Home Credit further integrates ESG principles into its business operations

This year, Home Credit celebrates 25 years of business, and the milestone is marked by a further deepening of the adoption of the ESG framework at the company.

Home Credit’s ESG approach underscores the importance that the firm has attached to responsible lending as a core principle of its business operations over a quarter of a century. The Home Credit board of directors is also involved in ESG strategic discussions and will monitor the progress on an ongoing basis.

As part of the Home Love activities for the community, 1,000 gifts were handed out to orphans during the last two years

To effectively deliver its ESG commitments, Home Credit has developed a two-level strategy: one at the country level, and one for the group.

The local ESG strategy is designed to allow for a deeper, more sophisticated approach to local ESG activities which complements the long-standing responsible business practices undertaken at the group level. This approach has already been recognised in the form of responsible lending and “best place to work” awards in multiple markets.

Home Credit was named one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2021

“Fairness to customers, employees, and communities has always been part of our DNA. It is who we are,” said Jiri Smejc, chairman of Home Credit Group.

“ESG principles now give us a tool to show our responsible business practices in a formal, comprehensive way. And I am proud that we can already count a number of milestones on our ESG journey.”

Certificate of merit from the State Bank of Vietnam for positive contributions to the community during the pandemic

A recent example is a collaboration with Deutsche Bank on a pioneering ESG loan facility, which will see the company address metrics and key performance indicators with respect to ESG. The company is now working with several other international partners across Asia to further drive similar projects.

“In the last four years, the volume of ESG assets has doubled, and the regulatory landscape around it has become more formalised. We clearly see that ESG standards are an established trend”, said Mel Carvill, non-executive director at Home Credit.

“I believe companies that embrace ESG principles are ultimately more stable and profitable, which is why I see the deepening of Home Credit’s ESG approach as an exciting development.”

Home Credit Vietnam proudly received the “Inspirational Brand” award at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2021

Jean-Pascal Duvieusart, Group CEO said, “ESG is central to us in delivering on our commitment to responsible business practices. We will be building on our multi-year investment in financial literacy and digital inclusion to empower customers everywhere. I am also proud to see our employees getting involved in multiple ESG initiatives, both internally and externally. Ultimately this is what ESG is all about: bringing all stakeholders together for a common purpose.”