Devesh Ashra, co-head of Asia Pacific debt solutions, George Lin, head of Hong Kong & Taiwan investment banking, head of Asia consumer, retail and healthcare investment banking, and Conan Tam, co-head of Asia Pacific debt solutions, BofAML

 
Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAML) scooped the inaugural The Asset Triple A Best ESG Bank Award at the annual regional awards gala dinner on 28 February 2017 at the Four Seasons in Hong Kong.

In an Oscars-style ceremony, BofAML won the coveted award for its efforts in driving the environmental, social and governance agenda as it looked to create wider reaching impact that extends to employees and into the community. 

During the course of 2016, the bank has been a major driver in the green bond space and led some of Asia's largest green bond issuances for Axis Bank, Bank of China, and Hyundai Capital Services. In the M&A advisory space, the bank has been a key partner to companies such as China Three Gorges Corporation and State Grid Corporation of China in their acquisition of overseas renewable energy assets.

Active in green financing, the bank has committed to utilize US$125 billion in capital for low-carbon businesses by 2025 as it lends, invests, raises funds, advises and develops financing solutions for clients globally.

Throughout the review period the bank has made efforts to reduce its carbon footprint through LEED certification and bin-less offices to encourage a culture of waste reduction and recycling. BofAML aims to become carbon neutral, using 100% renewable energy by 2020.

Hoping to inspire a healthy working environment, the bank has placed emphasis to workforce diversity in the financial industry. Helping communities flourish is another key ESG objective for the bank. In 2016 the bank donated over US$7 million in grants to 42 NGOs in Asia Pacific. Employees of the bank have volunteered over 14,500 hours at 242 events across the region.

As it marks its 18th year, The Asset  aims to incorporate the value of responsible investing as an integral part of The Asset Triple A Awards, celebrating the best ESG initiatives in the region and fostering inclusive growth in Asia-Pacific.