I-Bytes Banking February Edition 2021

I-Bytes IT Shades
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Banking
February Edition 2021
Email us - solutions@itshades.com
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Table of Content s
1. Financial, M & A Updates...................................................................................................................................1
2. Solution Updates.................................................................................................................................................19
3. Rewards and Recognition Updates...................................................................................................................44
4. Customer Success Updates................................................................................................................................70
5. Partnership Ecosystem Updates........................................................................................................................71
6. Environment & Social Updates.........................................................................................................................98
7. Miscellaneous Updates.....................................................................................................................................113

IT Shades
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Financial, M & A
Updates Banking Industry

IT Shades
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Customer Success

Financial, M&A Updates
Arab Bank (UAE) Group Reports Net Profits Of $195.3 Million For IT Shades
2020 12% Cash Dividends Engage & Enable
Key Financial Highlights Executive Commentary
• Arab Bank Group closed 2020 reporting net income after tax of $195.3 million as compared to Chairman of the Board of Directors remarked that “the Covid-19 pandemic has had a material
$846.5 million in 2019, recording a drop of 77%. Group equity grew to reach $9.4 billion.The Board impact on businesses around the world and the economic environments in which they operate. In
of Directors has recommended to the shareholders the distribution of 12% cash dividends for the an effort on safeguard their economies, governments and regulatory authorities launched various
financial year 2020. programs to mitigate the impact of the crisis. He added that the bank dealt with these challenges
• The year 2020 was challenging for the global and regional banking sectors due to economic while maintaining its strong liquidity and capital positions.”
contraction, higher cost of risk, and lower interest rates in addition to the plunge in oil prices since the
outbreak of the pandemic. The Bank entered the crisis from a position of strength, with stable credit
quality coupled with sound liquidity and capital ratios.
• The drop in profits is attributable to the buildup of higher provisions, driven by the deterioration
of the macro-economic environment regionally and globally, and to lower revenues from interest and
fee income due to the Covid-19 pandemic and to lower market interest rates and weakening oil prices.
• Group net operating income is at $ 1,007 million, 25% lower than the prior period as a result of
a decrease in net interest and commission income, and the drop in the contribution of the bank’s
associates in the Gulf.Customer deposits grew by 7% to reach $ 38.7 billion as compared to $ 36.2
billion, while loans grew by 1% to reach $26.5 billion as compared $ 26.1 billion.
• The Group maintained its strong and robust capital base with equity of $9.4 billion and a capital
adequacy ratio of 16.8% calculated in accordance with Basel III regulations. The Group enjoys high
liquidity with a loan-to-deposit ratio of 68.4%, while credit provisions held against non-performing
loans continue to exceed 100%.
1
Santander strengthens (Spain) Getnet, its merchant payment business, with IT Shades
the closing of the Wirecard assets acquisition Engage & Enable
Description
Banco Santander announced the completion of the acquisition of several highly specialised technological assets from the merchant payments business of
Wirecard in Europe. This transaction was announced in November 2020 and is part of Santander's strategy to reinforce and accelerate its growth plans in the
merchant payments business, Getnet, for the region. Getnet is a part of PagoNxt, a new autonomous business created by Banco Santander to bring its most
disruptive payments businesses together to compete with global digital payments platforms. With these assets, Santander will expand its merchant payments
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business at a pan-European level and will be able to offer a more complete and better value
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proposition to more companies and multinationals leveraging the
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Getnet global franchise across Europe and the Americas. Almost all 500 employees who were managing the acquired assets, in highly qualified teams, have
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already joint Getnet. They will remain in their current locations.The acquisition will accelerate Getnet’s expansion across Europe, bringing enhanced capabilities
in e-commerce and multinational merchant servicing as well as other payment services. The assets Santander has acquired extend its global open payments
platform architecture, while creating synergies between trade and payments as well. Santander is taking its merchant platform to other countries, as it has already
done in Latin America. The acquired assets include payment solutions for merchants, and acquiring and issuance services.Santander announced plans to bring
together its most disruptive payments businesses, including Getnet, within PagoNxt, which will focus on accelerating growth in three business areas: merchant
solutions; trade solutions for SMEs which operate internationally and want services once only accessible to larger corporates; and consumer digital products and
services, such as Superdigital, the inclusive-finance proposition already available in five Latin American markets.
2
BankUnited (USA), Inc. announced financial results for the quarter IT Shades
Engage & Enable

• Net interest income increased by $5.9 million compared to the immediately preceding quarter ended September 30, 2020 “Overall, this was an excellent quarter. We saw improvement in the economic outlook leading to a reduction in credit
and by $8.1 million compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2019. The net interest margin, calculated on a tax-equivalent costs and continued to execute on our core strategy of improving the deposit mix, lowering the cost of funds and growing
basis, was 2.33% for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared to 2.32% for the immediately preceding quarter. net interest income," said Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
• The average cost of total deposits continued to decline, dropping by 0.14% to 0.43% for the quarter ended December 31,
2020 compared to 0.57% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The average cost of total deposits was 1.48% for the
quarter ended December 31, 2019.
• For the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a net recovery of credit losses of $1.6 million compared
to a provision for credit losses of $29.2 million for the immediately preceding quarter ended September 30, 2020.
• Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue ("PPNR") was $105.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared to
$104.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 and $115.1 million for the immediately preceding quarter ended
September 30, 2020.
• Average non-interest bearing demand deposits grew by $966 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared
to the immediately preceding quarter and by $2.9 billion compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2019. At December 31,
2020, non-interest bearing demand deposits represented 25% of total deposits, compared to 18% of total deposits at December
31, 2019.
• Loans on deferral totaled $207 million or less than 1% of total loans at December 31, 2020. Loans modified under the
CARES Act totaled $587 million at December 31, 2020. In the aggregate, this represents $794 million or 3% of the total loan
portfolio at December 31, 2020, down from $3.6 billion or 15% of total loans that were granted an initial 90 day deferral as
reported at the end of the second quarter
• Book value per common share and tangible book value per common share at December 31, 2020 increased to $32.05 and
$31.22, respectively, from $31.01 and $30.17, respectively at September 30, 2020 and $31.33 and $30.52, respectively at
December 31, 2019.
• On January 20, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors reinstated the share repurchase program that the Company
suspended on March 16, 2020. Authorization to repurchase up to approximately $44.9 million in shares of its outstanding
common stock remains under the share repurchase program.
3
BBVA (Peru) completes the sale of its subsidiary in Paraguay IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
The total amount of the sale amounts to approximately 250 million dollars (about 210 million euros). The operation will
generate a capital loss net of taxes of about 9 million euros¹ due to the benefits that BBVA has been earning from the
subsidiary in this period, and a positive impact on the fully-loaded CET1 capital ratio of around six points basic². These
impacts will be reflected in BBVA's financial statements in the first quarter

Lore of 2021. The operation that is completed was
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announced in August 2019. BBVA Paraguay has total assets of approximately 1,920 million dollars (about 1,640 million
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euros), with data at the end of the third quarter of 2020. BBVA's business in Paraguay occupies the fourth position in the local
market, both by volume of loans, with a 8.7% installment, and for deposits, with 9.5%.Once the two financial entities are
integrated, Banco GNB Paraguay SA will become the first in terms of deposits in Paraguay, with total assets of 3,270 million
dollars (about 2,784 million euros), and a share of 16%, with data from end of september. BBVA maintains its commitment
to Latin America and will continue to invest in the region, which continues to be a strategic area for the Group's growth.
4
Caixabank (Spain) Zone2boost reaches an investment commitment of IT Shades
800,000 euros with eight "start-ups" in its first year in operation Engage & Enable
Description
The international innovation initiative Zone2boost has ended its first year of operation with more than 300 start-ups evaluated, 8 start-ups incorporated
into its acceleration program and a committed investment volume of 800,000 euros. The program has started its activity in a year marked by the
Covid-19 pandemic, but, despite this situation, it has met its annual forecasts. Zone2boost is open to studying projects from all over the world,
although, during 2020, it has focused on the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Barcelona. The start-up Deliverea, which provides businesses with a tool to
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manage logistics and offers a solution with which to manage shipments, returns and package tracking, is one of the companies selected by the program.
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Another of the companies that Zone2boost has started working with is Pro p pos, which, thanks to artificial intelligence, is able to recognize any type
of product in the store, without the need to scan it, while offering a shopping experience really fast. Nemuru, a financing platform that connects
companies, banks and consumers, is another of the start-upsselected in 2020. Zone2boost has also invested and is collaborating with Bitphy, which is
an intelligent platform for retail that detects points of improvement in the sales channel and offers profitable insights automatically.In addition to these
four companies, inAtlas( big data and analytical localization company), Fuell (software technology company that facilitates expense management and
flexible remuneration for companies), Payflow (application that provides employees with instant access to salary ) and Deeder (which, thanks to
blockchain technology, allows signing contracts through messaging applications) have also been selected by the international innovation program.
5
CBA finances (Australia) NSW Solar Farm to help power 240,000 Homes IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description Executive Commentary
Commonwealth Bank Group is one of three banks partnering to provide construction Chief Executive of UPC\AC Renewables Australia, said: “It’s exciting to achieve
financing of $212 million to UPC\AC Renewables Australia for a new solar farm to financial close on a merchant basis for such a large project, which is the first of
be built in northern central New South Wales. Stage 1 of the New England Solar many such projects we have in Australia. UPC\AC Renewables Australia views
Farm, a utility scale solar farm, is under construction in Uralla, near Armidale. This this project fitting into the NSW Government RoadMap and look forward to
first stage will add an expected 400MWac of electricity capacity to the National being engaged in this process to help lower electricity prices in NSW.
Electricity Market upon completion - enough to power an estimated 240,000 typical Lorem
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NSW households each year. Further stages are planned to expand the solar farm’s amet,
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capacity to 720MWac. Development plans include a 400MWh lithium-ion battery

that will be co-located at the solar farm. The battery will assist with electricity grid
stability and help deliver energy during peak periods, reducing electricity prices for
consumers.Commonwealth Bank will provide UPC\AC Renewables Australia with a
third of the funding for the first stage of construction via a five-year syndicated debt
facility which Commonwealth Bank co-led with Westpac and Bank of China.
Commonwealth Bank will also support the New England Solar Farm through a Bank
Guarantee, Interest Rate Hedging, Account Bank and Agency and Security Trustee
solutions.
6
CBA(Australia) x15ventures marks one year with acquisition of Doshii IT Shades
Engage & Enable
x15ventures, Commonwealth Bank’s venture scaling business, announced the “Doshii is our first ‘platform’ business, and to make it successful we want
addition of a fifth business to its stable. Doshii, a modern cloud platform and to bring the best of CBA’s backing and scale to grow it, while allowing the
marketplace, brings together venues, point of sale (POS) and apps in the one business to remain independent and continue to innovate and grow the
place for small and large hospitality venues and outlets. Managing anything ecosystem of services on the platform,” he said.
from reservations and online delivery services, to customer loyalty programs

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and modern-day payments, Doshii curates these apps into a single marketplace amet,
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and makes them easy to connect to the venue’s POS – reducing errors, costs
and delays for the business and opening up new possibilities for more
customers and more orders.CBA’s 2021 technology update at the bank’s new
tech hub at South Eveleigh, x15ventures Managing Director Toby
Norton-Smith, said: “When we launched x15 last year, our mission was to
bring new solutions to market that empower customers as never before, and
Doshii is an exciting business proposition built with leading technology and a
growing ecosystem of apps and merchants on the platform.

7
Emirates NBD (UAE) Announces Full Year 2020 Results IT Shades
Engage & Enable
• Total income of AED 23.2 billion improved 4% y-o-y on loan growth, including Chairman, Emirates NBD said: “Emirates NBD delivered a net profit of AED 7 billion
DenizBank in 2020 despite the global pandemic that caused major disruption to individuals,
• Net profit of AED 7 billion declined 52% y-o-y on higher provisions and gain from sale communities and businesses. The swift and decisive action of the UAE’s wise leadership
of Network International shares not repeated in 2020. Excluding the Network International in protecting the health of residents with clear and measured guidelines allowed the
gain in 2019, net profit was down 31% y-o-y UAE economy to successfully reopen in the second half of the year. The Central Bank
• Impairment allowances increased to AED 7.9 billion reflecting weaker credit of the UAE’s Targeted Economic Support Scheme has been instrumental in helping
environment impact of Covid-19 with net cost of risk at 163 bps customers and banks through these challenging times. I am proud that Emirates NBD
• Net interest margin declined 24 bps y-o-y to 2.65% following cuts in base interest rates played its part in supporting customers and the economy by providing financial
in the first half of 2020 assistance as well as actively participating in community initiatives. We continue to
• Total assets at AED 698 billion, up 2% from 2019 support the economy of the UAE as it proudly celebrates its golden jubilee in 2021 and
• Customer loans at AED 444 billion, up 1% from 2019 we are excited to play an important role in the UAE’s further development over the next
• Customer deposits at AED 464 billion, down 2% from 2019 fifty years. As the official banking partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, we look forward to
• Non-performing loan ratio increased 0.6% to 6.2% in 2020 and coverage ratio remained helping showcase the UAE’s innovative, tolerant and proud culture as we welcome the
strong at 117.3% world to the UAE. In light of the Bank’s performance, we are proposing a cash dividend
• Liquidity coverage ratio of 165% and advances to deposit ratio of 95.6% demonstrate a at 40 fils per share.”
healthy liquidity position
• Common equity tier 1 ratio of 15.0%
8
"The Age of Magic Money": Emirates NBD (UAE) announces investment outlook IT Shades
for 2021 Engage & Enable
Emirates NBD, one of the leading banking groups in the (MENAT) Middle East, North Said Chief Investment Officer: “On a tactical i.e., short to medium term horizon, the
Africa and Turkey region, has released its global investment outlook for 2021. Themed, “The backdrop is reasonably positive. 2021 should be about clipping coupons in fixed income
Age of Magic Money”, the 2021 outlook was revealed to media by Chief Investment Officer, and finding capital appreciation in stocks with strong earnings growth. On a strategic i.e.,
Emirates NBD Group. Speaking at the media briefing, Gravier explained his investment the long-term horizon however, the investment landscape has changed. We are entering
strategy against the backdrop of the unprecedented events of 2020 and their impact on the age of magic money - of low returns and some new risks, should it be inflation or just
financial markets. The CIO and his team remain confident in imminent economic recovery mountains of debt. Our response is to reshuffle our strategic asset allocation with more
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boosted by widespread distribution of the vaccines and governments’ fiscal stimulus amidst emerging markets than ever. They grow faster; with secular drivers supporting them well
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a low interest rate regime supporting elevated valuations. The CIO also discussed the recent above the post pandemic rebound they are cheaper, and less crowded.”
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launch of the bank’s multi-asset funds, run from Dubai: Emirates Signature Cautious Fund,
Emirates Signature Moderate Fund and Emirates Signature Aggressive Fund, available in
AED, EUR and (US dollars). Proudly run from Dubai and domiciled in Luxembourg, the
funds offer a direct and constant implementation of Emirates NBD views, with a low
minimum investment of USD 1,000 and daily liquidity. The annual Emirates NBD CIO
Outlook is an advisory blueprint covering investment opportunities and key global economic
indicators and in-depth financial market insights, based on which Emirates NBD’s team of
advisors, strategists and analysts make recommendations on financial transactions and
investments to the bank’s qualified clients.

