DBS – First bank in Southeast Asia included in Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Asia Pacific)
Singapore.02 Oct 2018
The bank has also been named to the FTSE4Good Global Index for the second consecutive year
Singapore, 02 Oct 2018 - DBS is the first bank in Southeast Asia and one of five Singapore-listed companies to be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) Asia Pacific. The DJSI Asia Pacific serves as a valuable reference point for investors and companies and consists of businesses that have committed to corporate sustainability practices, and which seek to create long-term stakeholder value.
DBS has also been named to the FTSE4Good Global Index for the second year running, having been the first Singapore bank to be included as an index constituent of the FTSE4Good Global Index in 2017. The index is designed to identify companies that demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance practices measured against globally recognised standards.
Said Mikkel Larsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at DBS, “As the former Development Bank of Singapore, we recognise our role in promoting sustainable development, including the transition to a low-carbon economy. This is reflected in our financing decisions as well as within our operations, where we aim to reduce our own environmental footprint. We are honoured by our inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Asia Pacific and to be named to the FTSE4Good Global Index for the second year in a row. Being recognised by these globally renowned indices is a validation of the efforts we’ve made in prioritising sustainable development.”
Said Manjit Jus, Head of ESG Ratings, RobecoSAM: “I congratulate DBS for being included in the DJSI Asia Pacific. Companies that compete for a coveted place in the DJSI challenge themselves to continuously improve their sustainability practices and we are pleased to see that the number of companies that commit to achieving measurable positive impacts continues to rise.”
DBS’ inclusion to the DJSI Asia Pacific and the FTSE4Good Global Index underscores its commitment towards sustainable development. In 2017, DBS became the first Asian bank and first Singapore company to join global renewable energy initiative RE100 by committing to using 100% renewable energy for its Singapore operations by 2030. In the same year, DBS became the first bank in Singapore to launch a green bond and also helped close the world’s first social sustainability bond to be listed on a stock exchange, the USD 8 million Women’s Livelihood Bond (WLB). The bank recently announced the second tranche of the bond programme, targeting USD 100 million. The programme aims to positively impact one million women across Asia and provide financial returns to investors.
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 are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “Best Bank in the World” by Global Finance. 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. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for ten consecutive years from 2009 to 2018.
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 26,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
DBS has also been named to the FTSE4Good Global Index for the second year running, having been the first Singapore bank to be included as an index constituent of the FTSE4Good Global Index in 2017. The index is designed to identify companies that demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance practices measured against globally recognised standards.
Said Mikkel Larsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at DBS, “As the former Development Bank of Singapore, we recognise our role in promoting sustainable development, including the transition to a low-carbon economy. This is reflected in our financing decisions as well as within our operations, where we aim to reduce our own environmental footprint. We are honoured by our inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Asia Pacific and to be named to the FTSE4Good Global Index for the second year in a row. Being recognised by these globally renowned indices is a validation of the efforts we’ve made in prioritising sustainable development.”
Said Manjit Jus, Head of ESG Ratings, RobecoSAM: “I congratulate DBS for being included in the DJSI Asia Pacific. Companies that compete for a coveted place in the DJSI challenge themselves to continuously improve their sustainability practices and we are pleased to see that the number of companies that commit to achieving measurable positive impacts continues to rise.”
DBS’ inclusion to the DJSI Asia Pacific and the FTSE4Good Global Index underscores its commitment towards sustainable development. In 2017, DBS became the first Asian bank and first Singapore company to join global renewable energy initiative RE100 by committing to using 100% renewable energy for its Singapore operations by 2030. In the same year, DBS became the first bank in Singapore to launch a green bond and also helped close the world’s first social sustainability bond to be listed on a stock exchange, the USD 8 million Women’s Livelihood Bond (WLB). The bank recently announced the second tranche of the bond programme, targeting USD 100 million. The programme aims to positively impact one million women across Asia and provide financial returns to investors.
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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 are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “Best Bank in the World” by Global Finance. 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. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for ten consecutive years from 2009 to 2018.
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 26,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.