New Delhi, 22 October 2018: YES BANK, India’s fourth largest private sector bank, continues to be the first and only Indian Bank to be selected as an index component on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) – Emerging Markets Index, for the fourth consecutive year. The Emerging Markets Index for 2018 comprises of 94 companies from 14 emerging economies, including China, Brazil, South Africa and Taiwan. The selection is effective from September 24, 2018, and would be valid until next year’s announcement.

With sustainable investing on the rise, growing number of asset owners are integrating Economic, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria in their investment decisions. According to United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment, as on April 2018, the investor community of ~1900 signatories with over USD 80 trillion in assets under management (AUM), has committed to integrate sustainability in their investment decisions.

On being selected into the DJSI Emerging Market Index, Namita Vikas, Group President; Global Head Climate Strategy & Responsible Banking, YES BANK said, “We are extremely delighted to be selected in the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index, for the fourth time in a row. This selection is a testament of YES BANK’s unparalleled approach on prioritizing environmental and social performance, coupled with strong corporate governance and risk management practices. YES BANK remains committed to evangelizing sustainability in the banking sector and has been moving the needle through thought leadership at global platforms and its industry-first solutions for positive climate action.”

YES BANK is the only Indian bank, among 50 global banks, to be included in DJSI family. DJSI, the gold standard for corporate sustainability, is highly regarded by global investors and financial analysts looking at ESG-based investments. The DJSI follows a best-in-class approach, surveying sustainability leaders from each industry on a global and regional level. The selection process included the world’s largest 3,500 companies, which underwent a rigorous assessment on ~600 data points across Economic, Social & Environmental parameters, assessing parameters such as corporate governance, risk management, climate change mitigation, stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility and Human resource practices.

In line with its Responsible Banking ethos, YES BANK focuses on linking sustainable development with stakeholder value creation and benchmarks itself as a financial institution for inclusivity and sustainability in India. Earlier this year, YES BANK was also the only Indian bank to be accorded ‘Prime’ status by OEKOM AG, a leading ESG ratings agency in Europe. The Bank was also selected in the MSCI All Country world Index (ACWI) – ESG Leaders; SRI Indexes in 2017.