9
First Citizens (USA) BancShares Reports Earnings for Fourth Quarter IT Shades
and Full Year 2020 Engage & Enable
Key Financial Highlights
• Net income for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $138.1 million, an increase of $36.2 million, or 35.5%, compared to the same quarter in 2019. Net income per common share increased to $13.59 for the
fourth quarter of 2020, from $9.55 per share during the same quarter in 2019.
• Return on average assets for the fourth quarter of 2020 was 1.11%, up from 1.05% during the same quarter in 2019. Return on average equity for the fourth quarter of 2020 was 14.02%, up from
11.32% during the same period of 2019.
• BancShares reported total net interest income of $358.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of $31.6 million, or 9.7%, compared to the same quarter in 2019. The taxable-equivalent net
interest margin ("NIM") was 3.02% for the fourth quarter of 2020, down 57 basis points from 3.59% during the same quarter in 2019 and down 4 basis points from 3.06% during the third quarter of 2020.
• The provision for credit losses was $5.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $7.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2019. The allowance for credit losses ("ACL") was $224.3
million at December 31, 2020, compared to $225.1 million at December 31, 2019, representing 0.68% and 0.78% of loans, respectively.
• Noninterest income totaled $126.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of $22.4 million, or 21.4%, compared to the same quarter of 2019. Noninterest expense was $305.4 million for the
fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of $13.1 million, or 4.5%, compared to the same quarter of 2019.
• Total loans grew to $32.79 billion, an increase of $3.91 billion, or by 13.5%, since December 31, 2019. Excluding $2.41 billion of loans originated under the Small Business Administration Paycheck
Protection Program ("SBA-PPP") and loans from acquisitions, total loans increased $1.40 billion since December 31, 2019, or by 4.9%. The net charge-off ratio was 0.06% and 0.07% for the three- and
twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2020, respectively, compared to 0.14% and 0.11% for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019, respectively.
• Total deposits grew to $43.43 billion, an increase of $9.00 billion, or by 26.1%, since December 31, 2019. Excluding estimated SBA-PPP deposits, which totaled $0.93 billion, and deposits from
acquisitions, total deposits increased $7.87 billion since December 31, 2019, or by 22.9%.
• BancShares remained well capitalized with a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.6%, a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 10.6% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of
7.9%.
10
First Citizens (USA), CIT Receive Stockholder Approval for Merger IT Shades
Engage & Enable
First Citizens BancShares, Inc. the parent company of First-Citizens "Today marks an important milestone as we move closer to
Bank & Trust Company, and CIT Group Inc. the parent company of uniting our two companies," said First Citizens Chairman and
CIT Bank, N.A., jointly announced that, at their respective special Chief Executive Officer. "The combination of our companies
meetings of stockholders held, First Citizens and CIT received the will leverage our unique attributes, and we are excited about the
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stockholder approvals for the merger of the companies. Both opportunities it will provide for all of our constituents, including
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companies are preparing for anticipated completion of the our stockholders, our customers, our associates and our
transaction in the second quarter of 2021, subject to satisfaction of communities."
customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory
approvals. The combined company will create the 20th largest bank
in the United States based on assets.
11
KBC (Belgium) to acquire NN’s Bulgarian pension insurance and life insurance IT Shades
businesses Engage & Enable
KBC Group and the Netherlands-based NN Group reached agreement for KBC’s Bulgarian KBC Group CEO commented as follows on the deal: “I am delighted with this acquisition in
subsidiary, DZI – Life Insurance EAD, to acquire: all the shares of NN Pension Insurance Bulgaria. We’ve become a strong player in this core market, distinguishing ourselves in our
Company EAD (Bulgaria), all the assets and liabilities of NN Insurance Co. Ltd. – Sofia Branch banking, insurance, asset management and leasing lines of business. Since our Group’s entry
(Bulgaria). The deal has a total consideration of 77.7 million euros and will only have an in Bulgaria in 2007 our commitment to the Bulgarian market has been firmly stated many
immaterial impact on KBC’s solid capital position. Upon closure, KBC Insurance’s Solvency II times. we are taking a next step and adding pension insurance to our already wide-spread
ratio – which stood at an excellent 222% at the end of 2020 - will be reduced by approximately 6 presence in Bulgaria. This means that we will be in a position to offer all types of high-end
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percentage points, but remain well above regulatory requirements, while KBC Group’s CET1 integrated bank-insurance products to our Bulgarian customers. We’re extremely happy to
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ratio will be maintained at an outstanding level. The acquisition of NN Pension Insurance acquire a high-quality concern with an excellent reputation and management team, and we
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Company EAD (‘NN PIC’) allows KBC’s Bulgarian franchise - in the shape of UBB and DZI - are looking forward to developing it in a responsible manner with our other Bulgarian
to broaden its extensive bank-insurance offering to customers with the addition of high-end entities, and so affirm our leading position on the Bulgarian financial market.”
pension fund products, while also providing additional cross-selling opportunities for banking
and non-life insurance products in a one-stop shop approach. The acquisition of NN Insurance
Co. Ltd - Sofia Branch (‘NN Life’) will allow DZI - KBC’s Bulgarian insurance franchise - to
further increase its share of the life insurance market in Bulgaria through a range of traditional
life insurance and unit linked insurance products, thus reaffirming its leading position. It will also
strengthen DZI’s distribution power thanks to NN Life’s network of 300 tied insurance agents in
Bulgaria’s main cities. NN Bulgaria has developed its pension and life insurance business since
entering the market in 2001. 12

Cairn Capital to acquire Bybrook Capital, Mediobanca (Italy) retains its majority IT Shades
stake Engage & Enable
Cairn Capital Group Ltd supported by Mediobanca S.P.A. as its majority shareholder, have CEO of Cairn Capital, said: “We are delighted at the prospect of merging with an
agreed terms for a strategic partnership in which Cairn Capital will acquire and merge with outstanding firm that has a proven track record of delivering differentiated and strong
Bybrook Capital LLP (“Bybrook”), a specialist distressed credit manager based in London. absolute returns to institutional investors. We are confident that the combined
Bybrook, established in 2014, is focused on absolute value stressed distressed debt and fundamental credit research capabilities and complementary skills will greatly enhance
special situations in Europe and has established an outstanding track record since inception. the investment process and our ability to consistently deliver exceptional returns
Bybrook currently manages approximately $2.5 billion on behalf of top tier international throughout the cycle.”
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shareholder position with a stake of ca. 64% while the remaining 36% will be held by former consec-
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Bybrook shareholders and existing Cairn Capital minority shareholders. Cairn Capital and
Bybrook both enter into this partnership having delivered meaningful growth and strong
investment performance. The merger with Bybrook fulfils the ambition to create a leading
diversified alternative credit manager with approximately $8 billion in AUM across public,
private, performing and distressed investment opportunities. It brings together a top
performing leveraged loan and alternative credit franchise with an outstanding
stressed/distressed and special situations business. The Bybrook partners will keep their full
focus on managing their strategies while remaining significant investors in their funds
alongside investors. They also show their confidence in the future of Cairn Capital by
becoming meaningful minority shareholders. 13
NAB (Australia) Announces Agreement to Acquire 86 400 To Accelerate Ubank IT Shades
Growth Engage & Enable
National Australia Bank Limited (NAB) has entered into a scheme “Bringing together UBank and 86 400 is consistent with NAB’s
implementation agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in 86 400 long-term strategy and growth plans and will enable us to develop
Holdings Ltd, the holding company of Australian neobank, 86 400 a leading digital bank that can attract and retain customers at scale
(“86 400”). Founded by Cuscal Ltd and led by CEO 86 400 has built and pace,” NAB Chief Operating Officer said.
and launched a mobile-led digital bank and was granted an ADI Lorem
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licence in July 2019. As at January 2021, 86 400 had more than 85,000 consec-
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customers, $375 million of deposits, $270 million in approved

residential mortgages and 2,500 accredited brokers. In April 2020,
NAB announced plans to prioritiseUBank to deliver a market-leading

digital experience and new product propositions to customers. The
acquisition of 86 400 will accelerate UBank’s growth by combining its
established customer base, brand and colleagues with 86 400’s
experience and technology platform.
14
RBI (Austria) Acquires Akcenta, the Cee-Fx and Payment Transaction Provider IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) has signed an agreement to acquire the "Our goal is to expand our market share in both segments. The acquisition fits
Czech FX and payment transaction provider AKCENTA CZ as (Akcenta). The perfectly into our strategy, both in terms of business expansion and digital
proposed ownership structure provides that RBI will acquire 70 percent of development, by using the experience of a successful disruptive market
Akcenta and the remaining 30 percent will be taken over by the Czech RBI participant," said Board member of RBI for Markets & Investment banking.
subsidiary Raiffeisenbank as. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval "Both Akcenta's local customers and our own customers can expect further
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and is expected to be completed by the end of May. The acquisition supports improvements in technology and convenience. Akcenta offers foreign
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RBI's strategy of becoming a leading provider in the FX business in Central and exchange, payment transactions and trading services for small and
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Eastern Europe (CEE). While around 75 percent of the region's FX market is medium-sized businesses in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland,
served by banks, the remaining 25 percent is covered by non-bank providers such Romania and Germany. The company looks after around 43,000 customers,
as Akcenta. more than 20,000 of them in the Czech Republic. At the end of 2020, Akcenta
had total assets of around € 93 million and this year handled a total of just
under € 7 billion in customer transactions. Akcenta will work closely with
RBI's existing FX and payments business, but will not be integrated into RBI.
"This approach enables us to leverage synergies while ensuring Akcenta's
flexibility and dynamic growth."

15
RBI (Austria) Signs Agreement To Acquire The Czech Equa Bank IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) has signed a contract for the acquisition of 100 percent of the shares in Equa bank (Equa bank
as and Equa Sales and Distribution sro) from AnaCap Financial Partners (AnaCap) through its Czech subsidiary Raiffeisenbank as.
AnaCap is a private equity investor specializing in financial services. The transaction is subject to successful completion and regulatory
approvals. The acquisition of Equa bank is expected to reduce the CET1 ratio of RBI by approximately 30 basis points (based on a pro
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forma CET1 consolidation at the end of 2020). The final impact depends on the closing balance at the time of closing. Equa bank focuses
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on the consumer credit business and looks after almost 480,000 customers. The intended acquisition is part of RBI's strategy to expand
its presence in selected markets. The business models of Equa bank and Raiffeisenbank complement each other very well, which is why
the acquisition would ultimately lead to strategic synergies and an improved digital offering. The balance sheet total of Equa bank was
over EUR 2.8 billion at the end of 2020, while Raiffeisenbank as had total assets of EUR 15.7 billion. The conclusion is expected around
the middle of this year. If the transaction is successful, the plan is to merge Equa bank with Raiffeisenbank and thus leverage the
identified synergies.
16
SEB (Sweden) Greentech makes its first investment in green chemical production IT Shades
Engage & Enable
SEB formed a new unit within the bank that will invest venture capital in “Biological production using enzymes and cells is used to manufacture
green technology to contribute to a sustainable transition. SEB Greentech various pharmaceuticals, oils, bread, beer, cheese, and so on, but has not
VC is now making its first investment by participating in a financing round so far proved cost effective except for certain specific processes,” says
by the Swedish company EnginZyme, which has developed a technology who started as head of SEB:s newly created unit SEB Greentech.
for sustainable, biological chemical production. EnginZyme (the three

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founders Robin Chatterjee, Karim EngelmarkCassimjee, and Samuel amet,
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Härgestam in the picture above) has developed a technology platform that
combines the natural ability of enzymes to create chemical reactions with

efficient chemical production. The company is now raising 11 million euros
in a financing round where SEB Greentech and Industrifonden is
participating along with existing owners. The technology developed by

EnginZyme on the other hand is suitable for large-scale production and
therefore has the potential to make large parts of the chemicals industry
green.
17
Wells Fargo (USA) Invests in Six Black-Owned Banks IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Wells Fargo announced equity investments in six African American Minority “These investments are designed to help the banks become stronger and more
Depository Institutions (MDIs) as part of its March 10, 2020, pledge to invest up to impactful to the minority communities they serve, which leads to economic
$50 million in Black-owned banks. As part of the capital investment, the banks will revitalization and job opportunities,” said vice chairman of Public Affairs at
have access to a dedicated Wells Fargo relationship team that will provide financial, Wells Fargo. “So many communities have suffered over the past year. MDIs need
technological, and product development expertise in order to help each institution capital, but they can also benefit from access to other resources, and Wells Fargo
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grow and benefit their local community. In the ongoing pandemic, communities of is committed to building lasting, strategic relationships with these institutions in
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amet,
color have been disproportionately impacted, and this investment is part of Wells support of their goals.”
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Fargo’s effort to generate a more inclusive recovery across the country.
announcement includes investments in the following institutions:
• Broadway Federal Bank*, in Los Angeles, California
• Carver Federal Savings Bank, in New York, New York
• Citizens Savings Bank & Trust, in Nashville, Tennessee
• Commonwealth National Bank, in Mobile, Alabama
• M&F Bank, in Durham, North Carolina
• Optus Bank, in Columbia, South Carolina

18
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Solutions Updates
Banking Industry

Solution Updates
Bank Muscat (Oman) signs agreements with a number of Higher Educational
IT Shades
Institutions to provide digital banking services Engage & Enable
Solution Descriptio n
In line with its pioneering role in providing state-of-the-art banking services and solutions to the government and private sectors and to comply with the
mandate issued by the Central Bank of Oman in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Labour for secure salary and bulk payments
processing, Bank Muscat has signed agreements with a number of higher educational institutions in the Sultanate. The agreements with the Sultan Qaboos
University, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, College of Sharia Sciences
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and the College of Banking and Financial Studies will provide
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them access to the bank’s digital banking services. This will allow these institutions to easily make and approve online transactions, thereby saving the time
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and effort of their employees and increasing operational efficiencies. This move to digitalisation is in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 including the
building of a diversified, dynamic, globally interactive and competitive economy that meets the present and future needs of the locals, in which the private
sector has a prominent role. Digitalisation of banking services and solutions will help all sectors of the economy to be highly competitive and ensure
continued economic growth in the next phase of Oman’s Renaissance. A large number of agreements have been signed by the bank with organisations of all
sizes for provision of digital banking services. It is particularly important to note that from being just a theoretical case, innovation in digital banking is now
bringing practical efficiency in the processes, operations and workflow of institutions across Oman. Educational institutions now have complete visibility
and control of their transactions with payments and monthly payrolls being done easily through the Corporate Online Banking platform as per their needs.
19
Solution Updates
Bank of Ireland (Ireland) launches initiative to help customers reduce their
IT Shades
credit card debt Engage & Enable
Bank of Ireland has launched a new initiative to help customers with long-term credit card debt by suggesting money-saving alternatives. Used wisely, credit
cards can be valuable short-term tools for handling emergencies or unplanned expenses and spreading out the cost of big-ticket items. For customers who
repay a minimum each month, however, it can take much longer to clear their credit card balance, and interest can quickly build up. By leveraging
behavioural science, an approach used by many global banks to identify financial wellbeing
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opportunities for customers, this new initiative aims to help
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customers be smarter about how they use their cards. As part of its Financial Wellbeing programme, the Bank will be contacting over 10,000 of its credit card
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customers to suggest alternatives such as paying more than the monthly minimum payments, making once-off payments where possible, or even switching
to a personal loan with a lower interest rate.Bank of Ireland’s Financial Wellbeing Programme aims to help customers improve their financial literacy,
capability and confidence. Since the launch of programme in 2019 over 250,000 people have accessed the financial wellbeing supports on the Bank’s online
financial wellbeing hub, over 100,000 people have taken the online financial health check, over 800 schools have participated in its financial literacy
initiatives, and a specialist unit has been established to support the financial wellbeing of vulnerable customers. Nine in ten credit card customers are aware
that it’s expensive to only pay off a small part of their monthly bill but most (80%) don’t know the interest rate on their card, according to Bank of Ireland
research. Over eight in ten (81%) are interested to hear about options that could help them manage their credit card debt better.
20
Solution Updates
Bank of Jinzhou (China) became the first regional bank in Northeast China
IT Shades
to issue "Unbounded Card" digital credit card products Engage & Enable
Bank of Jinzhou officially issued the UnionPay "Unbounded Card" digital credit card. Our bank became the first regional bank in Northeast China and the second nationwide to issue purely virtual
"unbounded cards". The "Unbounded Card" digital credit card is a standard credit card product issued by our bank in cooperation with China UnionPay. With a new generation of digital experience
with full-process digital application and instant approval, it better meets the needs of the digital mobile payment era. It has the following characteristics:
• Digital virtual card: Jinzhou Bank Unbounded Credit Card is a pure digital virtual credit card without a physical card. After successfully opening the card, the customer can automatically bind the
cloud QuickPass APP without any operation. At the same time, the card can be freely bound to payment platforms
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such as WeChat Pay, allowing card customers to enjoy an efficient and fast payment
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experience. adipiscing elit, sed diam
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• Characteristic card surface: "Unbounded Card" online display card style combines the characteristics of traditional Chinese freehand drawing, showing the balance of Yin and Yang, the invisible
and unbounded characteristics of traditional Chinese culture, which perfectly fits the theme of "Unbounded Card".
• Instant Instant Batch: "Unbounded Card" adopts the strategy of Instant Instant Batch. After a customer submits an application through the online application channel, our bank uses big data analysis
to profile the customer, and uses the CDA score to review the application customer, and achieve instant approval of credit cards for high-quality customers. After the approval is passed, customers can
log in to the WeChat official account of "Jinzhou Bank 7777 Credit Card" to self-check the card number, validity period and security code.
• Rich: rights and interests: In terms of rights and interests, the "Unbounded Card" distributes points gifts, standard-reaching gifts, airport VIP lounge rights, and supermarket digital gift certificates.
Let every Jinzhou Bank cardholder enjoy credit life and the charm of intimate financial services.
The "Unbounded Card" product issued this time is a new exploration of Jinzhou Bank in innovative financial services and creating scene finance. In the future, Jinzhou Bank will combine different
consumption scenarios, continuously improve the bank card product system, actively expand new customer groups, tap potential customer value, and achieve new breakthroughs in card issuance, scale,
and profit.
23
Solution Updates
Barclays (UK) launches new Green BGIs to support sustainable trade
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Barclays Corporate Banking has announced the launch of a new Green Bonds Guarantees & Indemnities (BGIs)
product, which will offer support to businesses trying to reduce their environmental impact as they conduct their
day-to-day activities. The Green BGI focuses on tackling the challenges that businesses face when entering into
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trade-related contracts. By providing a guarantee to the buyer that the seller will fulfil their contractual obligations, the
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bank enables sellers to trade with confidence and achieve their business goals – whilst also fulfilling their commitments
to sustainability. The bank is helping companies of all sizes and across a breadth of sectors to fulfil their green and
sustainable goals by pioneering a range of innovative products and services, including Green Asset Finance, Green
Deposits, Green Innovation Finance and Green Trade Loans.
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Solution Updates
BCI-Banco Credito (Chile):MACH incorporates new functionality for bill
IT Shades
payment of more than 150 different companies Engage & Enable
This week MACH, Bci's digital account, launched a new functionality for paying bills through its application. In total,
there will be about 3 million people who will benefit from this incorporation that allows to settle more than 150
accounts of different companies of services such as tag, electricity, water, gas, credits, telephony and internet and
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education, among others. The solution presented by MACH is very simple and in three steps the users of the app will
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be able to pay their bills and leave them saved, making the process even easier. For this, only the customer identifier
number of each business is required, which is entered only once. Additionally, delinquent accounts can be paid and in
the case of collections in UF, the same app transfers them to Chilean pesos.To use this new function, you must enter
the app, then enter the "Services" section and then press "Bill Payment". The payment history is recorded within the
movement history within the application, and for each transaction customers will receive a receipt.
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Solution Updates
CaixaBank (Spain) launches Food & Drinks to enhance its specialization in
IT Shades
the restaurant sector Engage & Enable
CaixaBank reaffirms its commitment and support to the catering sector with the launch of CaixaBank Food & Drinks, a new business division created to promote
the hospitality market through a model of proximity with bars, restaurants and coffee shops, which will be articulated through a specialized and omnichannel
service. The objective of this initiative is to support the hospitality market and offer businesses in this sector the personalized attention they require with products
and services that adapt to their specific needs, both financial and management, and even with non-financial services that provide added value to their businesses
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in areas such as training and advice. CaixaBank, chaired by Jordi Gual and directed by Gonzalo Gortázar, is a benchmark for businesses in the hospitality sector
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with a portfolio of more than 80,000 clients. Currently, one in four hospitality establishments are CaixaBank customers and the entity is the leader according to the
annual turnover of the sector through card payments, with a 25.5% share. With the launch of Food & Drinks, CaixaBank once again shows that it wants to continue
to be a key element in the recovery of the Spanish economy, supporting the specific needs of this fundamental sector for the country, which in 2019 represented
6.2% of GDP national. During this last year, the entity has made specific measures available to clients in the sector, including the granting of financing lines or the
moratorium on loans, in order to preserve as much as possible the liquidity of this type of business. Through Food & Drinks, CaixaBank offers bars, restaurants
and cafeterias an offer of differential products and services, as well as a network of professionals who are experts in the sector in all the bank's offices, who will
help them optimize the profitability of their business and simplify your daily activity. The catalog of products and services will include everything from collection
technology solutions for both physical and online sales, to financing adapted to the projects and needs of this type of business.
24
Solution Updates
CaixaBank (Spain) launches its new corporate website to strengthen
IT Shades
communication with its stakeholders Engage & Enable
CaixaBank has just launched its new corporate website, which transmits the bank's positioning, and brand values, incorporating regulatory compliance and
the latest digital trends to become a more visual and effective communication tool. The new portal also presents amore modern look & feel, with fonts in
great contrasts and highlights with greater photographic impact, in line with the entity's new brand image. The objective is to strengthen the relationship with
the different stakeholders; Therefore, the main priority has been to improve your user experience by quickly and easily obtaining the information you are
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looking for, presented with new rich multimedia formats. To achieve this, the navigation structure has been simplified, with a main menu that presents all the
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relevant content for the user in five sections. Thus, the new menu is more visual and structured, with an easier and more intuitive layout that facilitates access
to information. The new website, with a responsive design to facilitate access with mobile devices, offers current and informative content relevant to the user.
It has been proposed with a transversal nature that allows the constant publication of stories that provide context and humanity to the bank's corporate
messages, with a special emphasis on its positioning as a socially responsible bank. New functionalities have been defined for the new corporate website that
allow it to be transformed into a best-in-class portal on the market. Among the new advanced functionalities are a state-of-the-art search engine with
predictive recommendations and cross site search, the synchronization of the investor's agenda with the personal calendar of the users and new interactive
charts for the analysis of the main economic indicators and the evolution of the CABK share. Likewise, the future integration of the NEO virtual assistant
and an events platform for the visualization of Shareholder webcasts is planned.
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Solution Updates
New CIBC (Canada) Mobile banking feature uses AI to give clients
IT Shades
personalized, data-driven insights into their spending and saving Engage & Enable
CIBC launched its new CIBC Insights feature, which offers clients personalized and actionable data-driven recommendations based
on their financial transactions. Using AI and machine learning, CIBC Insights notifies clients of savings opportunities and unusual
transactions, while providing guidance that can support better everyday spending decisions. CIBC Insights is available to clients
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through the award-winning CIBC Mobile Banking App. CIBC Insights can help clients better manage their daily spending and saving
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by identifying trends and deviations from their usual patterns, based on their debit and credit card transactions. Additionally, the tool
offers tailored tips and suggestions based on a client's spending history, which may include setting spending limits for different
categories or merchants to better manage expenses, or reminders to put available funds into savings. CIBC Insights follows several
recent CIBC digital banking updates and offerings, including the AI-based Virtual Assistant that can perform banking transactions
and answer questions about everyday banking, and CIBC GoalPlanner™, an innovative and interactive planning platform that, with
support from a CIBC Imperial Service advisor, highlights opportunities, shortfalls and surpluses in areas such as cash flow, to support
the goal planning process.

