Policy Statements

Sustainability Policy Statement

We take a long term view of our business decisions at all times, ensuring that short term actions do not damage our ability to operate successfully into the future.

We seek out new opportunities through the active management of current and future risks, balancing the needs of people and society, the environment and its profitability, and thereby ensuring the continued success of the Group. Beyond compliance with laws and regulations, we focus on the following 6 strategic areas.

Economy

We must remain financially profitable in the long term to benefit all of our stakeholders through the provision of jobs, creation of shareholder value and giving access to trusted financial services.

Our operations should align with, and contribute to the financial stability and economic development of the communities where we conduct our business.

Transparency and Accountability

We build and conform to strong governance frameworks, actively disclose material information, and take responsibility for our actions and impacts.

We build trust in the financial industry and system by acting transparently and truthfully at all times.

Alliances and Coalitions

We engage with our stakeholders regularly to understand and act on their material concerns as they align to our core business.

We form alliances and coalitions with stakeholders who can help us achieve positive social and environmental impacts through our operations and business activities in line with our vision and strategy.

People

We treat employees equitably and with respect, and seek to provide a safe and healthy work environment. We provide opportunities for all employees to develop and ensure fair pay and compensation.

Products

We market responsibly and sells the right product to the right customer in an appropriate manner – considering their best interests and risk appetites.

We consider external risks and design innovative products and services which help mitigate those risks, support the financial stability of our customers and the sustainable success of our organisation.

Environment

We employ best practices and recognised standards, both local and international, to ensure proper environmental management and impact reduction related to our operations and products.

We do not compromise on the long term environmental security of the communities where we operate in favour of short term profit.

Environmental Policy Statement

In this policy statement, we commit to:

Comply with all relevant environmental legislation, regulations and codes of practice in the countries where we operate.
Manage and mitigate the direct environmental impacts of our internal operations and reduce our carbon footprint through the implementation of an internal environmental management system (EMS).
Develop environmental targets and objectives as part of the implementation of our internal Environmental Management System (EMS) and ensure that these are aligned with local and regional environmental targets and international goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Reduce the indirect environmental impacts of our lending and commercial activities and manage our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks in lending activities through the application of the Equator Principles, which we are signatory to.

Seek to develop innovative financial products and services which will support the development of renewable energy and sustainable business and lend, invest and facilitate financing for projects which are focused on environmentally sustainable activities.
Apply the principles of sustainability in our procurement policy and supply chain management and outline minimum requirements for our vendors to conduct their business in a responsible way.
Provide training and engagement programmes to enhance environmental awareness and encourage our employees to understand the importance of incorporating environmental considerations within their daily business activities.
Monitor and continuously improve our environmental performance.