DBS Recognized as the World’s Best Bank for Sustainable Finance

Driving Asia’s Transition to a Sustainable Finance

DBS Bank has been named the World’s Best Bank for Sustainable Finance by Global Finance, a recognition that underscores its pioneering role in green financing solutions, transition funding, and SME empowerment across Asia. This is the first time DBS has received this global accolade, and it has also retained its title as the Best Bank for Sustainable Finance in Asia-Pacific for the second consecutive year.

Additionally, DBS was awarded:

• Best Bank for ESG-Related Loans in Asia-Pacific
• Best Bank for Transition/Sustainability-Linked Loans in Asia-Pacific

This recognition highlights the bank’s strategic leadership in sustainable finance, supporting businesses of all sizes in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

“Singapore’s DBS is leading the way in financing Asia’s journey to net zero and has been instrumental in sustainability-linked loans across energy, industrials, transportation, and real estate sectors,” said Joseph Giarraputo, President & Editorial Director of Global Finance.

Pioneering Sustainable Finance: A Transformative Approach

DBS has made sustainability a core business and social imperative by leading innovative financial solutions that mobilize capital for green projects. In 2024, the bank played a critical role in major sustainable finance initiatives across the region, including:

• Blended Finance for Water Security in Indonesia
• DBS was the sole financial adviser for Karian Water Services, a $286 million public-private partnership to develop a freshwater supply system for two million people in Jakarta, Tangerang, and South Tangerang. This was Indonesia’s first water sector project funded through public and private capital, setting a precedent for sustainable infrastructure financing.
• Unlocking Sustainable Capital in China
• DBS became the first Southeast Asian bank to access the People’s Bank of China’s (PBOC) Carbon Emission Reduction Facility, securing funds to issue green loans for renewable energy projects in China. This landmark initiative reinforced DBS’ commitment to accelerating China’s clean energy transition.
• Empowering SMEs with Green Finance
• Recognizing the crucial role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Asia’s economy, DBS has facilitated green project financing to support their transition to sustainable operations. A key example is DBS’ green loan to a Singapore-based SME in 2024, enabling the development of the country’s first circular biomass power plant. The plant generates green electricity, supplying power to Google’s data centres in Singapore while promoting the circular economy.

“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. As a purpose-driven bank, DBS is committed to enabling a just transition in Asia by providing essential financing for decarbonization activities,” said Tan Su Shan, Deputy CEO of DBS.

Commitment to a Just and Inclusive Transition

DBS’ approach to sustainable finance goes beyond large corporations. The bank has actively supported SMEs, mid-sized companies, and government initiatives to make sustainable financing accessible and impactful.

The bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework provides businesses with clear guidelines for decarbonization and green transition strategies, ensuring financial support aligns with global ESG standards.

Accelerating Asia’s Journey to Net-Zero

Through its regional network, financial expertise, and commitment to ESG, DBS is setting the benchmark for sustainable banking in Asia. The bank’s focus on:

• Scaling up green loans and transition financing
• Creating innovative funding structures for sustainability projects
• Strengthening partnerships between governments, multilateral agencies, and private enterprises ensures a holistic and lasting impact on the region’s sustainable development goals.

With climate change and ESG considerations shaping the future of finance, DBS’ recognition as the World’s Best Bank for Sustainable Finance reinforces its leadership in green banking and responsible investing.

By championing clean energy, infrastructure resilience, and SME inclusion, DBS is transforming the financial sector and helping businesses and communities thrive in a low-carbon world.

The journey towards sustainable finance is accelerating, and DBS is at the forefront, driving Asia’s transition to a greener, more resilient economy.

For more in-depth analysis and inspiring climate news, click here.