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Solution Updates
New CIBC (Canada) Dividend® credit card enhancements offer more
IT Shades
cash back opportunities for everyday spending Engage & Enable
CIBC introduces a package of exceptional product features and benefits to CIBC Dividend® credit cards that help cardholders earn more cash back
for their spending. Additionally, CIBC Dividend Visa cards now have the broadest range of bonus earning categories compared to other cards in
market. With cash back rewards becoming increasingly popular in Canada, CIBC Dividend cards have been refreshed so cardholders can now earn
cash back across more everyday categories than ever before: grocery, gas, dining, transportation and recurring payments such as monthly
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streaming subscriptions. For CIBC Dividend cards, there's no limit to the cash back that can be earned. CIBC Dividend card holders can also access
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a new On Demand Redemption feature, meaning their cash back rewards can be redeemed at any time during the year once a minimum cash back
balance of $25 has been earned. Clients can redeem cash back as often as they wish through CIBC Online Banking and CIBC Mobile Banking.
Another enhancement now available to most CIBC personal and business credit cards is instant digital card replacement. In the event their credit
card is lost or stolen, clients can report it through the CIBC Mobile banking app, and now get immediate access to their replacement card, which
can be used with Apple Pay or Google Pay. With no need to call the client contact centre, and no wait time, it's another way CIBC is offering
convenient digital solutions to support clients, and provide greater ease and peace of mind when it comes to their credit cards.
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Solution Updates
CIBC (Canada) now accepting applications for the Highly Affected
IT Shades
Sectors Credit Availability Program Engage & Enable
CIBC announced that it is now accepting applications for the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program
(HASCAP), a new federal government loan program for small and medium-sized businesses continuing to face
impacts related to COVID-19. Existing CIBC business clients may be eligible for fixed-rate loans of up to $1 million,
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with interest-only payments for the first 12 months. The loans, ranging from $25,000 to $1 million, are available for
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existing CIBC business clients, providing funds for ongoing operational cash-flow needs. To be eligible, clients will
need to have experienced a 50 per cent decrease in revenue and have already used the Canada Employee Wage Subsidy
(CEWS) or the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) for three months, unless they weren't eligible for those
programs. Clients may also need to provide documentation as required by the government. If clients haven't applied for
CEWS or CERS yet, they can do so now and be eligible for HASCAP after.
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Solution Updates
CIMB (Malaysia) Launches Greenbizready, A One-Stop Sustainability
IT Shades
Solution ForSmes Engage & Enable
CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhadhave launched CIMB GreenBizReady, a one-stop sustainability solution for Malaysian small and medium
enterprises (‘SME”) looking to start and progress on their sustainability journey. With an allocation of RM250 million, SMEs will be empowered through financial
solutions and incentives such as sustainability-linked financing benefits, access to sustainability service providers, training and capacity building, certification and
advisory services, and business matching with support from industry leaders and government agencies. Through GreenBizReady, CIMB hopes to catalyse the transition
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of Malaysian SMEs towards the green economy, in line with the Malaysian Government’s aim of advancing the sustainability agenda as part of a holistic and inclusive
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economic approach. GreenBizReady will provide SMEs with a competitive advantage by equipping them with practical knowledge and tools to incorporate economic,
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environmental and social (“EES”) considerations into their business, helping them become sustainability-ready for long-term business resilience. It will also help SMEs
to tap into the support and incentives provided by various Government agencies that are tasked with accelerating the adoption of the green economy. As evidenced by
the adverse impact of the global pandemic and severe weather events related to climate change, there is an urgent need for businesses of all sizes to take EES
considerations seriously. Being a founding member of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Responsible Banking
and a signatory of the Collective Commitment on Climate Action (CCCA), CIMB takes a long-term view on its business to build a sustainable future for itself as well as
its strategic associates in growth. In recent years, shareholders, regulators, investors and stakeholders have increasingly taken a more active approach such as through
shareholder resolutions and regulations to compel companies to have faapproach such as through shareholder resolutions and regulations to compel companies to have
fair labour practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase diversity and inclusion, among others.
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Solution Updates
Non-residents can now register for BIDV (Vietnam) e-banking services
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Providing e-banking experience to customers, BIDV officially offers the products to foreigners and Vietnamese
non-residents.Accordingly, foreigners and Vietnamese non-residents can register for BIDV SmartBanking and BIDV
Online. BIDV SmarBanking: For individuals (resident and non-resident) of 18 years of age and above having full civil
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act capacity; or of 15 years of age and above with no limit civil act capacity according to the Law; or household
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businesses having a current account opened at BIDV and having provided a mobile phone number to BIDV. BIDV
Online: For individuals (resident and non-resident) of 18 years of age and above having full civil act capacity; or of 15
years of age and above with no limit civil act capacity according to the Law – who already opened a current account
and provided a mobile phone number at BIDV. All foreigners and Vietnamese non-residents using BIDV
SmartBanking and BIDV Online will be able to access all financial and non-financial features except for online savings
and gifts.
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Solution Updates
Commercial Bank (Qatar): Tap N’ Pay with CB Pay and earn QAR 10
IT Shades
with every Tap! Engage & Enable
Commercial Bank, Qatar's leading innovative digital Bank, has launched “Tap N' Earn," an exciting campaign encouraging CB customers to pay
by tapping their mobile phones and earn QAR 10 on every in-store transaction they make, CB Pay Tap N' Earn, which runs from February 17th till
April 15th, 2021, translates just another aspect of the Bank's digital leadership in the market. CB customers who hold an Android mobile phone
are invited to use Qatar's first Cards digital mobile wallet launched by Commercial Bank, CB Pay, and get the chance to earn QAR 10 per tap up
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to a maximum cashback of QAR 200 during the campaign period. To seize the opportunity, all what customers have to do is use their Android
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mobile phones, log in to CBQ Mobile App, select CB Pay under Card services, and digitize their CB Credit or Debit Card. As a digital pioneer,
Commercial Bank introduced CB Pay, the first-ever Cards digital mobile wallet in Qatar a year ago. It provides safer and faster payment options,
whereby customers can simply select their CB Credit or Debit card to add to their mobile phones. CB Pay can be used locally and abroad and
allows online payments, in-store payments (Android phones only), and a better card control. Commercial Bank contactless card offering “Tap &
Pay" has been a huge success and complemented the government's COVID measures of safe and hygienic payments. Within 3 years of launching
its contactless technology, Commercial Bank has successfully reached over 14 million taps, made by its customers using their contactless cards
and devices at their favorite local and international outlets
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Solution Updates
Commercial Bank (Qatar) enables payment through wearables in Qatar
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Commercial Bank, the most leading digital Bank in Qatar, has announced the launch of a new digital feature that enables
payment through wearables, a new innovative payment method provided through smartwatches and trackers. Through this
new offering, Commercial Bank is adding one more contactless payment solution that allows users to make secure
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payments from the smartwatch or fitness trackers, without the need of a phone or cards. Commercial Bank cardholders
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will very soon enjoy this innovative payment tech by simply registering their CB Credit or Debit card details into their
wearable smartwatch or tracker using the devices' applications and then make contactless payments by simply tapping
their smartwatch at any contactless supported payment terminals. Commercial Bank's newly launched service fulfills the
bank's promise of bringing payment solutions to match the evolving lifestyle of its customers; thus, becoming one of the
first local banks to offer athletes and sports enthusiasts in Qatar a new way to pay for their purchases with their watches
and keep moving.

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Solution Updates
Commonwealth Bank(Australia):New CommSec tool supports investors
IT Shades
to grow their investment knowledge Engage & Enable
CommSec has seen a 200 per cent increase in investors seeking executional information via the website, such as ‘how to place a
trade’, over the last 12 months. Regardless of one’s experience level, there is always more to learn. This is particularly relevant for
those investors who started their investment journey during a year of unprecedented trading activity. According to CommSec data,
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the number of first time traders more than doubled since February 2020 (18 per cent compared to 8 per cent pre-COVID 19). The
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majority of these new CommSec customers (83 per cent) were under 44 years of age – a 17 per cent increase compared with
pre-COVID trends.First time traders contributed around 10 per cent of total trades since February 2020, compared with 4 per cent
before COVID.In response to more investors entering the market, CommSec is launching CommSec Learn, a series of free, bite sized
learning topics with videos and exercises designed to help investors steadily expand their knowledge at their own pace.It features
credible, expert content covering the basics and the ‘how to’s’ of setting investment goals, building an investment strategy, analyzing
performance and managing risk. New topics will be added over time to help more experienced investors take their knowledge to the
next level.
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Solution Updates
CommBank (Australia) announces Green Loan
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Commonwealth Bank has announced a new CommBank Green Loan, which will make it easier for CommBank home
loan customers to purchase and install renewable technology. By partnering with customers, CommBank is helping to
contribute to a sustainable future. The bank’s Group Executive Angus Sullivan said: “As part of our commitment to the
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responsible global transition to net zero emissions by 2050, we’re supporting our customer’s access renewable energy
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through sustainable housing solutions. Customers with an eligible CommBank home loan or investment home loan can
use the Green Loan to purchase and install eligible small-scale renewable technology such as solar panels (and
invertors if applicable), battery packs and electric vehicle charging stations at the property used as security for the
existing home loan.Eligible small-scale renewables must be installed by an accredited installer certified and trained to
ensure systems meet industry best practice standards and all relevant Australian Standards.
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Solution Updates
Greener buses to be introduced across England with support from
IT Shades
Yorkshire Bank Engage & Enable
Rotala, a national bus company which operates key transport routes across England, will introduce a new fleet of low carbon
emission buses in 2021 as it continues to become a greener business. With financial support from Yorkshire Bank, Rotala is
in the process of purchasing 163 micro hybrid low-floor double and single-decker vehicles, which meet Euro 6 emissions
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standards, as well as the Government’s Low Emission Bus scheme targets to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions.
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Most of the double decker vehicles will be introduced into its Greater Manchester business, Diamond Bus North West, and be
in service by mid- 2021. Single decker vehicles will be introduced into the company’s West Midlands, Preston Bus and
Heathrow operations, also by mid- 2021. The micro hybrid bus powers the electrics and compressed air systems by recovering
energy that is otherwise lost from braking, which can save up to 10 per cent in fuel costs. The engine is a low carbon diesel
engine powertrain, which allows Rotala to benefit from the extra Bus Service Operator’s Grant available from the UK
Government under the Low Emission Bus scheme.

