Deutsche Bank has established an ESG centre of excellence (COE) in the Lion City.
The unit will work across all of the bank’s divisions to focus on the execution of ESG transactions as well as sharing global best practices with Asian regulators and regional bodies, reports FSA‘s sister publication, International Adviser.
The COE will also help with the development of products to address gaps in the ESG market and advisory services.
The centre will house an ESG team to work with coverage and product teams on six different programmes:
- ESG transactions across all business divisions, including the investment bank, corporate bank, international private bank and asset management (DWS);
- ESG leadership lecture series in partnership with academic institutions;
- ESG fellowship programme for graduate students at global MBA programmes;
- ESG internship programme for undergraduate students at top global universities;
- Partnership with research institutions and global think tanks on ESG research; and
- ESG policy seminars for sovereign and sub-sovereign governments.
Becoming the ‘premier ESG bank in Apac’
Kamran Khan, Deutsche Bank head of ESG for Asia Pacific, said: “The transition of Asia towards sustainable practices requires ESG transaction models, products, solutions and regulatory measures which meet international standards while supporting on-the-ground realities in Asia.
“By establishing this ESG Centre of Excellence in Singapore, we aim to set standards for evidence-based, data-driven transactions which can substantiate ESG impact and support sustainable growth.”
Gillian Tan, assistant managing director (development and international) at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), added: “MAS strongly supports the establishment of Deutsche Bank’s Asia Pacific ESG centre of excellence in Singapore.
“It is a welcome addition to Singapore’s growing sustainability and green finance ecosystem. The centre of excellence will leverage innovation to accelerate Asia’s transition to a sustainable future. The COE’s goal to facilitate industry knowledge transfer will help to deepen the pool of specialised talent and capabilities in Singapore.”
