Honored for its leadership in sustainable finance, featuring innovative solutions that promote Asia’s transition agenda, enhance cross-border impact, and empower corporations and SMEs.
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SINGAPORE, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DBS has proudly announced its recognition as the World’s Best Bank for Sustainable Finance by New York-based trade publication Global Finance. This marks the first instance the bank has achieved this global honor, while successfully retaining the title of Best Bank for Sustainable Finance in Asia-Pacific for two consecutive years. Additionally, it was named Best Bank for ESG-Related Loans and Best Bank for Transition/Sustainability Linked Loans in the Asia-Pacific region. These accolades highlight DBS’ commitment to supporting Asia’s transition towards a more sustainable future, facilitated not only through the mobilization of traditional capital sources but also by innovative financing solutions and public-private partnerships. Furthermore, it acknowledges DBS’ pivotal role in assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on their sustainability journeys.
In its fifth year, the awards program celebrates organizations that exhibit exemplary leadership in financing solutions aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability efforts globally.
Joseph Giarraputo, President and Editorial Director at Global Finance, stated: “Global Finance’s choice for the best bank for sustainable finance globally has integrated environmental and social considerations into the core of their operations. Singapore’s DBS is at the forefront of financing Asia’s net zero journey and has played a key role in providing transition and sustainability-linked loans across the energy, industrial, transportation, and real estate sectors in Asia-Pacific in 2024. The bank’s sustainable finance framework offers clear guidance to clients on their decarbonization and transition strategies.”
With its Asia-centric focus, DBS recognizes enabling the region’s shift to net-zero as both a business and social necessity. In 2024, the bank spearheaded several innovative transactions across various markets in the region, including:
- Developing new financing structures that merge public and private capital to mitigate risks associated with sustainability projects and mobilize substantial investments. An illustrative example is the Karian Water Services project in Indonesia, a USD 286 million blended finance initiative aimed at creating a freshwater supply system for two million residents in Jakarta, Tangerang, and South Tangerang. DBS served as the sole financial advisor to Karian Water Services, playing a crucial role in aligning various stakeholders, including governments, multilateral agencies, and private sector entities. This project represents the first occurrence of combining public- and private-sector funds in Indonesia’s water sector.
- Enhancing access to sustainable capital region-wide. DBS was the pioneering Southeast Asian bank to utilize the People’s Bank of China’s (PBOC) Carbon Emission Reduction Facility, securing funding to provide a green loan to a prominent Chinese renewable energy company. Furthermore, DBS was the exclusive Singapore bank selected by PBOC for this landmark program, which aims to support China’s transition efforts.
- Assisting SMEs and mid-cap enterprises in their transition to greener practices, acknowledging that these businesses form the backbone of Asia’s economy. In November 2024, DBS announced the extension of a green loan to a Singapore-based SME to establish Singapore’s first circular biomass power plant, facilitated through a tailor-made project financing structure. The renewable energy produced by this plant powers a portion of Google’s data center operations in Singapore. This initiative contributes to Singapore’s circular economy and showcases how DBS assists smaller enterprises in accessing green financing and participating in the region’s energy transition.
Tan Su Shan, Deputy CEO of DBS, remarked: “Climate change represents one of the greatest challenges of our time, requiring bold, collective action to address it. As a purpose-driven bank, DBS is dedicated to enabling a just transition in Asia by providing crucial financing for decarbonization efforts that balance the region’s social, environmental, and economic priorities. Our strategy must be both pragmatic and impactful. We utilize our regional network, industry expertise, sustainability advisory services, and structuring know-how to craft innovative financing solutions for businesses of all sizes. Being recognized as the World’s Best Bank for Sustainable Finance by Global Finance is an immense honor that strengthens our commitment to driving positive change within the communities we serve.”
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About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group based in Asia, with operations in 19 markets. Headquartered and publicly listed in Singapore, DBS is strategically positioned in the three principal Asian growth regions: Greater China, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The bank boasts impressive credit ratings of “AA-” and “Aa1,” ranking among the highest globally.
Recognized for its global leadership, DBS has been awarded “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 harnessing digital technology to redefine 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. Moreover, DBS has been honored as the “Safest Bank in Asia” by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS offers a complete suite of services in consumer, SME, and corporate banking. With its foundation in Asia, DBS possesses a deep understanding of the complexities involved in conducting business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
DBS is dedicated to fostering enduring relationships with customers, exemplifying the Asian way of banking. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank makes a significant societal impact by supporting enterprises that prioritize profit alongside social and/or environmental benefits. The DBS Foundation also contributes to society in various manners, from equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills to building food resilience.
With a vast network of operations throughout Asia and a strong focus on engaging and empowering its workforce, DBS offers exciting career opportunities. For further details, please visit www.dbs.com
SOURCE DBS BANK LTD