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Solution Updates
Virgin Money (UK) launches new cashback rewards programme for
IT Shades
credit card customers Engage & Enable
Virgin Money has introduced Virgin Money Back, a new rewards programme for its c.1.5 million credit card customers offering up to 15% cashback on
spending. Once registered for Virgin Money Back, customers will receive personalised offers from a range of retailers. Offers will be allocated to customers
automatically, meaning it is a simple case of spending with retail partners and earning rewards, and customers will never miss out on an offer. Virgin Money
Back is available to all Virgin Money credit card customers, including those with Virgin Atlantic credit cards who will earn cashback in addition to the Virgin
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Points they earn already. Cashback earned will normally be available for customers 35 days after spending, and can be transferred to any current account or
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used to offset against the credit card balance. Virgin Money Back represents a further step forward in Virgin Money’s ambition to reward its customers and
build a loyalty programme that will drive growth in its personal banking division. Customers can register for Virgin Money Back, see what offers are
available and manage their rewards balance using the Virgin Money credit card app, which is available for both Apple and Android devices. Using the app,
customers can also view their balance and transactions, access monthly statements, freeze and unfreeze their card, view their PIN and manage payments to
their balance. Virgin Money Back is offered in partnership with Reward, the award-winning provider of content and capabilities to support customer
engagement in banking. The cashback offers available will change over time, with new retailers being added into the programme and some offers being
available for a limited period. At launch, offers will be available from a range of retailers including Aveda, Caffe Nero Online, Coach, Crew Clothing,
Europcar, Gousto, MAC, Matalan, Origins, P&O Ferries, Sunglass Hut and Sweaty Betty.
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Solution Updates
StoneX Technology Services Launches StoneX Messaging Hub
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
StoneX Group Inc. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, StoneX Technology Services LLC has introduced the StoneX Messaging Hub. XMH
is an enterprise-grade technology solution that acts as a single gateway for standardizing and automating both inbound and outbound flows of the
financial documentation required as part of the daily operations for financial institutions and blue-chip corporates. The StoneX Messaging Hub has been
designed to streamline and automate financial messaging, with its underlying infrastructure
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improve the client experience. The infrastructure allows XMH to be highly adaptable and integrate seamlessly into commonly used platforms and APIs,
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providing firms with the ability to insulate applications they use in their daily operations from expensive and time-consuming updates. The Company's
Global Payments Division is the first to incorporate XMH. XMH is also able to support all file types for financial messaging including xls, csv, fixed
format and PDF, and will convert them into standardized file types such as a Swift ISO20022 for payments or an MT940 for account statements. The
StoneX Messaging Hub provides a customizable dashboard showing the user's current global cash positions and a distributed banking module that helps
maintain up-to-date counterparty details by using ID codes unique to each counterparty. It supports payment processing as well as account statement
generation and processing. Further updates are planned to add additional forms of financial messaging to support other divisions within StoneX as well
as external clients. Financial messaging support for securities and commodities will be incorporated into the platform in future updates.
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Solution Updates
Technopolis tickets now on sale via KBC (Belgium) Mobile!
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Mechelen and Brussels- From now on, you can also buy tickets for Technopolis via the KBC Mobile. With its 1.5 million active users, this
app is one of the most important open banking platforms in Belgium. For some time now, you have been able via KBC Mobile to recharge
your prepaid phone card with Proximus, Orange and Base, fill up with fuel at Q8 or send a registered mail, but from now on you can also buy
tickets for Technopolis. For the activity centre in Mechelen, the collaboration with KBC means greater visibility among a very broad audience,
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which also promises to translate into a positive effect on ticket sales. With its 1.5 million active users, KBCMobile is one of the leading open
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banking platforms in Belgium. Via KBC Mobile you can manage not only banking and insurance, but also 30 non-financial services, such as
recharging your prepaid phone card with Proximus, Orange and Base, filling up with fuel at Q8 or sending a registered mail. Currently more
than 440,000 KBC customers use these services and KBC Deals, and their number is growing steadily, reaching 2.8 million transactions in
2020. From now on you can also buy tickets for Technopolis in a very user-friendly way. Technopolis joins the group of leisure providers that
have recently started offering tickets via KBC Mobile. The cooperation with KBC promises to have a favourable effect on Technopolis' ticket
sales. This is more than welcome, since this activity centre - like many others - has had a difficult year financially due to the corona crisis.
38
Solution Updates
National Bank (Canada) Investments Launches Four New ETFs
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
National Bank Investments Inc. (NBI) announced the launch of four exchange-traded funds. Each NBI ETF listed in the table below has closed the initial offering of units, and those
units will start trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. National Bank Trust Inc. (NBT) will act as portfolio manager of the NBI ETFs and will delegate investment decisions to the
sub-advisors indicated in the table below.
• NBI Sustainable Canadian Corporate Bond ETF: The NBI Sustainable Canadian Corporate Bond ETF’s investment objective is to provide a sustained level of current income and
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capital growth, with an emphasis on bonds issued by Canadian corporations with a carbon intensity substantially
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Sustainable Canadian Corporate Bond ETF’s benchmark, while considering ESG issues, climate risks and contribution to United Nations (“UN”) sustainable development goals. It
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invests, directly or indirectly through investments in securities of other mutual funds, in a portfolio comprised primarily of bonds issued by Canadian corporations.
• NBI Canadian Dividend Income ETF: The NBI Canadian Dividend Income ETF’s investment objective is to maximize the potential for long-term capital growth and to generate
sustained dividend income. It invests, directly or indirectly through investments in securities of other mutual funds, in a portfolio comprised primarily of equity securities of Canadian
companies that pay dividends.
• NBI Active U.S. Equity ETF: The NBI Active U.S. Equity ETF’s investment objective is to provide long-term capital growth. It invests, directly or indirectly through investments
in securities of other mutual funds, in a portfolio comprised primarily of common shares of U.S. companies.
• NBI Active International Equity ETF: The NBI Active International Equity ETF’s investment objective is to provide long-term capital growth. It invests, directly or indirectly
through investments in securities of other mutual funds, in a portfolio comprised primarily of common shares of international companies.
39
Solution Updates
Northern Trust (USA) Expands Foreign Exchange Currency Management
IT Shades
Services Footprint with Key New Mandates Engage & Enable
Northern Trust is experiencing strong demand for its Foreign Exchange (FX) currency management services with a number of significant new
mandates over the past 12 months. Northern Trust’s currency management suite comprises share class hedging, portfolio overlay and ‘look
through’ hedging solutions to help asset managers and asset owners manage and mitigate currency volatility for their international investment
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portfolios. The automated solutions are set to agreed client parameters to deliver active monitoring against target hedge ratios, unrealized P&L
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views, real-time performance attribution analytics and detailed transparency and oversight dashboards. Northern Trust recently enhanced its
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currency management solutions with machine learning models designed to enable greater oversight of thousands of daily data points and help
reduce risk throughout the currency management lifecycle in conjunction with Northern Trust’s strategic partner Lumint Corporation.
Northern Trust’s currency management services are part of the Northern Trust Global Foreign Exchange offering from Northern Trust Capital
Markets. Northern Trust Capital Markets provides brokerage, securities lending and transition management services, in addition to foreign
exchange. It is a division of Corporate & Institutional Services, which provides asset servicing, fund administration, middle office and revenue
enhancement solutions to asset managers, asset allocators and asset owners around the globe.
40
Solution Updates
Northern Trust (USA) Enhances Solutions for Middle East Clients with
IT Shades
Sunday to Friday Investment Performance Valuations Engage & Enable
Northern Trust announced it has evolved its Investment Performance reporting services to deliver Sunday to Friday investment returns for clients with Middle
East mandates. The latest development from Northern Trust’s Investment Risk and Analytical Services (IRAS) group enables Middle East-specific
performance analytics to be reported with greater depth of analytics and timeliness for local markets. The enhancement enables Sunday returns to be
calculated for Middle East markets and portfolios – delivering information that is increasingly
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timely and representative of regional clients’ investment
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portfolios. Northern Trust can also provide clients with two separate ‘views’ of their performance – for both the Middle Eastern and global working weeks –
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for heightened oversight and transparency. Northern Trust's Investment Performance services provide institutional investors – typically pension funds,
sovereign wealth funds and asset managers – with valuable insights when tracking and analyzing risk and performance. These services allow clients to access
performance, attribution, contributions and ex-post risk results across individual and aggregated portfolios, supporting their investment management
processes ranging from regulatory reporting to enhancing institutional governance. Northern Trust’s IRAS group provides asset owners and asset managers
around the world with innovative analytical solutions, supporting over approximately US$8.1 trillion (as of 31 December 2020) of assets under measurement.
With consultants in Chicago, London, Basel, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Melbourne, the group provides performance measurement, risk analysis and
investment compliance monitoring – enabling clients to gain greater insights into their investments for more informed decision making.
41
Solution Updates
Yes Bank (India) Launches a Wellness Themed Credit Card Encouraging Self-Care
And Fitness In Partnership With Aditya Birla Wellness Private Limited
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
YES BANK announces partnership with Aditya Birla Wellness Private Limited to launch the ‘YES BANK Wellness’
and ‘YES BANK Wellness Plus’ Credit Cards – aimed at the holistic health, self-care and wellness of consumers. As
consumers face new realities of home-schooling of children, working from home, and lack of physical contact with
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loved ones and colleagues, this is an innovative step to encourage and promote self-care, mental and physical
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well-being. Consumers can now enjoy the bouquet of complimentary health benefits by simply registering on the
Aditya Birla Multiply App. The mobile app allows consumers to avail complementary benefits such as annual health
check-up, round the clock doctor or counsellor helpline, in-studio or home based workout sessions, personalized diet
plans, among others, right at their fingertips.
42
Solution Updates
Fifth Third Bank (USA) Launches Digital Financial Literacy Program for
IT Shades
Children Engage & Enable
Fifth Third Bank, National Association announced the launch of the first-ever digital version of the Fifth Third Young Bankers Club®, its signature financial educational program for
fifth-grade students. Young Bankers Club® is an engaging financial education program that helps students learn key math life skills online at any time. Lessons were developed to help
students establish sound foundations in money management and an appreciation for saving. Traditionally, Young Bankers Club® lessons were taught in school classrooms, often by
Fifth Third employees serving as mentors for the program. The new Young Bankers Club® program has been redesigned to deliver an accommodating experience for a virtual learning
environment. The new program offers greater accessibility through multiple platforms, including laptops,
Lorem desktop computers, tablets and Android and iOS mobile devices. As a result
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of the pandemic, more schools around the country have adopted eLearning solutions for both remote and in-class learning experiences, which makes the release of the new digital
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format of Young Bankers Club® timely. The updated program incorporates greater flexibility for teachers. In only 30-45 minutes per week during an eight-week period, teachers can
help students learn all the basics of finance online at any time. The flexibility enables Fifth Third to deploy the program into more schools and across its 11-state footprint. The new
Young Bankers Club® digital format features a comprehensive curriculum that meets national and state educational standards for fifth-grade mathematics. Each lesson in the eight-unit
curriculum, which is presented through a game, provides a unique, engaging approach to financial literacy that helps students apply their knowledge gradually as they work toward
more complex scenarios. The program incorporates different facets of banking, while clearly identifying relevant math standards within each unit and outlining what students should
know and how to use the information. The most innovative feature in the digital format is the introduction of the 10-year-old character, Maximillion Money™, the president of Young
Bankers Club® and the richest kid in America. Maximillion Money™ guides the participants and his friends on a journey that takes them to the New York Stock Exchange, the U.S.
Mint, other financial industry landmarks and to a Fifth Third financial center. Students discover hidden clues, win rewards and badges, unlock avatars, level up to new adventures each
week, take weekly trivia to test their knowledge and challenge themselves to be first on the class leaderboard.
43
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Rewards & Recognition


R & R Updates
Euromoney awards Santander (Spain) as Best Private Banking in core IT Shades
markets recognizing its global leadership in wealth Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Euromoney magazine has recognized Santander Private Banking as a leader in several categories of its annual awards, one of the
industry’s most prestigious accolades. In 2021, it named Santander Best Private Bank in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Poland and Chile
and best bank for high net worth clients in United States, Latin America, Portugal, Chile, Mexico, Poland and Spain. Euromoney also
esteemed Santander’s investment in technology and commitment to responsible banking. Santander received the magazine’s awards
for Best Private Bank in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) & Impact Investing and Best Innovative or Emerging
Technology and Data Management in Latin America, alongside other similar awards for several countries in Latin America and
Europe. Euromoney’s awards, now in their 18th year, consider the work of the private banking industry and are based on a survey of
more than 2,000 people, including banks, fund managers and family offices, amongothers. Santander Private Banking offers clients
personalized assistance thanks to its team of specialized private bankers in Spain, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Portugal, the UK, the US,
Poland and Argentina. It counts more than 100 branches and 2,500 experts. By the end of 2020, Santander Wealth Management &
Insurance division had €370 billion in assets worldwide.
44
R & R Updates
Santander (Spain) has been awarded Top Employers Europe 2021 IT Shades
certification for the fifth year running Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Santander has received the Top Employers Europe 2021 certification for the fifth consecutive year. This certificate acknowledges excellence in the working
conditions the bank provides for its employees and its contribution to their personal and professional development. Only four banks in the world, including
Santander, have been awarded the European certificate. The certification is granted when a company is considered a Top Employer in at least five countries
on the continent. In this case, Santander received the certificate in three of its main markets in Europe (Spain, Poland and the UK) and its Santander
Consumer Finance units in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, France and Belgium. In addition, it has also obtained this distinction in
Chile.Santander Spain has been awarded Top Employers certification for the fifth year running and is the best employer in the country with best conditions
for its employees and the second best employer in the world out of the c.1,700 companies certified. Its management of diversity and inclusion, adoption of
new ways of working, professional and career development opportunities and the focus on employee wellbeing are some of the top-scoring aspects in the
survey sent out by Top Employers to grant the certificate. This certificate shows that the bank has taken another step towards meeting its 2021 targets of being
one of the ten best companies to work for in at least six of the geographies where it operates. This distinction comes on the heels of other accolades received
by Santander, such as being one of the top 25 companies to work for in the world by Great Place to Work. The Top Employers Institute programme certifies
companies on the basis of their participation and the results of its HR Best Practices Survey, which assesses six domains regarding human resources, divided
into 20 areas including people strategy, working environment, talent acquisition, learning, well-being, and diversity and inclusion.
45
R & R Updates
Bank Muscat (Oman) wins Best Foreign Exchange Provider in Oman IT Shades
award from Global Finance Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate, has won the Best Foreign Exchange Provider in Oman (2021) award from Global Finance. The foreign exchange and
international payments landscape is an essential part of banking relationships in global economy. Given the dynamic environment and continuous enhancement in technology, the responsibility
for quicker and efficient processing is a shared effort by all financial institutions. Superior transaction processing quality resulting in higher efficiencies, faster payments, cost reductions and
honoring of commitments to operational excellence have been the hallmarks of the bank’s operations. Bank Muscat is focused on offering a number of niche services to sustain its competitive
edge and is the only bank in the country to offer a full suite of treasury products and services on a 24x7 basis through its Treasury & Capital Markets division. The bank is a consistent winner
of the Best Foreign Exchange Provider in Oman award as well as awards by major international banks for outstanding performance in error-free remittance and fund transfers. The award
criteria included transaction volume, market share, scope of global coverage, customer service, competitive pricing and innovative technologies. The prestigious publication Fast Markets MB
has consistently ranked the bank among the top 5 global institutions for commodity price forecast. A multi-award winning organization, Bank Muscat has established more than 500
correspondent banking relationships across the world through its Global Financial Institutions division. Its performance across different facets of banking and finance has been consistently
lauded by the international financial and banking community for several years.The treasury products and services include meeting foreign exchange requirements of customers and offering
hedging solutions for foreign currency, interest rate benchmarks and commodity price risks. The division offers streaming foreign exchange prices to its counterparty banks and customers and
is among the few regional banks to offer a comprehensive commodity hedging product suite to its customers via precious metals, base metals, agricultural and energy products. The bank’s
Treasury & Capital Markets division continues to manage the bank’s surplus liquidity through active participation in money markets instruments in line with bank’s overall ALM policy and
regulatory guidelines. The service encompasses East Asian as well as early New York time zones spanning all international and GCC working days. The bank believes that its continued focus
on synergy efforts and offering quality service to customers will create a sustainable competitive edge for its client-focused businesses in the years ahead.
46
R & R Updates
Bank of Ireland (Ireland) becomes first Irish business to gain ‘Disability IT Shades
Smart Standard’ accreditation Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Bank of Ireland is proud to have become the first Irish company to achieve the prestigious ‘Disability Smart Standard’, a workplace accreditation
recognizing the Bank’s commitment to disability inclusion. The Disability Smart Standard is an audit developed by the Business Disability Forum to
help organizations measure and improve on performance for disabled customers, clients or service users, and employees. Bank of Ireland achieved
‘Bronze’ status in its first-ever evaluation under the Disability Smart Audit framework, which assesses organizations across ten key business areas
ranging from their commitment to disability inclusion, their recruitment process, access to products and services, and how they make adjustments to
remove or reduce barriers for employees in the workplace. Bank of Ireland scored an average of 75% across all ten business areas assessed as part of
the Disability Standard audit and scored highly in the areas of Commitment, Adjustments, Recruitment and Premises. The audit commended Bank of
Ireland for its engagement with the NCBI, who the Bank worked closely with on user testing for its new mobile banking app. These tests helped Bank
of Ireland to ensure its app is easily accessible for customers with vision impairments. The report also praised the Bank’s Reasonable Adjustments
Guide and Passport for being clear and easy to follow. The Guide outlines the process individuals and managers follow to make workplace adjustments
required by people with hidden or visible disabilities. The Passport ensures a record is maintained, meaning when the individual changes jobs, relocates
or is assigned a new manager within the organisation, their required adjustments are clearly understood and can be facilitated without further review.
47
R & R Updates
Bank of Jinzhou (China) successfully accepted Mutual Finance Association's IT Shades
first bank digital certificate business in China Engage & Enable
R&R Description
The China Internet Finance Association digital letter certificate platform successfully launched the country's first bank letter certificate business, and Jinzhou Bank
Tianjin Branch completed the reply work. This time, Bank of Jinzhou stood out among the first batch of cooperative banks of the Mutual Finance Association and was
selected as the exclusive cooperative bank for this business. It participated in the work that has positive practical significance for the innovative application of bank letters
and certificates, marking the Bank of Jinzhou Another substantial breakthrough were made in the digital transformation of traditional offline businesses. The bank letter
certificate business involves audited companies, audit institutions, banks, and regulatory agencies. The digital letter certificate platform can realize the online application,
authorization, sending, and response of the entire process, effectively solving the multiple traditional offline paper models Disadvantages, to ensure data safety and
reliability, anti-tampering and traceability. In order to implement the relevant policy requirements of the "Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Digitalization of
Accounting Firms' Letters and Certificates" by seven ministries and commissions including the Ministry of Finance and the People's Bank of China, Bank of Jinzhou
attaches great importance to and carefully organizes the docking cooperation and business with the Mutual Finance Association's digital letter certification platform After
several months of intensive preparations for the pilot work, it was successfully selected as the first batch of cooperative banks in the country on the Mutual Finance
Association's digital certificate platform, and won the only designated reply unit for its first landing business. The successful acceptance of the first digital certificate
business is a successful exploration and practice of Jinzhou Bank leveraging on external third-party platforms to realize the online traditional corporate business. In the
future, Bank of Jinzhou will continue to expand the financial technology innovation cooperation organized by industry associations, strengthen professional service
capabilities through digital transformation, and provide customers with a better financial service experience.
48
R & R Updates
BMO Financial (Canada) Group ranked top bank in North America on Corporate
IT Shades
Knights' 2021 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World Engage & Enable
R&R Description
BMO Financial Group has been named to Corporate Knights' 2021 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the
World and is, for the second year in a row, the most sustainable bank in North America. BMO was recognized for its
sizable portfolio of sustainable loans – including green loans and loans to women and BIPOC-owned small businesses –
as well as its ongoing commitment to create a sustainable future across all its operations. BMO also scored highly in
leadership and board diversity, with women representing 45.5 per cent of the Board's independent directors. BMO
continues to make significant progress on its Purpose commitments to double the good for a sustainable future, thriving
economy and inclusive society. In 2019 BMO committed to mobilizing $400 billion in sustainable finance by 2025,
including lending, underwriting and investing $150 billion in companies pursuing sustainable outcomes, and aligning
$250 billion in client investments to sustainable objectives. By 2020 the bank had achieved 71 per cent of its $150 billion
target and surpassed its $250 billion target.

