rating agency to provide investors with assurance that the SBTi and the determination of the sustainability performance targets under the SLL are appropriate.
Boris Chan, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank Hong Kong, said, “DBS Hong Kong is thrilled to partner with MTR Corporation in this landmark transaction. This SLL not only reinforces our dedication in promoting sustainable finance, but also empowers MTR Corporation to further its decarbonisation objectives. We believe that financial institutions have a pivotal role in driving sustainable development and we are proud to contribute to this important mission.”
Michael Fitzgerald, Finance Director of MTR Corporation, said, “MTR Corporation is excited to embark on this sustainable journey with DBS Hong Kong, which aligns perfectly with our corporate sustainability strategy. This SLL will help drive our efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our rail network and property portfolio. By incorporating green and climate-resilient measures into our operations and services, we aim to provide low-carbon transportation that benefits both our stakeholders and the environment.”
MTR Corporation has firmly integrated environmental, social and governance considerations into its business operations, striving to create long-term value for all stakeholders. This collaboration reflects the shared commitments of DBS and MTR Corporation to sustainable finance and supporting Hong Kong’s journey to carbon neutrality.
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.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 15 consecutive years from 2009 to 2023.
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.
This facility is the first SLL in Hong Kong’s public transportation sector with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved decarbonisation targets. In accordance with market best practice, DBS Hong Kong was the first bank to assist MTR Corporation in securing a positive Second Party Opinion from a rating agency to provide investors with assurance that the SBTi and the determination of the sustainability performance targets under the SLL are appropriate.
Boris Chan, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank Hong Kong, said, “DBS Hong Kong is thrilled to partner with MTR Corporation in this landmark transaction. This SLL not only reinforces our dedication in promoting sustainable finance, but also empowers MTR Corporation to further its decarbonisation objectives. We believe that financial institutions have a pivotal role in driving sustainable development and we are proud to contribute to this important mission.”
Michael Fitzgerald, Finance Director of MTR Corporation, said, “MTR Corporation is excited to embark on this sustainable journey with DBS Hong Kong, which aligns perfectly with our corporate sustainability strategy. This SLL will help drive our efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our rail network and property portfolio. By incorporating green and climate-resilient measures into our operations and services, we aim to provide low-carbon transportation that benefits both our stakeholders and the environment.”
MTR Corporation has firmly integrated environmental, social and governance considerations into its business operations, striving to create long-term value for all stakeholders. This collaboration reflects the shared commitments of DBS and MTR Corporation to sustainable finance and supporting Hong Kong’s journey to carbon neutrality.
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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.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 15 consecutive years from 2009 to 2023.
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.