By integrating environmental, social and gender-focused initiatives into its financial strategy, BDO is shaping responsible finance for a more inclusive and resilient future
Across Southeast Asia, there is growing pressure on financial institutions to align capital with climate goals, social impact and inclusive growth. In the Philippines, BDO Unibank is stepping into this responsibility with a comprehensive approach to sustainable finance that reflects both local development needs and international benchmarks.
At the heart of its strategy is a sustainable finance framework structured around four thematic pillars: Green; Social; Gender/Orange; and Blue finance. This structure enables the bank to channel funding towards a wide range of projects, from renewable energy and clean transport to women’s empowerment and sustainable fisheries.
From compliance to catalyst
BDO Unibank’s model reflects a shift in how banks are thinking about ESG – not merely as a compliance checkbox but as a driver of long-term value creation. The framework is designed to align with global standards such as the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Green Bond Principles, ASEAN sustainability finance guidelines and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
What distinguishes BDO Unibank’s approach is the breadth of eligible categories it includes. There are a total of 29 eligible categories for financing under Green, Blue, Social, and Gender. Its green finance priorities, for example, cover renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate-resilient infrastructure. Its social finance scope includes micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) financing, education, healthcare and affordable housing, all of which are critical pillars in a country where inclusive access remains a development priority.
In addition, BDO Unibank’s Gender/Orange finance commitments demonstrate an understanding of gender equity as a core development lever, funding women-led MSMEs and education initiatives with a gender lens.
Local relevance, global alignment
The bank’s sustainable finance strategy is not just conceptually robust, it has been externally validated. BDO Unibank received a second-party opinion confirming the framework’s alignment with international best practices, lending further credibility to its issuance strategy and ESG ambitions. A dedicated sustainable finance working group oversees implementation and monitoring, reinforcing the bank’s institutional commitment to ESG principles.
Grounded, forward-looking strategy
As of July 2024, BDO Unibank’s framework positions it to scale its sustainable finance commitments across both local and regional contexts. With projects that reflect the nuances of the Filipino economy and society, the bank’s ESG finance strategy is as grounded as it is forward-looking.
These efforts have led to BDO Unibank being recognised not only as the Best Retail Bank – Philippines but, more significantly, as the winner of the Best Advance in Responsible Finance award at the Retail Banker International Asia Trailblazer Awards 2025.