As a responsible corporate and financial intermediary, we conduct periodic in-depth impact analysis on our businesses and portfolios across our markets to identify our most significant impact areas. Arising from this, we have prioritised Economic Inclusion and Health as matter of priority.
To improve economic inclusion and health within the communities where we operate, we take the following approach in our efforts:
a) Prioritising Economic Inclusion and Financial Health of Vulnerable Populations
We seek to provide access to finance across the geographies where we operate, including low-income and lower-middle-income countries, as well as to underprivileged and underserved communities, where feasible and aligned with our respective business strategies. In doing so, we aim to help ensure that underserved populations and businesses receive the necessary financial support for meaningful and sustainable development. We are committed to disclosing our contributions to these markets, including the proportion of financial products, services, and capital channelled to support these economies.
b) Protecting Vulnerable Clients
We are committed to putting in place policies, procedures, and safeguards to help protect the rights and improve financial well-being of our vulnerable clients, particularly when assessing the creditworthiness of borrowers to prevent client's over-indebtedness. We will also work to strengthen our employees' understanding of vulnerable clients, ensure communications and information about products and services are legible and comprehensible, and prevent aggressive sales techniques and disrespectful treatment of vulnerable groups. We will make available easily accessible complaints mechanisms to vulnerable clients, so that we can respond to their needs and ensure fair treatment is provided.
We strive for a Just Transition in addressing climate change — greening the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities, and enabling financial inclusion for underprivileged communities, tailoring our approach in alignment with local needs, capacities, and business priorities. This involves maximising the social and economic opportunities of climate action, while minimising and carefully managing any challenges in partnership with our stakeholders — including through effective social dialogue among all with impacted groups, ensuring responsible divestment strategies, and maintaining respect for fundamental labour principles and rights.
c) Providing Suitable Financial Products and Services
We are committed to innovate to ensure that our financial products and services are able to cater to vulnerable and underserved groups, taking a fact-based approach to understand, address, and tailor delivery methods based on the needs and preferences of vulnerable groups, including those with lower income levels, physical disabilities, the elderly, and those facing financial hardship.
d) Collaboration and Non-Financial Support
We are committed to providing relevant and impactful non-financial support for specific vulnerable groups, actively collaborating with social welfare organisations, Higher Education Institutions, and other industry players to expand the reach of inclusive financial services and to improve financial well-being of vulnerable groups.
e) Monitoring and Reporting Progress
We will monitor and report on our progress towards meeting our targets on an annual basis at the management and board level.