49
R & R Updates
Bankia (Spain) recognized by the Bloomberg’s Gender Equality Index as IT Shades
a leading company in equality policies Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Bankia has been recognized, for the second consecutive year, by the Bloomberg’s Gender Equality Index 2021 (GEI) as a
reference institution worldwide for its commitment to gender equality. The analyst has positively assessed the equality
policies that Bankia has implemented over recent years, wage parity and the firm commitment of the financial institution
to the integration of women in positions of responsibility, as well as the promotion of gender equality in the communities
where it operates. A total of 380 companies from 44 countries have been scored by this index, a global benchmark in
assessing the commitment of companies to equality and diversity. The average score obtained stood at 66.42%, with the
average score of the 126 financial institutions selected worldwide being 68.20%. Among the Spanish companies included,
there are 18 companies from different business sectors that have obtained an average score of 71.41%. For its part, Bankia
exceeded this average in 2021; additionally obtaining the highest score 100% in the area of equality and salary parity.
50
R & R Updates
Caixa Bank (Spain): The Agro Bank Chair of the UdL rewards a project that IT Shades
aims to reduce the use of chemical phytosanitary treatments in viticulture Engage & Enable
R&R Description
The AgroBank Chair for Quality and Innovation in the Agri - food Sector of the University of Lleida (UdL) has awarded a project on new bioactive
compositions for phytosanitary applications in viticulture. Its main researcher, Pablo Martín from the University of Zaragoza, has become the winner of the
fourth edition of the prize for the transfer of knowledge to the agri-food sector, endowed with 15,000 euros. The award was presented by the director of the
AgroBank Chair, Antonio J. Ramos and the director of AgroBank, Carlos Seara, with the presence of the vice-rector for Research and Transfer of the
University of Lleida, Olga Martín, and, by the company Viñas del Vero, owned by Jose María Ayuso and Sergio Torres.With the aim of addressing the
challenge of reducing the abusive use of phytosanitary treatments of chemical origin and complying with the requirements of the European Directive, the
researcher presented a project entitled "New bioactive compositions for phytosanitary applications in viticulture". The jury has recognized this research
among the rest of the applications submitted, coming from the University of Zaragoza, the Carlos III University, the University of La Rioja, the University
of Córdoba, the University of Extremadura and the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology. In a context in which the incidence of fungal diseases of
grapevine is increasing as a consequence of climate change, the study carried out by Martín proposes a limited and more effective use of phytosanitary
products that displace the most aggressive antifungals for the environment by others prepared from natural products. In this way, it proposes reducing the
traditional biostimulants that are currently used to improve the quality of grapes and wine (based on urea, amino acids, jasmonates, oak wood or yeast
extracts, etc.) and applying new formulations with activity antifungal, with optimized solubility and bioavailability.
51
R & R Updates
Caixa Bank (Spain) and Microsoft present the WONNOW Awards to the IT Shades
best students of technical university degrees in Spain Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Caixa Bank and Microsoft have recognized the best students of technical university degrees in Spain with the WONNOW
Awards. Gonzalo Gortázar, CEO of Caixa Bank, and Pilar López, president of Microsoft Spain, have presented these
awards, which include a cash prize of 10,000 euros to the student with the best academic record and 10 paid scholarships
to work at Caixa Bank, as well as the access to a Microsoft mentoring program. The awards were presented in a telematic
ceremony conducted by CEO of BPS, an editorial group for technological publications. With these Awards, Caixa Bank
and Microsoft recognize female excellence in technical university degrees. In this way, they want to encourage other
young women to study STEM, fostering diversity in a sector with enormous job opportunities and where there is little
female presence. According to recent data from LinkedIn, in the next five years more than two million technology-related
jobs could be created in Spain. Currently, the percentage of STEM graduates in Spain is ranked 12th in the European
Union ranking, with a difference between the sexes of 17 points.

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R & R Updates
Cimb (Malaysia) Is Best Islamic Bank in Malaysia and Best Islamic IT Shades
Investment Bank Globally Engage & Enable
R&R Description
CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad and CIMB Investment Bank Berhad have been recognized recently as Best Islamic Bank in Malaysia, and Best Islamic
Investment Bank (globally) in the IFN Best Banks Poll 2020. CIMB also came in second for Best Islamic Bank for Treasury Management and third for Best
Islamic Retail Bank.In their assessment, IFN described CIMB Group as “a behemoth in the banking world and its Islamic offering has gone from strength to
strength.” It also mentioned that the bank has been instrumental in supporting the most needful elements of society, including retail and SME customers, and
through payment moratoriums and relief packages. IFN highlighted CIMB’s innovative Halal Biz Ready programme, an SME platform designed to connect
businesses to global Halal trade and finance via assistance in preparation for halal certification, including readiness of premises, operations and supply chain
with a total of RM100 million in financing opportunities. During the year, CIMB also supported entrepreneurs through upskilling programmes such as
MicroBizReady, while providing access to partners and training in leveraging e-commerce business models to help SMEs be resilient during the pandemic.
The CIMB Bazar Siberturahim during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period connected consumers and small businesses in a unique festive bazaar through
an online format, adapting to the new normal. In 2020, CIMB was the no. 1 ASEAN-based bank for Global Sukuk (USD4.455 billion in volume, excluding
self-led deals) and ranked no. 1 for Malaysia Sukuk (RM18.388 billion in volume, excluding self-led deals), according to Bloomberg. Notable transactions
included Tenaga Nasional’s RM3.0 billion Sukuk issuance and a RM1.3 billion Perpetual Sukuk issuance by TG Excellence Berhad. CIMB also advised
Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad in its fundraising of RM203.6 million through issuance of Islamic convertible redeemable preference shares.
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R & R Updates
Comerica (USA) Recognized as Global Sustainability Leader for Third IT Shades
Consecutive Year Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Comerica Incorporated earned a place on the 2021 Global 100 list of the most sustainable corporations by Corporate Knights. Comerica is one of 20 companies
headquartered in the United States on the list and the only U.S. bank represented with a ranking of 52nd. The Global 100 list is the result of a rigorous analysis of
nearly 7,500 companies across the world with more than $1 billion in annual revenue. Companies are evaluated on 24 key performance indicators that include
resource management, employee management, financial management and supplier performance. This year's ranking was also based on several new performance
indicators that reflect social concerns highlighted by the pandemic and racial justice movement. They include paid sick leave, executive and board racial diversity,
and clean revenue and investments.Despite the challenges presented in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, Comerica continued to make strides in reaching its
sustainability goals. Its GHG reduction efforts reached nearly 52 percent through the third quarter, putting it in preliminary achievement of its 2025 GHG reduction
goal of 50 percent. And at year-end, the organization had more than $1.2 billion in green loans and commitments to customers in 13 different environmentally
beneficial categories. Inclusion on the 2021 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations by Corporate Knights is the latest in a string of recognitions the
organization has received in recent months for its sustainability initiatives. In December, Comerica ranked 51st on Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible
Companies for 2021 and recently CDP awarded Comerica with an A- rating on its climate change questionnaire. Comerica has also served as a leader in the field
of diversity, equity and inclusion as it ranked third on the DiversityInc 2020 list of Top Regional Companies for Diversity. And most recently, it secured a 100
percent on the 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) related to LGBTQ workplace equality for the eighth consecutive year.
54
R & R Updates
F.N.B. (USA) Corporation Receives Multiple Awards for Commercial IT Shades
Banking Client Experience Engage & Enable
R&R Description
F.N.B. Corporation announced that it has been recognized once again as a Greenwich Excellence and Best Brand
Awards winner, receiving 16 national and regional awards in 2020 for middle market and small business banking. FNB
was one of the top 10 national leaders in the U.S. Small Business Banking category. FNB has received more than 65
Greenwich Excellence and Best Brand Awards for its commercial banking client experience during the past decade.
The Company further built on these honors in 2020 with three consecutive quarters of recognition as a Greenwich
Associates Standout Commercial Bank Amid Crisis for its COVID-19 response. To determine its Excellence and Best
Brand Awards winners, Greenwich Associates conducted more than 23,000 interviews across the country and
evaluated 600 banks.
55
R & R Updates
F.N.B. (USA) Corporation Receives Multiple Awards for Commercial IT Shades
Banking Client Experience Engage & Enable
R&R Description
F.N.B. Corporation announced that it has been recognized once again as a Greenwich Excellence and Best Brand
Awards winner, receiving 16 national and regional awards in 2020 for middle market and small business banking. FNB
was one of the top 10 national leaders in the U.S. Small Business Banking category. FNB has received more than 65
Greenwich Excellence and Best Brand Awards for its commercial banking client experience during the past decade.
The Company further built on these honors in 2020 with three consecutive quarters of recognition as a Greenwich
Associates Standout Commercial Bank Amid Crisis for its COVID-19 response. To determine its Excellence and Best
Brand Awards winners, Greenwich Associates conducted more than 23,000 interviews across the country and
evaluated 600 banks.
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R & R Updates
F.N.B. (USA) Corporation’s Banking Subsidiary Receives National Top IT Shades
Workplace Honors Engage & Enable
R&R Description
First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporationhas been named a Top Workplace in the United States
by Energage – an independent research firm specializing in workplace engagement and organizational health. FNB was
also honored within its own industry, receiving recognition from Energage as a Financial Services Top Workplace for
2021. FNB’s recognition is based entirely on employee feedback provided via surveys measuring the Company’s
workforce engagement and satisfaction. To participate in the program, organizations are required to have 150 or more
employees in the United States and survey at least 50 percent of their employees. This is FNB’s first national
recognition as a leading workplace, bringing its total number of workplace awards to more than 30, including honors
in the different markets the Company serves. For more information about honors FNB has received for its
differentiated client experience, workplace culture, and leadership in the community.

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R & R Updates
Key (USA) Family Wealth Named "Best Multi-family Office $10B - $20B" IT Shades
at the 2021 Private Asset Management Awards Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Key Family Wealth, the multi-family office division of Key Private Bank, was named "Best Multi-family Office $10
billion - $20 billion" at the virtual Private Asset Management (PAM) Awards. For more than two decades, the PAM Awards
have recognized high-performing firms and wealth advisors operating within the private asset management industry. An
independent panel of industry experts evaluates both qualitative and quantitative performance indicators to select the
winners. Key Family Wealth was selected as "Best Multi-family Office" in the $10B-$20B category from a shortlist of
four outstanding multi-family office providers. The award recognizes industry-leading firms providing best-in-class
family office capabilities and best-in-breed managers for every asset class. This distinct award recognizes Key Family
Wealth's ability to address the strategic and tactical dimensions of multi-generational wealth through a highly coordinated
team of industry experts, while also delivering exceptional client service to ultra-high-net-worth families. This is the
second consecutive year Key Family Wealth has been honored with a PAM award.
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R & R Updates
M&T (USA) Bank Receives Regional and National Recognition for IT Shades
Exceptional Customer Service to Businesses Engage & Enable
R&R Description
M&T Bank has again been recognized as one of the country's top banks for businesses for delivering exceptional
customer service by Greenwich Associates, the nation's top source for data and analytics about the financial services
industry. M&T earned 22 regional and national Greenwich Excellence awards and three Greenwich Best Brand awards
across a wide range of categories for middle market and small business banking, according to the latest Greenwich
survey results for calendar year 2020. In the small business category, M&T tied for the most with 13 Excellence
Awards. Greenwich Associates interviewed more than 23,000 executives in markets across the U.S. to benchmark the
quality of banking products and services in the marketplace. Of more than 600 banks evaluated, M&T Bank is among
only 32 that received excellence awards in small business banking and 30 that received excellence awards in the middle
market category.
59
R & R Updates
Nab (Australia) Ranked Top Australian Financial Institution In Global IT Shades
100 Most Sustainable Companies Engage & Enable
R&R Description
NAB is the top-ranked Australian financial institution in the 2021 Global 100 Most Sustainable Companies Index, announced overnight
at the World Economic Forum Summit in Davos, Switzerland. The Index, compiled annually by Corporate Knights, ranks more than 8000
companies on how their operations, revenues and investments generate positive social or environmental impacts. NAB ranked fourth
globally amongst financial peers and 44th across all industries in the world. NAB’s ranking reflects the work being done to reach its
sustainability targets, including purchasing renewable energy to meet the electricity needs of over 600 branches by the end of 2021,
completing A$70 billion in environmental financing by 2025 and committing $2 billion to affordable and social housing. NAB is an
inaugural signatory of the United Nations’ (UN) Principles for Responsible Banking, which requires it to implement a program of work
over four years encompassing impact and target setting; clients and customers; stakeholders; governance and culture; and transparency
and accountability. It is also the only Australian bank that has signed the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative’s
Collective Commitment to Climate Action, working towards aligning business operations and lending portfolios to achieve net zero
carbon emissions by 2050.

