TMBThanachart or ttb reiterates its path to success in “Sustainable Banking” by following the B+ESG framework, merging business and sustainability as one. The bank upholds this principle in every strategy and business approach, based on creating growth and sustainability for all stakeholders, including customers, business partners, business alliances, communities, and society at large. The bank also helps customers in adapting to the changes and new regulations of the world, utilizing knowledge and solutions that meet the demands.
Mr. Piti Tantakasem, CEO of TMBThanachart, has revealed that for the past 3-4 years, ttb has been dedicated to driving the organization towards creating financial well-being for the people of Thailand. Sustainable banking has been the foundation of the bank’s strategies, and the bank has continuously emphasized the importance of taking action in this direction. This is to ensure sustainability for all stakeholders of the bank. Today, sustainability is no longer a new concept, but something that is becoming increasingly relevant and personal to everyone.
“ttb considers sustainability as one of its responsibilities. The bank aims to support customers, business partners, corporate allies, and society in maintaining stable and sustainable lives and businesses. This aligns with good corporate governance, and everyone is familiar with the term ESG. However, ttb has added the “B” for Business Sustainability because we believe that business operations and sustainability cannot be separated. Therefore, every strategy and business approach of the bank must be based on creating growth and sustainability for all our stakeholders. This can be seen through our continuous efforts from the past to the present.”
Throughout its journey, ttb has created financial well-being and provided real solutions to people’s problems. The financial well-being solutions have helped customers move forward, even in times of crisis. For example, ttb all free account provides free personal accident to customers. The bank also encourages customer with high interest rates to lower their burdens with our debt consolidation program. Additionally, ttb has gradually introduced new features on the ttb touch application to support salary employees and car owners in managing important aspects of their lives comprehensively.
From commercial customers’ perspective, ttb has recently launched Roddonjai.com, a unique online platform, with special collections of high-quality used cars to fulfill every customer need with credible market standard. Its unique features also extend to car financing by ttb DRIVE, the leader in car hire-purchase, to deliver one stop service peace of mind experience all in one place. This platform is part of the Ecosystem for car owners, supporting car owners and car dealers to keep up with the digital trend and transform their business operations towards the online channel, which is the main choice for consumers today. This helps sustain the growth of the used car business in a consistent manner. Currently, there are around 900 car dealers who have become partners with “Roddonjai”.
Moreover, one significant initiative that the bank has undertaken over the past 10 years is providing essential knowledge to commercial customers through the “LEAN for Sustainable Growth by ttb” training program. The bank has recently incorporated ESG topics into this program. Over the years, more than 1,700 companies have participated. Furthermore, the bank has established a valuable knowledge hub called “finbiz by ttb” on its website, which receives over 100,000 annual visitors. It includes useful resources for conducting business. ttb organizes both offline and online seminars and workshops, with over 700 companies from various industries participating in these events.
Mr. Piti added, “In its capacity as a driving force behind environmental sustainability, the bank has been able to make a tangible impact by supporting businesses that prioritize environmental concerns through sustainable financial solutions and responsible lending. ttb is the first Thai commercial bank to issue green bonds and sustainable blue bonds, with a total value of over 7,000 million baht. These funds are used to support commercial customers through green and blue loans. In 2022, the bank has already issued green loans totaling over 13,000 million baht, and aims to lend an additional 9,000 million baht in 2023. Currently, the bank is a market leader in providing loans for electric vehicles, with the outstanding of approximately 6,500 million baht.
Social sustainability is another important aspect that ttb emphasizes. Our “Punboon” project, a philanthropy platform that facilitates charitable organizations and nonprofits to access a broader donor base through online donations. This aligns with the digital lifestyle of the younger generation and enables efficient financial management for the nonprofit sector. The bank takes pride in driving initiatives under both the business and social aspects, and currently, they have more than 270 participating foundations, having raised over 400 million baht in donations.
Moreover, ttb has continuously shown commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with a focus on empowering youth and communities to be able to depend on themselves instead of simply donation. fai-fah is our main project to ignite positive and sustainable changes in communities. Currently, there are five fai-fah centers in Bangkok and its metropolitan area, enabling youth to utilize their free time for beneficial purposes without incurring any costs. More than 10,000 children have participated in this program, and over 200 projects led by ttb employees across the country who volunteer their time to support community development by leveraging their skills and knowledge.
ttb places great importance on Corporate Governance & Business Ethics. It is evident through our qualified board of directors and experienced employees who possess knowledge, abilities, and experience, guiding and pushing for appropriate policies that benefit all stakeholders. As a result, the bank has been recognized as the recipient of the “Most Ethical Bank” award from Fair Finance Thailand, achieving the highest score among Thai banks for four consecutive years. Moreover, ttb is the top-ranked bank among financial institutions in Thailand and ranked second in Asia - Mid/Small Cap category and Asia (excluding Japan and Mainland China) category based on sell-side analysts voting. These rankings reflect ttb’s unwavering dedication and determination on ESG matters.
Additionally, ttb organized a special seminar to emphasize the importance of ESG in Phase 1: Empower Business towards Environmental Sustainability. Mr. Saranya Phuphatana, Chief Commercial Banking Officer of TMBThanachart, highlighted the significance of ESG for future business and the adaptation of business owners. He emphasized the bank’s support through solutions and knowledge to enable commercial customers to compete sustainably within the context of ESG. Furthermore, Mr. Yongyut Setthawiwat, Managing Director,
Treasury and Finance Shared Services of Thai Union Group Public Co. Ltd.,
discussed the vision, strategies, and adaptation towards Blue Finance of Thai Union, leading to sustainable business operations and the support provided by ttb. He emphasized the need for businesses to expedite the alignment of their business strategies and operations with ESG.
In Phase 2: Empower Business towards Social Sustainability, Ms. Kanokporn Jootar, Deputy Chief, Head of Domestic Transaction Banking of TMBThanachart, discussed the bank’s starting point and intentions in the development of the Punboon platform, which assists foundations and charitable organizations in comprehensive financial management, including financial, fundraising, and document management aspects. Ms. Srilada Rangsigunpoom, Manager of The Foundation For Slum Child Care ,under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra ,discussed the significance and adaptation strategies of foundations to keep pace with digital trends and the behavior of new-generation donors. She also mentioned the continuous growth of fundraising results through participation in the Punboon project.
“Because we believe that businesses and ESG must evolve hand in hand we not only aim to become the sustainable bank but also committed to expanding the scope and sustainability for everyone involved. This is another mission of the bank, to provide support to our customers, business partners, and society, enabling them to sustainably pursue their lives and businesses,” concluded Mr. Piti.