DBS BANK
“ This is done using a tool called ERQ – essentially an ESG assessment of the client . We are possibly the only bank that uses gen AI to extract these assessments and facts from various data points and sources for the client . In Phase 2 , we bring to their awareness the relevant topics that are pertinent to their sector . This is an interactive phase to understand the client better and get their positioning right .
“ We spend a lot of time understanding our clients – and we adjust our advisory based on their needs and tailor our solutions depending on their maturity and the external environment . Phase 3 is the exciting one – where we take action delivering the solution .”
Delivering solutions : Where the rubber hits the road The delivery phase is different for each client , Shilpa says , adding : “ When you understand credit and the complexities that the value chain is facing , you can adjust the investment in terms of training and in highlighting the key areas of importance .
“ Then you can connect the dots between the anchor and its value chain by providing the financing and putting the right KPIs in place .
“ We go with what is most relevant with the client from its business and industry perspective , then we try to bring the banking solution to the client and then we see that it connects the dots beautifully .”
Decarbonising a dairy farm in North Asia One example Shilpa cites is a dairy farm in North Asia , where efficiencies have been achieved by looking at it from a different angle – focusing on a critical KPI , somatic cell count , a key indicator of milk quality and consumer safety .
She says : “ Here , intuitively , we should be looking at the direct emissions of its various farms . But there is one particular component that we deepdived with the client because we know it is very relevant if you see the materiality matrix of the sector . There is a somatic cell count in any dairy product , which is extremely important because it has an impact on the health of consumers .
“ An average count is about 200,000 somatic cells per unit . We did ask the company to focus on this and we structured the KPI around this particular element .”
DBS and the future of net zero When asked about DBS Bank ’ s rolein shaping the future of net zero in APAC , Shilpa chooses a contemporary case study to illustrate its ongoing impact .
She says : “ In Indonesia , there are water treatment plants where DBS has played a role not only in financing but advisory , bringing in the project finance element and making it a blended finance transaction because there are the multilateral development banks that are involved to de-risk to an extent .
Not only that , but beautifully connecting the public-private partnership element among the MDBs and thereby being able to deliver the project financing structure .
66 March 2025