• Published on 2 May 2023
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OCBC and RHB Group collaborate on two sustainability-linked solutions

OCBC Bank and RHB Banking Group, headquartered in Malaysia, have entered into two sustainability-linked solutions–a two-year SGD 150 million ($112.2 million) sustainability-linked loan and cross-currency swap between OCBC Bank with RHB Bank Malaysia and an SGD 100 million ($74.8 million) sustainability-linked loan to RHB Bank Singapore.

These solutions will add to OCBC Bank’s sustainable financing portfolio, which stood at $44 billion as of the end of 2022. They also demonstrate RHB Banking Group’s commitment to integrate sustainability in its business and operations and to lead by example towards nurturing its clients in adopting sustainable financial services.

Both transactions were structured in a way that promote and drive impactful sustainable business practices as they allow RHB Banking Group to enjoy better rates if it meets the agreed sustainability performance targets in two key metrics.

The cross-currency swap will be used to hedge the currency risk coming on the back of the underlying $112.2 million sustainability-linked loan with RHB Malaysia. This is OCBC Bank’s first sustainability-linked derivative (SLD) transaction with a Malaysian financial institution. However, the SLD transaction is the second for RHB Banking Group, following its successful structuring of Malaysia’s first green cross-currency swap in 2021. This facility will allow RHB Malaysia to convert its SGD-denominated proceeds to USD at a competitive rate and at the same time, hedge USD/SGD currency exposure for the duration of the swap.

Tan Yuen Siang, head of global financial institutions of Global Commercial Banking at OCBC Bank said, “We are glad to support RHB Banking Group with their sustainability goals while providing a competitive swapped USD rate, expanded funding choice by tapping on the liquid SGD bank market, and the ability to hedge foreign currency exchange risk with a cross-currency swap. As we strengthen our foothold in ASEAN, which is expected to continue to register economic growth in 2023 despite global headwinds, we will continue to expand our suite of innovative product offerings to support our regional customers’ evolving business needs and sustainability ambitions”.

Angus Salim Amran, group treasurer, RHB Banking Group said, “We are delighted to collaborate with OCBC Bank on these two sustainability-linked transactions. This collaboration further reinforces RHB Banking Group’s commitment to provide end-to-end sustainable financing solutions for our customers, as well as increase the depth and breadth of the ESG funding and derivatives market in both Malaysia and Singapore”.

Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker