Sustainability

Our steadfast promise for a better world

SMBC Group defines sustainability as the creation of “a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being and pass it on to future generations.”

Throughout our history, SMBC Group has regarded sustainability as fundamental to our business operations and, to this day, it remains the foundation of our management. As a financial institution, we work together with our customers and stakeholders towards building and sustaining a better world.

Today, we continue our steadfast commitment to the environment, community, and next generation.


As set forth in the SMBC Group Statement on Sustainability, and manifested in our 10-year sustainability roadmap called GREENxGLOBE 2030, we have prioritized sustainability efforts and aligned with 10 of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—17 interconnected global targets designed to improve life for future generations.


As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, the UN’s principles for responsible investment (PRI), the principles for responsible banking (PRB), and the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), we are integrating industry-leading principles into our decision-making and business operations.



About GREENxGLOBE 2030

We recognize that urgent and bold action is required to transition to a more sustainable world. GREENxGLOBE 2030 is SMBC Group’s 10-year plan to contribute to a sustainable world and take specific action towards addressing climate change and advancing a better society, including adopting long-term goals to achieve net zero emissions in the spirit of the Paris Agreement. The initiative’s name represents the extensive good we can achieve through our global network.

By 2030, we aim to:

  • Execute 30 trillion Japanese yen contributed toward sustainability1, of which 20 trillion is invested in green finance
  • Engage 1.5 million participants in SMBC Group financial education programs
  • Produce annual reports measuring the social impact of our activities
  • Increase employee and client engagement in ESG
  • Reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions to become net zero2 in group-wide operations by 20303
  • In addition, we have committed to achieving net zero in our loan and investment portfolio by 20504


1
Finance that contributed to sustainability includes financing for the purposes of supporting corporate transition to environmentally conscious business models and their social programs.
2
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
3
The basic concept is to directly reduce GHG emissions by switching electricity to renewable sources making use of non-fossil fuel energy certificates, etc. For unavoidable emissions, carbon offsets such as purchasing credits will be considered to achieve net zero.

4
‘We have interim emissions targets for 2030 in the electric power generation, oil & gas, and coal sectors. These are detailed in our 2022 TCFD report.’


 

Sustainability in the Americas

With sustainability central to our corporate mission, our initiatives in the Americas include integrating and promoting the SMBC global sustainability and net zero agenda, as well as advancing programs to support diversity, equity, and inclusion and social contribution activities in our local communities. Our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities are aimed at helping us do our part to contribute to the global transformation to a better society.

Meet Our ESG Leaders
  • Environmental

    We support sustainable business practices in the way we operate and prioritize helping our clients reduce their environmental impact through green loans and bonds, as well as sustainability-linked financing. Learn more about our environmental sustainability efforts.

    Structured and Project Finance Sustainable Finance
  • Social

    We strive to build strong relationships based on empathy and mutual respect with our employees, clients, and suppliers. By standing up for social justice and championing financial literacy, we are joining the movement to promote the health and safety of our communities.

    Diversity and Inclusion
  • Governance

    We manage the internal controls of our business with integrity in accordance with our company’s standards and industry regulations and hold ourselves accountable for managing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.