60
R & R Updates
Raiffeisen Bank International (Austria): Plug And Play Honors RBI With IT Shades
The Global Innovation Award Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) received the Global Innovation Award from Plug and Play for its innovation efforts and active
engagement with fintechs and startups through its partnership program. Despite the difficult situation in 2020, RBI and its subsidiary
banks entered into several long-term collaborations with fintechs. About a year ago, RBI announced its partnership with Plug and Play,
the largest global innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley. Together with 80 other financial institutions around the world, RBI
joined the global plug and play ecosystem and uses the platform to support its comprehensive digital transformation strategy in the fintech
sector. With this cooperation, RBI was able to expand its contacts within the fintech ecosystem on a global level. Thanks to its Elevator
Lab Partnership Program, the leading partnership program in Central and Eastern Europe, the bank already has a considerable network of
fintechs and startups. Christian Wolf, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystems at RBI, said: “I am proud that our partner Plug and
Play has honored Raiffeisen Bank International for its innovation efforts. This recognition is a great encouragement to continue our
innovation activities. At RBI and through our Elevator Lab Partnership Program, we are constantly striving to improve the customer
experience. Therefore, innovation in cross-industry, startup and fintech partnerships is integral parts of our strategy.
61
R & R Updates
Barilla and Royal Bank of Canada (Canada) Are Honored for Their Commitment
IT Shades
to Innovative Solutions to Create Inclusive Workplaces That Work for Women Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Barilla and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) will receive the premiere 2021 Catalyst Award on March 17-18, 2021, for initiatives that have accelerated
progress for women and elevated inclusion within their organizations. The theme for the Catalyst Awards virtual event is “Progress Won’t Pause–Equity
Can’t Wait.” It signals the continued and steadfast efforts of organizations committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at this heralded global convening
of corporate leaders. More than 5,000 attendees are expected at the virtual event, including the Catalyst Board of Directors and Catalyst CEO
Champions For Change. Executives from top global corporations, professional firms, governments, NGOs, and educational institutions will convene at
the 2021 Catalyst Awards, chaired by CEO Accenture. Barilla is being honored for its turnaround to become a model of inclusion for their LGBTQ+
employees and all underrepresented groups working for the family-owned company. Barilla achieved gender pay equality in 2020 globally for all
employees. It was also one of the first companies in Italy to achieve many inclusion milestones, such as formalizing flexible working around the world
and becoming the first Italian company to support the United Nations Standards of Conduct for Business Against LGBTQ+ Discrimination in the
Workplace. The 2021 Catalyst Awards, Catalyst’s signature fundraiser, will feature programming throughout the month of March, including keynote
presentations, various sessions and activities, extensive networking, a partner and exhibitor lounge, and a diverse resource library.
62
R & R Updates
Shiga Bank (Japan) received the "Excellence Award" in the environmental IT Shades
reporting category at the 24th Environmental Communication Awards Engage & Enable
R&R Description
The Bank received the "Excellence Award" in the environmental reporting category at the "24th Environmental Communication Awards"
(sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment, Global and Human Environment Forum). This award was given in recognition of the
comprehensive content of the "Integrated Report (Disclosure Magazine 2020)" and "CSR Report 2020" published in 2020 as an excellent
report. We will continue to strive to disclose information to a wide range of people in an easy-to-understand and highly transparent
manner. An award system that aims to promote environmental management and environmental communication efforts by businesses and
improve the quality of environmental information disclosure by commending excellent environmental reports. This time (24th), there was
147 entries in the environmental reporting section and 114 entries in the environmental management report section. This is an excellent
report that shows the efforts of environmental finance over the years. The perspective of sustainability has been incorporated into the
long-term vision and medium-term management plan, and efforts are being made to resolve social issues through business activities such
as environmental ratings and ESG investment, and the appearance of active sustainable management has been reported.
63
R & R Updates
Truist receives perfect 100 rating on 2021 Corporate Equality Index IT Shades
Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Truist Financial Corporation announced it has earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's 2021
Corporate Equality Index (CEI) and been designated one of the "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality." This marks the 15th perfect
score for Truist and its heritage companies, and the 9th consecutive year scoring a perfect 100 on the nation's premier benchmarking
survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace
equality. The CEI is considered the premier benchmark for corporate policies and practices relating to LGBTQ employees and their
families, as well as LGBTQ workplace inclusion. The index evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices including nondiscrimination
workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public
engagement with the LGBTQ community. To further its commitment to inclusion efforts, Truist also signed the Business Coalition for
Equality Act and PwC's CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge to advance diversity, inclusion, and equal benefits for all in 2020
and beyond. Truist actively supports eight executive leadership-led BRGs, including its PRIDE BRG, which is one of the bank's most
active BRGs.
64
R & R Updates
Silicon Valley Bank (USA) Included in 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality IT Shades
Index Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and their investors, announced that it is one of 380 companies across
11 sectors included in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI). The GEI brings transparency to gender-related practices and policies at
publicly listed companies, increasing the breadth of environmental, social, governance (ESG) data available to investors. The comprehensive,
transparent GEI scoring methodology allows investors to assess company performance and compare across industry peer groups. The reference index
measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment
policies, and pro-women brand. Through disclosure of gender-related metrics using the GEI framework, the firms included in the 2021 GEI have
committed to provide a comprehensive look at their investment in workplace gender equality and the communities in which they operate, raising the
bar of what should be expected from other companies within the same industry. Silicon Valley Bank was included in this year’s index for scoring at or
above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect a high level of disclosure and overall performance across the framework’s five pillars. The
GEI expanded in 2021 to represent 44 countries and regions, including firms headquartered in Indonesia and Bermuda for the first time. Companies
range from a variety of industries, including automotive, banking, consumer services, engineering and construction, and retail. The 2020 GEI included
325 companies headquartered across 42 countries and regions. Silicon Valley Bank was also included in the 2019 and 2020 GEI.
65
R & R Updates
The Family Office at Synovus (USA) Wins Three PAM Awards IT Shades
Engage & Enable
R&R Description
Private Asset Management (PAM) presented The Family Office at Synovus with awards in three categories during the 2021 PAM Awards. The Family Office
at Synovus was awarded for Best Philanthropic/Educational Initiative; Best Multi-Family Office $2 billion to $10 billion; and Best Outsourced CIO. Founded
in 1947, The Family Office at Synovus is dedicated to helping ultra-high net worth families across the United States, especially in multiple family
generations, identify and achieve their financial and family goals and aspirations. With 40 team members and $8.2 billion in assets under administration, The
Family Office at Synovus provides comprehensive investment management, wealth-transfer planning, family enterprise management, and fiduciary services
to families in North and South America, Europe and the Middle East. Synovus team members develop deeply personal client relationships and devise
integrated strategies that uncover and address each family’s challenges, motivations, vision, goals, and needs. The PAM Awards recognize the outstanding
achievements and top investment professionals, wealth advisors, legal firms, consultants and other key service providers within the U.S. private asset
management industry. An independent judging panel of industry experts selected the winners in 39 categories from more than 200 entries by over 100 asset
management firms. Synovus Bank, a Georgia-chartered, FDIC-insured bank, provides commercial and retail banking, investment, and mortgage services
together with its affiliates through 289 branches in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. Synovus Bank has been recognized as one of
the country’s “Most Reputable Banks” by American Banker and the Reputation Institute.
66
R & R Updates
UniCredit (Italy) awarded the Plug and Play Global Innovation Award IT Shades
Engage & Enable
R&R Description
UniCredit has been awarded the Global Innovation Award by Plug and Play for continued innovation efforts and high engagement with fintechs throughout
2020. Plug and Play presented two of its corporate partners with this award for displaying exceptional motivation and passion during a difficult year leading
to multiple collaborations with different fintechs. Head quartered in Silicon Valley, Plug and Play has created the world's largest innovation platform with
over 35,000 startups and 500 official corporate partners. Since 2006, the programmes run by Plug and Play have expanded worldwide to include a presence
in over 30 locations building the ultimate startup ecosystem for many industries. UniCredit joined Plug and Play in 2019 as a founding partner and the first
financial institution to be part of the Plug and Play Hub in Milan. The bank is also a strategic partner for Plug and Play's Fintech Europe Hub in Frankfurt.
The partnership allows UniCredit to increase the testing of innovative fintech solutions Group-wide to continuously benefit from new concepts and products
that can improve banking processes and enhance customer offering across various fields from retail to corporate and investment banking. The collaboration
model follows a structured and lean process to pilot and assess solutions of interest with the final goal to harness the value from best-in-class fintechs on the
market through potential commercial agreements. In 2020, the UniCredit Innovation Orchestration & Fintech Strategy team worked with Plug and Play
taking part in several thematic fintech sessions including on lending, wealth management, payments, NPEs and KYC. This led to a series of follow-ups with
the companies identified engaging more than 200 colleagues across the Group and 225 fintechs.
67
R & R Updates
UniCredit (Italy) has been recognized as a Top Employer in Europe in IT Shades
2021 Engage & Enable
R&R Description
UniCredit has been officially certified by the Top Employers Institute for the fourth year running for its exceptional
employee offering, reaffirming the Group's status as a great place to work. The European level Top Employers
Certification was awarded thanks to the local Certifications achieved by UniCredit in Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy
and Russia. Each year, the Top Employers Institute certifies organisations who are focused on putting their people first
through their exceptional HR policies. The organisations are certified based on the participation and results of their HR
Best Practices Survey, which covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics such as People Strategy, Work
Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Wellbeing and Diversity & Inclusion.
68
R & R Updates
Fortune names U.S. Bank (USA) one of the 2021 World’s Most Admired IT Shades
Companies Engage & Enable
R&R Description
The company topped its industry and was recognized among all companies for management quality, Fortune magazine
recognized U.S. Bank as one of the 2021 World’s Most Admired Companies, naming it No. 1 in the Superregional
Banks industry category for the 11th consecutive year. Among all 670 companies in 30 countries and 52 industry
sectors, Fortune also rated U.S. Bank as No. 8 most admired for Management Quality and No. 3 most admired for Use
of Corporate Assets. Within the Superregional Banks industry category, Fortune ranked U.S. Bank as No. 1 in six of
the nine key attributes of reputation: Management Quality, Quality of Products/Services, Innovation, Use of Corporate
Assets, Financial Soundness and Long-Term Investment Value.
69
Customer Success Updates
BNY Mellon (USA) OMNI(SM) Selected by Gabelli Funds to Launch its IT Shades
New Actively Managed ETF Engage & Enable
Description
BNY Mellon has been selected by Gabelli Funds to facilitate the launch of its new actively managed ETF, Gabelli Love Our
Planet and People (LOPP). Gabelli will leverage BNY Mellon's OMNISM platform for integrated custody, accounting,
administration and ETF Services—including BNY's proprietary ETF Center, which offers technology designed to support
actively managed ETFs. LOPP focuses on investing in companies committed to sustainable practices such as renewable energy
and the reduction or recycling of long-lived wastes. The fund incorporates a research-intensive process of both value focused
social screens and a holistic ESG analysis to deliver returns in an environmentally accountable manner. Additionally, all fees and
expenses will be absorbed by Gabelli Funds on the first $100 million invested in the Fund, for at least the first twelve months.
Through its unique insights in the ESG space and extensive client experience with individual and institutional investors, BNY
Mellon will support Gabelli Funds' entry into the field. This collaboration will facilitate greater efficiency and transparency in
fund administration, providing value for investors who seek a fund that mirrors their own ESG principles.
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IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Partner Ecosystem

Partner Ecosystem Updates
Ally (USA) Lending teams with Eargo to empower those with hearing loss IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Ally Lending, the personal lending arm of Ally Bank, a subsidiary of Ally Financial Inc. announced its relationship with Eargoa leading medical device company dedicated to
improving the quality of life of people with hearing loss. The agreement expands Ally's financing offerings in audiology, a market Ally Lending entered more than five years
ago, and gives more people access to Eargo's innovative, award-winning hearing aid devices. Ally's alignment with Eargo builds upon the company's deep legacy and rapidly
expanding footprint in business-to-business-to-consumer lending. Ally Lending experienced 75% YoY loan origination growth in 2020. Approximately 48 million Americans
have some degree of hearing loss – making hearing care essential for more than one in 10 of our neighbors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that these individuals
typically face an average ticket of $4,600 for a set of hearing aids, making price a primary reason for delaying a purchase. Ally Lending hopes to eliminate the cost barrier by
giving Eargo customers the option to pay in small, planned amounts over time. The Ally Lending program offers Eargo customers:
• Easy-to-use online consumer application process
• Simple, quick pre-qualification with no credit impact
• Low merchant discount fee options with low consumer monthly payment
Eargo's value proposition of innovative products with licensed professional support packaged via a direct-to-consumer approach addresses the major challenges of traditional
hearing aid adoption, including social stigma, accessibility and cost. Eargo hearing devices are one of the first and only virtually invisible, rechargeable, and completely-in-canal
aids. They are also FDA regulated and Class I exempt devices for the treatment of hearing loss. Eargo's commitment to product simplicity and compassionate customer service
empowers consumers to take control of their hearing.
71
BNI (Indonesia) Collaborates with Agung Sedayu Group IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Collaboration between banks and developers is one of the keys to successful growth in the property sector as well as a significant
trigger for an increase in the distribution of housing loans (KPR). Therefore, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI is
collaborating with the developer group PT Agung Sedayu Group to accelerate the distribution of mortgages while stimulating housing
growth in the primary market segment in Indonesia. The synergy of the two companies was marked by the Signing of a Cooperation
Agreement (PKS) in Jakarta, which was carried out by BNI Sales Division Leader with Director III Agung Sedayu Group and
Director I Agung Sedayu Group. Present to witness the event was Director of BNI Services & Networks and Director of Consumer
Business of BNI. To support the collaboration between BNI and the Agung Sedayu Group, BNI has prepared several conveniences
for customers. This convenience is provided in the form of flexibility in payment methods, namely Free Principal Installments of up
to 2 years, Special Interest Rates, and Instant Approval Process (INSAP), which allows fast credit approval and document
simplification for prospective borrowers. Several other facilities are also prepared specifically for Agung Sedayu Group consumers.
72
BMO Financial (Canada) Group among first Canadian banks to sign United IT Shades
Nations Principles for Responsible Banking Engage & Enable
Description
BMO Financial Group announced it has signed the United Nations Environment Programme – Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI) Principles
for Responsible Banking. The Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) provide a framework for a sustainable banking system. By
signing, BMO is committing to align its business strategy with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate
Agreement and relevant national and regional frameworks. This includes conducting an impact analysis to identify priority positive and
negative impacts associated with its operations and financing activity, working collaboratively with clients and stakeholders to maximize
positive and minimize negative impacts, and demonstrating transparency and accountability through public reporting.BMO continues to
make significant progress on its Purpose to double the good for a sustainable future. Committed to mobilizing $400 billion in sustainable
finance by 2025 -- including lending, underwriting and investing $150 billion in companies pursuing sustainable outcomes, and aligning
$250 billion in client investments to sustainable objectives -- the bank has already achieved 71 per cent of its $150 billion target and
surpassed its $250 billion target. In developing a world-class Sustainability program, BMO has already built the framework that will
enable the bank to meet and exceed its obligations as a signatory to the Principles.
73
BMO Financial (Canada) Group joins the Partnership for Carbon Accounting IT Shades
Financials Engage & Enable
Description
BMO Financial Group announced it has joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF). PCAF is a global partnership of financial
institutions that work together to develop and implement a harmonized approach to assess and disclose the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated
with their loans and investments. In November 2020, PCAF published the Global GHG Accounting and Reporting Standard for the Financial Industry.
With more than 95 banks and investors from five continents, the industry-led initiative is rapidly expanding in North America, Latin America, Europe,
Africa and Asia-Pacific. BMO continues to make significant progress on its Purpose commitments to double the good for a sustainable future, thriving
economy and inclusive society. In 2019 BMO committed to mobilizing $400 billion in sustainable finance by 2025, including lending, underwriting and
investing $150 billion in companies pursuing sustainable outcomes, and aligning $250 billion in client investments to sustainable objectives. By 2020
the bank had achieved 71 per cent of its $150 billion target and surpassed its $250 billion target. BMO is a strong supporter of the Task Force on
Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and has been working to implement the TCFD's recommendations and develop programs, approaches
and disclosures that align with the TCFD framework. By joining PCAF and committing to measure and disclose the GHG emissions associated with its
portfolio of loans and investments using PCAF methodologies, BMO is advancing its approach to climate-related risk and opportunity and taking steps
to align its portfolio with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
74
BNY Mellon (USA) and Google Cloud Collaborate to Help Transform U.S. IT Shades
Treasury Market Settlement and Clearance Process Engage & Enable
Description
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation announced a collaboration with Google Cloud to help market participants better predict billions of dollars in daily
settlement failures, generate significant capital and liquidity savings, and unlock operational efficiencies. The initiative, which helps to extend BNY Mellon’s
growing portfolio of emerging technology capabilities, will leverage Google Cloud’s data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
technologies to develop new collateral management and liquidity solutions built on Google Cloud.BNY Mellon continues to heavily invest in advanced
solutions that include the cloud, AI, ML and distributed ledger technology. This collaboration is the latest example of its open-architecture approach of
working together with leading technology providers to extend its capabilities in reimagining and delivering solutions to meet client needs. In addition to
creating use cases for the U.S. Treasury market, BNY Mellon is developing AI-powered solutions for securities lending, liquidity forecasting, dynamic
controls for pricing, anomaly detection for transactions, and automated document processing.The U.S. Treasury market is the largest and the most liquid
market in the world and BNY Mellon is the unique provider of clearance and settlement. On a typical day, approximately two percent of transactions fail to
settle. BNY Mellon is using Google Cloud for its scalable data analytics capabilities and to train models on millions of trades to consider every value and
factor that could result in a failure. This will help reduce client risk and create a more efficient financial market with fewer failure points and greater liquidity.
BNY Mellon is also leveraging Google Cloud to support more development environments, making code delivery quicker while reducing infrastructure costs.
75
BNY Mellon (USA) and Google Cloud Collaborate to Help Transform U.S. IT Shades
Treasury Market Settlement and Clearance Process Engage & Enable
Description
Bankia is collaborating for the third consecutive year with WWF Spain to promote the biodiversity of one of the most emblematic national parks in Ciudad Real,
Las Tablas de Daimiel. Both entities focus their participation in the ‘Bosques de agua. Restoring the forests of Las Tablas de Daimiel’ project in awareness,
recovery and conservation tasks involving one of the main wetlands in Spain. The initiative of WWF Spain and Bankia, which was launched in 2018, has allowed
forestry activities to be carried out on 63.2 hectares of the National Park area. This recovery of the Mediterranean forest will help to increase biodiversity in the
area and ensure the good condition of the aquifer that brings life to Las Tablas de Daimiel. Bankia and WWF have worked together over the past three years, always
under the coordination of the Park staff, in recovering the potential vegetation associated with this area since it is an essential element from the forestry point of
view. With the actions carried out by WWF and Bankia professionals, who have participated in environmental volunteering work in the area, they have managed
to work on both reforested areas and pastures. The project has involved planting native species such as holm oaks, terebinth, rosemary, kermes oaks and broom
brushes, using the best ecological restoration techniques and creating refuge for wildlife and corridors so that the species can travel without difficulty. In addition,
during the project’s third and final planting campaign, new restoration work has been carried out in two places: the Primillar de la Duquesa and Prado Ancho, on
a total area of 12.7 hectares. The objective of the actions carried out at La Duquesa has been the recovery of the oak-planted area that once occupied this land. In
the second location, Prado Ancho, forests of native vegetation have been planted.
76
Barclays (UK) joins LOT Network and Open Invention Network Community IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Barclays is the first major European headquartered bank to join LOT Network and Open Invention Network Community to oppose the abuse of intellectual
property rights by patent assertion entities (PAE), more commonly known as “patent trolls”. Patent trolls are organizations that derive revenue primarily by
threatening to litigate unless companies pay to license their patents. The time, resource and expense to litigate against these claims often results in companies
agreeing to settle, regardless of the merits of the claims or the value of the underlying intellectual property. In an increasingly technology-driven world,
organisations in all sectors using technology, including open source software, are potentially open to attack by patent trolls. The financial services industry
increasingly relies on new technology, which is why Barclays is joining thousands of organisations who are members of these community-based, non-profit
organisations, signaling renewed attention to the patent troll threat within an industry that has traditionally taken a conservative approach to engagement on
intellectual property-focused initiatives.The number of patent infringement suits filed by patent trolls—one of the measures of the trolls’ activity—has continued
to grow over the past several years. Changes in legal precedent and the economic effects of the global pandemic appear to have further fanned the flames of the
patent troll threat. Left unaddressed, the practice of asserting patents of questionable validity and scope in the way calculated to achieve settlement under the threat
of greater expense on litigation will continue to divert organisations’ resources away from productive innovation, and the development and licensing of valid
intellectual property rights. By joining LOT Network and OIN Community, Barclays is adding its portfolio of patents to the millions of patents that are already part
of these organisations’ non-aggression commitments.

