With a dual focus on enabling environmental and social governance (ESG) compliance and inclusive impact, Maybank Singapore is helping SMEs future-proof their businesses
As regulatory pressure mounts across Asia to enhance environmental disclosures and sustainability credentials, banks are increasingly expected to act as enablers, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which struggle with ESG compliance due to limited resources or know-how. In Singapore, where the SGX stock exchange has set mandatory emissions disclosure timelines, Maybank Singapore, a subisdiary of Maybank Group, has moved ahead of the curve by creating an ecosystem that not only addresses compliance requirements but also actively accelerates environmental transformation.
Platform for progress
The growing importance of emissions disclosure for SMEs is driven by regulatory, customer, supply chain and investor expectations. These stakeholders increasingly demand transparency and accountability from businesses regarding their environmental impact.
Launched in November 2024, the Maybank myimpact SME ecosystem is Maybank Singapore’s flagship programme to help SMEs align with sustainability goals while ensuring business viability. More than a financial offering, it acts as a one-stop ESG enabler, providing tools, advisory services, access to sustainable technologies and readiness assessments. The tool provides tailored recommendations and a roadmap to help SMEs advance their sustainability practices, including areas related to emissions management and reporting. Its cornerstone is a bespoke ESG Readiness Assessment Tool co-developed with the Netherlands’ KPMG, which assesses an SME’s state of green readiness and recommends concrete steps based on whether they are ‘Developing’, ‘Evolving’ or ‘Trailblazing’.
Building partnerships
Where the Maybank myimpact SME programme truly differentiates itself is in its ecosystem approach. Maybank Singapore has forged strategic partnerships with ESG-focused platforms such as ESGpedia and Gprnt, as well as hardware and advisory services providers in electric vehicles, solar energy and clean technology. This ecosystem model ensures SMEs can move beyond theory into practice, whether transitioning vehicle fleets, reducing energy intensity or leveraging grants and training. Maybank has also ensured social sustainability is embedded into the framework. The Maybank HERpower programme, part of the Maybank myimpact SME ecosystem offers tailored solutions for women-led businesses – an inclusive move that aligns with ESG’s ‘Social’ dimension and helps address underrepresentation in business leadership.
Leading from the front
Public engagement has been core to this strategy. Maybank Singapore has showcased its thought leadership at events such as the Singapore Fintech Festival, while also holding targeted forums with SME leaders to foster dialogue and ensure relevance. These touchpoints affirm that sustainability is not just a mandate but an opportunity for shared value creation.
As a result of this strategic approach, which combines regulatory foresight, partnership-led enablement and inclusive innovation, Maybank Singapore has won the Best ESG Strategy and Best CSR Initiative – Environmental Impact titles at the Retail Banker International Asia Trailblazer Awards 2025.