Saigon – Hanoi Bank (SHB) has been awarded as “Vietnam’s Best Bank for ESG 2023” by Asiamoney, adding to a string of ESG and green finance awards from prestigious domestic and international organizations demonstrate SHB achievements in its sustainable development strategy.

In mid-June 2023, SHB was honored as “Biggest ESG impact bank in Vietnam” by FinanceAsia – Asia’s premier capital markets publication. In addition, during the Green Economy Forum for a Sustainable Development Nation in 2023 hosted by the Vietnam Environmental Industry Association (VEIA), SHB was named in the Top 10 green and sustainable enterprises as well as the Top 10 Best Banks for Vietnamese energy projects in the 2017-2021 period honored by the Vietnam Energy Association…

As a pioneering bank in the national sustainable development, SHB has actively channeled its fund into agriculture, forestry, food processing and manufacturing industries, especially green energy, renewable energy and infrastructure  projects  that aim at building a circular economy.

Sustainable development driven by ESG risk management framework

SHB is a pioneering bank in adopting a Bank-wide comprehensive and rigorous ESG Risk Management Framework.  Each component of this framework has essentially complied with international guidelines and best practices.

During 30 years of development, SHB sets the new ESG standards for sustainable development and enhance the bank’s capacity. SHB’s ESG standards align with business strategy and corporate culture with the guiding values “Heart – Faith – Trustworthiness – Knowledge – Wisdom – Prestige”.

Successfully implementing the ESG framework has resulted in attracting more than billions of dollars ODA from international institutions. Therefore, SHB gets substantial source to finance green transition projects which shall definitely bring about positive impacts in Vietnam and keeps fostering its position as a leading Vietnam’s green and ESG impact bank.

Asiamoney hailed SHB’s efficiency in allocating funding to socio-economic development requirements, green finance and green banking growth, renewable energy, clean energy, environmental protection projects.

Currently, the proportion of outstanding green loan at SHB is increasing dramatically with the average annual growth rate up to 10%. Since 2018, green project financing has grown nearly 150%, much higher than that of total loan growth equal to 70%.

Digital transformation – the key to sustainable development

Integrating ESG goals into business growth strategy demands SHB to promote radical digital transformation including corporate governance.

In the period 2021 – 2023, SHB has been widely acclaimed as being speedy in digital transformation speed launching a series of products, features, and utilities and various digitalization projects.

SHB has invested intensively on upgrading Core Banking, card systems, investment banking, loan origination system (LOS), Omni Channel system, Artificial intelligence (AI), big data (Big Data), machine learning (Machine learning), Internet of Things (IoT),… Besides, SHB also works with leading global Fintech businesses to accelerate the digital transformation.

Digitalization has optimized customer experience, ensuring secure transaction and minimizing paperwork and effort for both customers and staff. Up to now, most of transactions can be made online and cashless payment have leapt in both the total number and transaction amount. V-Office – the electronic office system sets a good example in following ESG principle to to streamline workstream and eliminate paper waste.

Digital transformation and ESG compliance not only optimize business efficiency, enhance brand reputation but also sharpen SHB’s competitive advantages. SHB continuously awarded as green bank confirm that it is on the right track on the green finance growth strategy.

Year 2023 celebrates SHB’s 30-year journey. On that journey, in addition to continuously improving and strengthening capacity, operating in line with international standards, proactively carrying out social corporate responsibilities, SHB always accompanies customers by offering diverse products and services, preferential finance, flexible financial solutions that help customers effectively use capital, increase competitiveness and expand business.