77
Barclay (UK) partners with Smart Pension providing SMEs and their IT Shades
employees with access to quick and easy pension platform Engage & Enable
Description
Barclays has announced a partnership with Smart Pension, one of the UK’s leading online pension providers. The bank’s UK wide network of 1,100
business relationship managers will introduce their business banking clients to Smart Pension via the Barclays website, where they will be able to follow
a link to sign up, within a matter of minutes. Businesses that sign up through Barclays will be able to offer their employees access to the bank’s
proprietary Global Market Funds, which invest in a broad range of asset classes and are managed by the same team of investment experts that look after
the bank’s Wealth clients. Once signed up, Smart Pension offers an online portal for both the employer and employee, so that individuals can easily
manage their participation in the scheme. The portal can be integrated with other administrative programmes such as payroll, admin, reporting and
compliance capabilities. Last year, the bank took a minority stake in retirement technology provider, Smart, as part of its Series C fundraising round to
support its global growth, which includes entry into the US market. The collaboration is the latest in a series of strategic Fintech partnerships announced
by Barclays over the last few years, with MarketFinance, Nimbla and Propel offering invoice financing, insurance products and asset finance to
thousands of Barclays Business Banking clients. Barclays has a package of support available for SMEs to help them recover from the coronavirus
pandemic. The bank has so far lent over £12 billion through the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the
Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) to over 330,000 businesses across the UK.
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Caixa Bank (Spain): AMFREMAR will have a van to transport food for its soup kitchen in San
IT Shades
José thanks to the collaboration of the “la Caixa” Foundation and the Autopremier Group Engage & Enable
Description
The “la Caixa” Foundation and the Autopremier Group, in collaboration with CaixaBank and CaixaBank Payments & Consumer, have contributed
a total of 13,000 euros so that the Association of Friends of Malagan Families of Rehabilitated and Marginalized (AMFREMAR) has a van for the
transportation of food and merchandise necessary for the operation of its soup kitchen in San José. In total there are more than 150 services that
this Malaga association offers daily, with direct attention to the members of 25 families and the distribution of lunches and dinners to elderly people
or people with reduced mobility. The initiative is part of the “Solidarity Formula” program, an initiative of CaixaBank, which channels funds from
the “la Caixa” Foundation and adds them to the contributions of companies and individuals, such as the Autopremier Group and CaixaBank
Payments & Consumer, with the objective of helping social entities have the material means to continue working for the benefit of the most needy
people and groups. The delivery of the vehicle took place this morning in Malaga and is part of the “Solidarity Mobility” modality, which aims to
provide sustainable or adapted vehicles to social entities that urgently need them. The award ceremony was attended by the territorial director of
CaixaBank in Eastern Andalusia and Murcia, Juan Ignacio Zafra; the CEO of Grupo Nieto Automoción, Joaquín Nieto; the southeast director of
the Vendors business of CPC, Juan José Montero and the director of Amfremar, Fernando Gutiérrez.
79
Faconauto and CaixaBank (Spain) promote training among dealers IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Faconauto and CaixaBank, through CaixaBank Payments & Consumer, following the collaboration agreement presented last April, signed a new alliance that aims
to boost the dealers' business, as well as the qualification and training of their employees through the Faconauto University project, of which the financial
institution is its main employer.The president of Faconauto, Gerardo Pérez, and Xavier Oms, director of mobility and vendors of CaixaBank Payments &
Consumer, have staged this commitment between both organizations that launch the first institution for training and talent management by and for the automotive
sector and dealers. Faconauto University aims to respond to the needs of the sector, immersed in the need for more training and new data, as well as the recruitment
of new professional profiles to address the transformation it faces and that has accelerated due to the impact of COVID-19. With this agreement, CaixaBank
Payments & Consumer will accompany dealers in the challenges that car distribution faces, such as the successful management of the digital transformation, the
ecological transition, the change of habits and the purchase channels of the customer or the difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified professionals to meet the
needs of this evolution of the sector. To do this, CaixaBank will organize different courses, information sessions and webinars where documentation related to the
macroeconomic context as well as details of the future of the sector will be provided. This agreement is also part of the strategy that Faconauto is following to work
with leading strategic partners on solutions, products and services that improve the performance of dealerships and have an impact on customer satisfaction.
Specifically, in collaboration with CaixaBank Payments & Consumer, the dealers 'employers' association will provide its associates with another competitive
option when it comes to meeting their financial needs.

80
CaixaBank (Spain) and Pimec reaffirm their collaboration to continue IT Shades
promoting the technological competitiveness of Catalan companies Engage & Enable
Description
Pimec and CaixaBank strengthen their relationship for the benefit of small and medium-sized companies in Catalonia. The territorial
director of CaixaBank in Barcelona, María Alsina, and the general secretary of Pimec, Antoni Cañete, have renewed the collaboration
agreement with which the financial entity makes its digital products and services available to Pimec associates, which they have placed
to CaixaBank among the most highly valued banks in the world in terms of innovation, to help SMEs in their digital transformation
strategy. Within the framework of the agreement, CaixaBank has also launched a support plan for small businesses that includes specific
financing, the commission bonus for POS and the new e-commerce technological solutionSocial Commerce, which allows any business
to sell online, even if it does not have its own virtual store or website. It is a tool that has been selected by the World Bank as an example
of a project to help companies during the COVID-19 crisis. CaixaBank also makes PayGold available to small and medium-sized Catalan
companies, which allows them to receive payments online, by email or SMS, without the need for the company to have its own website.
The objective of the renewed agreement between CaixaBank and Pimec is to help the digitization and opening of new online channels to
the associates of the business entity.

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CIBC (Canada) and RE/MAX Quebec working together to help homebuyers IT Shades
achieve their ambitions Engage & Enable
Description
CIBC is pleased to announce it has formed a new partnership with RE/MAX Quebec, the latest in a series of partnerships
with RE/MAX to help Canadians achieve their home buying ambitions from coast-to-coast. With a CIBC Mortgage
Advisor, clients have access to expert mortgage advice at every step, all done remotely. The partnership also provides
RE/MAX Brokers and Agents access to tools through CIBC, such as a mortgage pre-approval certificate, that will help
their clients assess what they can afford before starting their search for a home. Whether buying their first home, their next
home or considering an investment property, RE/MAX clients in Quebec will be able to benefit from CIBC's expert advice
in choosing the right mortgage to meet their unique needs. This partnership complements CIBC's existing agreements with
RE/MAX INTEGRA, supporting clients in Ontario and Atlantic provinces, and RE/MAX Western Canada, supporting
clients in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Yukon.
82
Bank of Ireland (Ireland) Begin Together Arts Fund announces €300,000 in IT Shades
funding for music, theatre, dance, traditional and visual arts projects Engage & Enable
Description
Bank of Ireland, in partnership with Business to Arts, announced that 36 projects spanning music, theatre, dance,
traditional arts, and the visual arts will receive support from the first phase of the Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts
Fund. Funding of €300,000 will be provided to artworks or arts projects which have been inspired by the experience of
living through COVID-19 or have been adapted in response to the pandemic. The all-island Begin Together Arts Fund
will make a total of €1 million in arts funding available over three years and will open for a second round of
applications in April.
83
Bank Muscat (Oman) ties up with AXA Insurance to offer high quality SME IT Shades
Insurance Engage & Enable
Description
In line with its vision ‘To serve you better, every day’ and its commitment to national development and financial inclusion, Bank Muscat, the leading financial services
institution in Oman, has announced the availability of high-quality and class-leading bancassurance plans through its tie-up with AXA, a global leader in insurance. The
newly-launched plans will in particular benefit entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in facing unexpected risks to their business activities
and projects. The new products will offer comprehensive covers that are tailor-made for each business according to their business activity and size. An expert team will advise
customers on the best protection and covers needed specifically for their business. The new insurance products will be particularly helpful for SMEs operating in a number of
sectors including construction, hospitality, IT sector, manufacturing, professional services, healthcare clinics, retail trading, travel and tourism, computers and IT products etc.
Bank Muscat offers a variety of bancassurance products that covers various customer segments. Life, health, home, motor and yacht insurance services are among some of the
innovative products that are available through Bank Muscat Bancassurance, with great features and at a competitive value that suits customers. Bank Muscat is the leading
financial services institution in Oman and offers a one-stop facility for bespoke bancassurance products across multiple categories. Since 2013, the bank has been in a strategic
partnership with AXA, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, offering a wide range of insurance products and services for corporates, SME and individual
customers throughout the region. With the bank’s vision to serve its customers better every day and with AXA’s purpose of acting for human progress to protect what matters,
the strategic partnership between Bank Muscat and AXA enriches and enhances the customers’ experience and offers them innovative insurance solutions and access to a range
of niche products and services including motor, home, savings, SME solutions, life and health insurance.
84
Arab Bank (UAE) Launches Special Offer With Travel One Group through IT Shades
Toghi.Com Engage & Enable
Description
Arab Bank has recently launched a special offer in collaboration with Travel One Group, the leading travel agency in Jordan and the region, for its
customers in Jordan when paying for their travels using their cards through toghi.com or by visiting Travel One Group offices. The new offer
available for Arab Bank’s credit and debit cardholders until the end of March entails 10% cashback of the value of the cardholder’s reservation,
credited automatically to the card account. The cardholders will also earn reward points through “Arabi Points” program, which allows customers
to redeem their points for cash and gift vouchers; in addition to the reward points available on toghi.com. Furthermore, the offer allows Arab Bank
credit cardholders to exclusively benefit from the Easy Payment Plan Program with 0% interest up to 12 months upon using their credit cards to
make payments at any of Travel One Group offices or through their website. Travel One Group, through its website toghi.com, provides
comprehensive travel and tourism services, which include booking and issuing airline tickets, international hotel bookings, personalized travel
packages, car rental and transportation services, as well as specialized MICE services – both locally and abroad, at competitive rates and after-sales
services. It is worth mentioning that Arab Bank credit cards provide a wide range of benefits to its holders, including worldwide acceptance, easy
and secure access to credit card accounts anytime through both “Arabi Mobile” and the bank’s internet banking service “Arabi Online” and many
more benefits.
85
Arab Bank (UAE) Launches Special Offer In Collaboration with Agoda.Com IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Arab Bank has recently launched a special promotional offer in collaboration with Agoda.com, a subsidiary of the
Booking Holdings Group - one of the leading online travel agencies in the world. The offer aims at introducing exclusive
benefits to Arab Bank credit cardholders when using their cards to pay for their online reservations through the website.
The offer, which will run until 15 June 2021, targets Arab Bank debit and credit cardholders and entails an instant 20%
discount on the value of the cardholder’s reservation when booking through Agoda.com, which offers over 2 million hotels
globally. It is worth mentioning that Arab Bank credit cards provide a wide range of benefits to its holders, including
worldwide acceptance, easy and secure access to credit card accounts anytime through both “Arabi Mobile” and the bank’s
internet banking service “Arabi Online”, in addition to the easy payment plan for convenient installments at a variety of
merchants. Arab Bank cardholders can also use the “Arabi MobiCash” application to pay with their cards using their
smartphones.
86
Virgin Money (UK) signs up leading open data Fintech Codat to bolster busi- IT Shades
ness bank proposition Engage & Enable
Description
Virgin Money has added leading FinTech, Codat, to its growing team of technology partners as it strengthens its digital business banking
credentials. London-headquartered Codat’s financial technology offer will play a key role in allowing seamless and secure exchange of
data between Virgin Money and its business bank customers. The agreement is the latest partnership from the Bank as it continues to
develop its working capital health proposition, which aims to transform the Bank’s existing business current account and forms part of its
commitment relating to the recent £35m award from the Banking Competition Remedies (BCR) Capability and Innovation Fund. A key
part of Codat’s remit with Virgin Money will be to help drive the insight that the Bank will provide to customers as part of its SME
Wellness Tracker, which will launch later this year. Further application of the technology is being explored in order to accelerate the
Bank’s commitments to enhancing working capital solutions for SMEs, and data-driven insights for relationship managers. Codat
connects the internal systems of small businesses to banks, FinTechs and other financial institutions, allowing business data to flow back
and forth in real time. Enabling financial services organisations to integrate with a wide and growing range of accounting, banking, and
commerce platforms used by SMEs means banks and lenders can ultimately improve the products and services they offer their customers.
87
Emirates NBD (UAE) and MetLife form strategic partnership IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Turkey) region, and MetLife, one of the world’s largest life
insurance companies have announced a strategic partnership to provide insurance products and solutions to the bank's extensive wealth, retail and SME
customer base across the United Arab Emirates. The new long-term partnership will make available a comprehensive range of customizable protection
and savings solutions for customers, covering life, accident and health insurance. Customers will be able to access a range of term plans that provide
high protection covers along with options to insure against critical illness and disability. Customers can also purchase whole-of-life protection plans that
permit plan contributions to be made for a limited number of years and provide lifelong coverage, as well as for savings solutions. Plans are available
for SME customers as well to cover business related liabilities and to provide key person insurance coverage. MetLife’s customer research shows that
60% of UAE residents are under-insured and have inadequate coverage against emergencies such as accidents and critical illnesses, and a growing
number are looking to buy a new insurance plan in the near future. The plans will provide customers with enhanced flexibility in payment options and
coverage terms, transparent charging schedules as well as a 30-day free look period during which customers can return the plan with no commitments
or charges. Emirates NBD customers can make a request to their Emirates NBD relationship manager, branch officer or through the bank’s website,
based on which a MetLife insurance specialist will connect with the applicant to discuss requirements and suggest suitable solutions.
88
M&T Bank (USA) and Wilmington Trust Announce Partnership with IT Shades
Schomburg Center for Black History Month Engage & Enable
Description
M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust announced that they are partnering with The Schomburg Center for Research in
Black Culture, a research library that is part of The New York Public Library and located in Harlem, New York. The
exclusive sponsorship will celebrate Black History Month and offer a series of four virtual events throughout the month
of February, featuring recognized authors and cultural leaders representing different aspects of African American
culture within the United States. This will mark the third year that M&T Bank has supported individual events at the
Schomburg Center during Black History Month, but it is the first time they have partnered to sponsor a series of
experiences as part of the commemoration. These free virtual events are open to the public and will feature live video
and interactive Q&A sessions, each with a unique story, lesson, or performance.
89
Northern Trust (USA) Partners with National Quality Review to Offer IT Shades
Enhanced Mutual Fund Distribution Support Engage & Enable
Description
Northern Trust has entered into an agreement with National Quality Review (NQR) to provide U.S. mutual fund managers with access to NQR
Intermediary INSIGHT, a service that helps managers support their operational oversight of intermediary firms – entities which facilitate financial
transactions between investors and investment products. Under the terms of the agreement NQR will provide Northern Trust clients with an
independent review of intermediary and audit documentation in accordance with the Financial Intermediary Controls and Compliance Assessment
(FICCA) Framework. Having access to both Northern Trust mutual fund administration services as well as NQR Intermediary INSIGHT in one
service offering saves managers’ time and resources that would otherwise be put toward reviewing intermediary audit documents. Managers also
benefit from NQR’s direct access to key intermediary documents, cutting down on the time they would spend collecting these from intermediaries.
Online dashboards and targeted reporting allows managers to quickly focus on areas requiring attention, and to provide timely and relevant
reporting to the chief compliance officer and a fund’s board of directors. Northern Trust’s Global Fund Services business provides fund
administration, global custody, investment operations outsourcing and revenue enhancement solutions to global investment managers – supporting
a range of complex investment strategies across the full spectrum of asset classes. Regional capabilities are supported by a global network of 25
international locations across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa.
90
OCBC Bank (Singapore) and Charge+ form strategic partnership to 'green' IT Shades
Singapore's land transport sector Engage & Enable
Description
OCBC Bank and Charge+, an operator and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, have entered into a strategic partnership to
accelerate the ‘greening’ of Singapore’s land transport sector. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two companies will
give a boost to Charge+’s plans of installing 10,000 EV charging points islandwide by 2030. Charge+ serves a range of property segments
comprising residential (condominiums and public housing), commercial and industrial buildings, thereby contributing to the Singapore
government’s revised target of 60,000 EV charging points by 2030 which was announced last week as part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
To support Charge+’s goal, under the MOU, OCBC Bank will leverage its extensive coverage of the real estate sector to encourage its property
developer and property owner customers to install charging points at their premises. In addition, the two parties plan to develop incentives to
encourage OCBC Bank customers to purchase electric vehicles and charge them at Charge+’s charging points. OCBC Bank, as Charge+’s
preferred banking partner, will implement digital payment solutions for the charging service, and look into the financing for the infrastructure.
In light of the Bank’s ambition of building a S$25 billion sustainable finance portfolio by 2025 – a target that was announced in June last year
– clean transportation had been identified as a sector of strategic importance given its high growth potential for sustainable financing.
91
Raiffeisen Bank International (Austria) Signs the Global Principles for IT Shades
Responsible Banking Engage & Enable
Description
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is the official signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Banking - a uniform framework for
sustainable banking that was developed in an innovative global partnership between banks and the United Nations Environment Program
Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). The Principles for Responsible Banking define the role and responsibility of the banking sector and align it with
the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. An important achievement of the principles is that they help
banks to anchor the issue of sustainability in all of their business areas and to recognize where their potential lies in order to make the greatest
possible contribution to a sustainable world. They are also positioning banks to take advantage of new business opportunities with the advent
of the sustainable development economy. For the RBI Group, sustainability has always been a basic principle and a measure of corporate
success. Sustainability is understood as responsible entrepreneurial action for a long-term, economically positive result, taking into account
essential social and ecological aspects. The importance of this topic can be seen, for example, in the fact that RBI is the largest provider of
green bonds among Austrian banks. As a responsible banker, RBI sees long-term value creation while at the same time improving the
sustainability of business activities as its primary goal. A holistic approach is taken to achieve this.
92
BPTN and RBC (Canada) Future Launch partner to create the largest IT Shades
pipeline of Black early-career tech talent in Canadian history Engage & Enable
Description
The Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN) and RBC Future Launch announced their new partnership to create the largest pipeline of
young, early-career (29-years-old and under) Black tech talent in Canadian history. Through a three-year, $4.5 million commitment from RBC
Future Launch, BPTN will broaden the reach of its current offerings and change how Canadian businesses attract, hire, and retain early-career
Black talent in a number of ways: As a result of the partnership, more than 1,000 Black early-career professionals will receive full-time career
placements in Canadian tech and business companies over the next three years. Many of Canada's top-ranking business and tech executives will
be convened around a newly launched 'Champion's Table.' Each executive will commit a tangible hiring target before joining the Champion's
Table, using the previously mentioned pipeline of early-career talent to achieve their desired targets. BPTN's 'CULTIVATE' mentorship initiative
will now support more youth than ever before, pairing 350 Black early-career professionals with Canadian executives annually for direct
mentoring and career coaching. BPTN's 'Pay It Forward' initiative will now provide a total of $200,000 per year in funding to Black owned
non-profits working with children and youth in STEM education across Canada. This youth-focused pipeline will support the next generation of
Black tech talent by encouraging and nurturing their skills development. Applications for community partners will be opened in the coming weeks
to help identify like-minded non-profit organizations.
93
RBC (Canada) and Alliance Data’s Bread® form strategic alliance to provide IT Shades
Canadians with more ways to pay with PayPlan powered by RBC Engage & Enable
Description
As more Canadians turn to online shopping, RBC has launched a new way for Canadians to pay for their purchases. PayPlan
by RBC offers consumers a transparent and convenient pay-over-time solution for big-ticket purchases at participating
retailers and merchants throughout Canada. This new payment option is made possible through a market-leading digital
payment platform provided by Bread, a division of Alliance Data. This innovative solution is yet another example of how
RBC is working with fintechs to meet the unique needs of Canadians. Launched last fall, PayPlan by RBC offers a simple way
to “buy now and pay later”, with a wide range of transparent terms, no late fees and greater payment flexibility, giving
consumers more choice in how they manage their cash flow. Consumers can apply at participating Canadian merchants by
clicking on the PayPlan by RBC button before completing checkout. The process is fast and simple, and once approved,
competitive rates, terms and monthly payment amounts are provided within seconds. Shoppers select their payment term,
check out and pay in simple monthly installments with no late fees, no administrative fees and no deferred interest.
94
Reimagining Work Life: SocieteGenerale (France) Meets Employee IT Shades
Expectations Engage & Enable
Description
SocieteGenerale's management has signed a new teleworking agreement with all representative trade unions which applies to the company's 40,000 employees
across France. The agreement introduces the right for each employee to telework an average of two days a week. It will enter into force on 1 June 2021 if the health
situation allows. With this agreement, SocieteGenerale is taking a major step towards the widespread use of teleworking across all its entities around the world.
SocieteGenerale group's subsidiaries in France and abroad are making strides towards teleworking agreements according to their own procedures. This affects
nearly 100,000 people in addition to SocieteGenerale France's 40,000 employees.
Highlights of this framework agreement:
• Teleworking is becoming the new "normal" and collective working method.
• Teleworking will be accessible to all SocieteGenerale employees in France, representing approximately 40,000 people. For retail banking, an experiment will
be conducted to examine the specific details of its gradual roll-out throughout the network.
• The average is increasing from 1 to 2 teleworking days a week, with a minimum of 40% on site work over a fifteen-day period.
• Employees may telework one additional day per month.
• Teleworkers will benefit from a €150 stipend to set up their workstations at home as well as the opportunity to receive restaurant tickets for teleworking days.
95
Unicaja Banco (Spain) Signs an Agreement with The Smart City Cluster to Promote Technology,
IT Shades
Innovation and Sustainable Finance Projects Within the Framework of Green and Smart Cities Engage & Enable
Description
Unicaja Banco and the Smart City Cluster, an alliance of more than 150 companies and institutions for the development of smart cities and that has a
collaboration with about 50 Spanish cities, have signed an agreement to promote technology and innovation initiatives and projects, as well as
sustainable finance, within the framework of promoting smart cities. Smart cities are those based on sustainable urban planning and the application of
technology and innovation to their management and services to achieve more efficient, sustainable and comfortable cities. The agreement establishes a
framework for the collaboration of both entities in order, among others, to seek opportunities to channel financing projects or sustainable investment.
In this sense, it is worth highlighting Unicaja Banco's commitment to sustainability, which is part of its Sustainable Finance Action Plan, which enables
it to promote the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into its business strategy. The signing of this agreement with the
Smart City Cluster also responds to the interest of the financial institution to contribute to the development of actions aimed at promoting the growth
of the business fabric, facilitating the economic boost and supporting innovation, research and training, as well as the sustainability and the promotion
of initiatives related to smart cities. This agreement represents a starting point for the future materialization of projects related to smart cities. This
initiative, which is included within the actions that Unicaja Banco has been developing for years through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
policy, also renews the entity's commitment to social and environmental sustainability.
96
Wells Fargo (USA) Expands Renewable Energy Purchases into Philippines IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Wells Fargo International Solutions LLC – Philippines announced it has entered into a retail electricity purchase agreement with Aboitiz Power
Corporation through its subsidiary, AP Renewables Inc. (APRI), for the fulfillment of its renewable energy needs. The power company will deliver
approximately 7,500 MWh of renewable energy annually bundled with International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) to Wells Fargo's Taguig
facility from its Tiwi-Makban geothermal plant in Laguna. Wells Fargo Philippines, located at McKinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City, is primarily an
extension of the operations, knowledge services, and corporate support teams of Wells Fargo. Geothermal power plants use heat from deep inside the
earth to generate steam to make electricity. According to PowerTechnology.com, the Tiwi-Makban plant is the fourth-largest geothermal plant in the
world. The deal announced is Wells Fargo’s first for geothermal energy. Wells Fargo joins a growing group of companies shifting to renewable energy,
or “Cleanergy,” which is Aboitiz group's brand for renewable energy, and is the first to do so in McKinley Hill, where its 850,000-square-foot site is
located. As part of its goal to accelerate transition to a low-carbon economy, Wells Fargo has been meeting 100% of its annual global electricity
requirements through renewable energy since 2017, primarily through the purchase of RECs. announcement represents an important step in the next
phase of the bank’s renewable energy goal — to transition to a higher mix of long-term renewable energy contracts and significantly increase
deployment of on-site generation to support the development of net-new sources of renewable energy.
97
IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Environment & Social


