by Jan Michael Carpo, Reporter
BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) has broadened its Sustainable Finance Framework (SFF), enhancing its capacity to support projects that contribute to economic development, environmental protection, and societal growth.
The expanded framework, which now includes 19 categories across green, blue, orange, and social financing, positions the Sy-led bank as a key player in advancing sustainability efforts in the Philippines.
BDO’s commitment to inclusivity, UNSDG goals
Among the new categories is a focus on gender funding, a crucial initiative designed to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality.
This addition reflects the Sy-led bank’s commitment to inclusivity, as well as its alignment with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and global bond principles.
“Through the expanded SFF, BDO will be able to finance more projects with significant economic, environmental, and social benefits. This initiative supports community development, women’s empowerment, ecological sustainability, and ocean health,” the bank stated.
The bank’s enhanced SFF framework is designed in accordance with internationally recognized guidelines, such as the United Nations SDGs, the Sustainability Bond Guidelines (2021), and the Green Bond Principles (2021). It also complies with ASEAN standards, including the ASEAN Sustainability, Social, and Green Bond Standards (2018) and the Social Bond and Loan Principles (2023).
These international principles ensure that BDO’s sustainable finance initiatives meet global best practices while maintaining a strong focus on local impact.
Sustainable financing
Further strengthening its sustainability credentials, the bank received an updated Second Party Opinion (SPO) from Morningstar Sustainalytics, a leading provider of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) research and ratings.
The SPO confirms that its expanded SFF adheres to the highest standards of sustainable financing. Sustainalytics’ validation reaffirms the legitimacy of the bank’s methodology, positioning BDO as a trusted entity for both institutional and retail investors seeking responsible investment opportunities.
BDO’s commitment to sustainable finance is already yielding impressive results. In July, the bank made its third foray into the ASEAN sustainability bond market, raising a remarkable P55.7 billion. Initially targeting just P5 billion, the issuance was oversubscribed by more than 11 times — a clear indicator of robust investor confidence in BDO’s sustainability initiatives.
This follows on the heels of two other highly successful bond issuances. In January, BDO raised a record P63.3 billion in its second round of ASEAN sustainability bonds, surpassing its initial P5 billion offering by over 12.7 times. The bank’s debut ASEAN sustainability bond, launched in January 2022, raised P52.7 billion, again demonstrating significant investor demand for sustainability-focused investments.
Extensive financial network and reach
As the largest bank in the Philippines, BDO continues to leverage its extensive financial network and reach to drive sustainable projects. With over 1,700 consolidated operating branches and more than 5,500 ATMs nationwide, as well as a growing international presence through 16 overseas offices, the bank’s impact is both local and global.
Its full-service locations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America enable BDO to tap into global markets while supporting the local economy. Last July, in a significant move to enhance financial accessibility for Filipinos, the Sy-led bank also introduced digital innovations like self-service machines across its branches nationwide. This initiative, according to the bank, aims to provide a seamless blend of physical and digital banking experiences — or “phygital” options — to its customers.
BDO’s broadened SFF reflects its commitment to making finance a force for good. By supporting projects that promote gender equality, ocean health, and ecological sustainability, the bank not only contributes to the country’s economic resilience but also sets a benchmark for other institutions in the region.
With these initiatives, BDO is demonstrating that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand, offering a roadmap for the future of responsible banking in the Philippines and beyond.
As investor demand for sustainable finance continues to grow, BDO remains well-positioned to lead the charge, shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.