Environment & Social Updates
Ally (USA) honors Black history by investing in Black futures IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Scholarships with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and other groups seek to fill opportunity gaps and expand career options for Black candidates,
With Black History Month underway, Ally recognizes that access to careers with long-term growth potential is still not equal for everyone. To address this inequity, the digital financial services
company announced more than $1.3 million in scholarships and programs to open new pathways for Black students and candidates in a variety of professions, including legal, public policy, insurance
and other roles within financial services. Ally is working closely with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and other professional and university groups
to spur success for Black candidates in professions that have largely eluded them. Ally will make the following investments in career opportunities for Black candidates:
• Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) legal and public policy scholarships: Ally is sponsoring three scholarships in collaboration with the CBCF to support increased Black
representation in the legal and public policy professions. Ally and CBCF will provide one legal scholarship for $20,000, renewable up to four years, to an undergraduate senior who is entering an
accredited law school upon graduation. That recipient will receive a four-year scholarship in the amount of $20,000 annually. Each year a new, four-year scholarship will be awarded to an additional
recipient. Ally will also award two one-year, non-renewable $10,000 scholarships to two undergraduates pursuing degrees in public policy or a related area of study.
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) legal scholarships: Ally will sponsor two scholarships in collaboration with TMCF, renewable up to four years, each in the amount of $20,000 for
undergraduate seniors who are entering an accredited law school upon graduation. Each year, two new recipients will be selected. Importantly, the TMCF and CBCF legal and public policy scholarships
include a mentoring component to provide students with professional insights that can help them successfully navigate law school and potential career opportunities.
Ally and TMCF are entering their 15th year of working together to build a relationship that provides students with professional experience and new possibilities and the company with strong employees
who bring diverse ideas and perspectives. The collaboration has spanned a variety of internship, mentoring, entrepreneurship and leadership programs all designed to provide added exposure to and
access into business and financial services for talented Black students.
98
Santander (Spain) and the British Council offer 5,000 new English IT Shades
scholarships Engage & Enable
Description
Santander and the British Council are launching a new programmed with 5,000 scholarships for people aged over 18 to access online
English courses offered by the British educational and cultural organization. The Santander Languages | English Courses – British
Council Scholarships programmed is the third joint call for applications since the beginning of the pandemic, launched to promote
English language learning and employability for young people, with more than 20,000 beneficiaries.The Santander Languages | English
courses – British Council Scholarships are aimed at people aged over 18, who are residents of Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Germany, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Portugal and Uruguay.Recipients of the 5,000 scholarships will be required to take a test to determine
their level of English before accessing the LearnEnglishSelect online course most suited to their learning needs. The content of the
courses, which have a maximum duration of three months, is highly practical and focused on improving the employability of young
people. They will cover aspects such as preparing for job interviews in English, grammar and vocabulary for the work environment,
professional networking and developing communication skills for meetings, presentations and talks. After completing the courses,
students will receive a certificate of successful completion.

99
Banco Santander (Spain) focuses on reskilling and upskilling in its 2021 IT Shades
Scholarships Programme Engage & Enable
Description
Santander Universities has decided to refocus its 2021 scholarships programme, broadening the profile and age range for accessing them and paying special
attention to new market needs in order to enhance and increase people's employability and drive lifelong learning as a key factor in academic and professional
development. According to the World Economic Forum 2020, 85 million jobs will become obsolete within five years’ time due to automation, but 97 million
new roles adapted to a professional co-existence with machines and algorithms will also be generated. In this context, Banco Santander is adding two further
concepts to its scholarship programmes for students and young professionals and part of its initiatives will be structured around them:
• Reskilling: helping participants acquire new knowledge and skills in different areas, enhancing their professional versatility and increasing their options
for refocusing their career.
• Upskilling: providing training in both professional and personal transversal skills to drive more efficient adaptation to current roles at a time of deep
transformation and digitalisation within companies.
Through these new options in its programme for backing education in the different countries where it operates, Banco Santander is strengthening its global
commitment to equal opportunities, employability and progress for people in a world where learning, continuous reskilling and the ability to adapt will be
essential for improving job perspectives, developing professionally and gaining the skills needed to find new opportunities.
100

Bankia (Spain) invests 800,000 euros in social and environmental action IT Shades
programmes by Fundación Bancaja in ComunidadValenciana Engage & Enable
Description
Bankia will allocate 800,000 euros to Fundación Bancaja in 2021 to promote social and environmental action projects
in Alicante, Castellón and Valencia over the next year. This is part of the collaboration agreement that has been signed
at the headquarters of the Fundación Bancaja by the chairman of the Fundación Bancaja, the corporate director of
Bankia in Valencia and Castellónand the coordinator of the Communication and External Relations Division of Bankia
in Comunidad Valenciana and Murcia. The event was also attended by the manager of the Fundación Bancaja. The
beneficiaries will be associations that work to protect the environment, support vulnerable groups and encourage
people with functional diversity, addictions, homeless people, immigrants, families without resources, children,
long-term unemployed people and prisoners and former prisoners, among others.
101

Bankia (Spain) donates ten computers to Grupo Fundación San Cebrián in IT Shades
Palencia Engage & Enable
Description
Bankia has donated ten computers to Grupo Fundación San Cebrián de Palencia, with the aim of enabling the social
organisation to expand its technology resources and, thus facilitate access to new technologies for people from the
Foundation with intellectual disabilities.Bankia consolidates and reinforces its commitment to society through five
priority lines of social action: employment and training, housing, local and rural development, disability and the
environment. The bank is focusing its social investment on these areas and shows its commitment to society by involving
the entire organisation and its employees. The Responsible Management policy is a capillary, grassroots programme that
connects the bank’s welfare work with its corporate objectives. This enables Bankia to prioritise five of the 17 SDGs:
Climate Action (SDG 13), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Quality Education (SDG 4), Sustainable Cities
and Communities (SDG 11) and SDG 17, which encompasses them all, Alliances to achieve the objectives.
102

CaixaBank (Spain) and the AECC promote a campaign of donations in favor IT Shades
of cancer research and patient care Engage & Enable
Description
CaixaBank has started a campaign to collect donations through the entity's digital channels for the benefit of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), with the
aim of helping to promote scientific research and help in the care of patients and their families. The pandemic has extremely aggravated the care and assistance to cancer
patients and has put a brake on research. For this reason, the entity chaired by Jordi Gual and directed by Gonzalo Gortázar has launched, in collaboration with the AECC,
an information and awareness initiative on the situation, accompanied by the possibility of contributing through contributions destined for the AECC by the interested
people.The campaign begins this week, within the framework of the celebration of World Cancer Day on February 4 and will run until February 15, coinciding with the
celebration of International Childhood Cancer Day. Donations can be made by bizum at 11244 through the CaixaBankNow app and imagin, as well as making donations
through the entity's corporate website. The initiative represents a new line of collaboration with the AECC, with whom the “la Caixa” Foundation already collaborates
through its own programs such as care for people with advanced diseases, its calls for support for social projects and through economic contributions to the local branches
it channels through CaixaBank and its branch network. Thanks to these formulas, in 2020 more than 50 delegations of support to patients and their families have been
helped in the fight against cancer throughout Spain, with a total contribution that exceeds 600,000 euros. Mainly, these collaborations have served to support cancer
patients with speech-pedagogical needs and psychosocial care for advanced patients in rural areas with a high population dispersion. At the same time, the collaboration
has also focused on emergency plans due to the impact of COVID-19, adaptation of spaces for the sick and floors for accompanying family members. At the same time,
the “la Caixa” Foundation, through CaixaBank, has allocated nearly 750,000 euros through more than 150 donations to other entities focused on the fight against cancer.
103

CaixaBank (Spain), through the budget provided by the “la Caixa” Foundation, IT Shades
allocates 44.8 million euros to local social projects in 2020 Engage & Enable
Description
CaixaBank, through the budget provided by the “la Caixa” Foundation, has allocated 44.8 million euros to local social projects during 2020, which has
enabled the development of more than 8,500 initiatives with nearly 7,000 social entities throughout Spain located and channeled through the CaixaBank
branch network. The financial entity chaired by Jordi Gual and directed by Gonzalo Gortázar has the largest commercial network in the sector in Spain
and the largest territorial capillarity, since it is present in 100% of the populations of more than 10,000 inhabitants and in 94% of those of more than
5,000 people. In 229 municipalities, it is the only financial entity present. This wide distribution allows detecting social needs at the local level, as well
as knowing the projects of organizations and entities that can alleviate these situations and obtain financial support for them from the budget assigned
by the “la Caixa” Foundation. In 2020, 89% of CaixaBank offices throughout Spain have channeled contributions to projects for the benefit of society
and local communities. Through this collaboration, nearly 7,000 social entities have benefited from the aid last year. It should be noted that most of the
contributions have been aimed at alleviating the socioeconomic effects caused by COVID-19. More specifically, the investment has been directed to
actions aimed at groups in social exclusion and poverty; programs aimed at improving the quality of life of the elderly, groups with special needs or the
sick; actions related to the elderly; as well as job placement projects. Among the supported initiatives, there are food distribution actions, in the hands
of soup kitchens, to vulnerable groups; delivery of school and technological material for children at risk of exclusion as well as the provision of tablets
to residences for the elderly.
104

KBC (Belgium) takes an even stricter line on fossil fuels IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
KBC will further tighten its policy on fossil fuels as of 1 April 2021. Persistently strong signals from society that the use and exploitation
of fossil fuels is highly damaging for our planet’s future have prompted the bank-insurer to switch up a gear. The tightening of KBC’s
policy on fossil fuels relates to financing, insuring, advising and investing in the coal industry. The move recognises the fact that limiting
carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels and the transition to alternative energy sources are key factors in bringing
global-warming under control. KBC has long stated its wish to guide its existing business clients through this process. The new policy
makes clear what is expected of them in concrete terms. In this way, KBC is actively contributing to the achievement of the objectives set
out under the United Nations’ Collective Commitment to Climate Action, of which it became a signatory in 2019. Large enterprises need
to present that plan no later than the end of 2022, while smaller businesses will be given an extra year. What’s more, they may not expand
or replace their existing coal-based energy production capacity. KBC is also introducing additional restrictions for suppliers of
coal-producing companies and coal-fired power stations: under the stricter new policy, the bank-insurer will no longer finance or insure
specific transactions for elements essential to the operation of such businesses.
105

Tree-mendous – Lloyds Banking Group (UK) on its way to planting 10 million IT Shades
trees by 2030 Engage & Enable
Description
Lloyds Banking Group planted 1 million trees over the last year as part of its ambition to help finance a green recovery and reduce the impact
of climate change across the UK. Working alongside the Woodland Trust, the 10 year partnership focuses on planting new woodlands,
expanding local community volunteering and providing support for the farming and agriculture sector. The partnership will significantly help
towards the reforestation of the UK, increase the UK carbon sink and ultimately improve access to nature for people across the UK. It is
estimated that the 1 million trees planted in 2020 could absorb 250,000 tonnes of carbon in their lifetime. This is the equivalent to absorbing
the average carbon emissions of 31,000 homes in the UK. The partnership also includes the creation of 10 new 'woods within woods' at
existing Woodland Trust sites across the UK. For example last year 23,235 trees were planted at the Woodland Trust’s 12.5 hectare Queen
Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood in Leicestershire. The rollout of the Woodland Trust Community Tree Pack scheme will also allow people
to plant their own trees in areas such as schools and local parks. The creation of native woods and trees are at the heart of this partnership.
This includes, where needed, planting a diversity of locally-sourced native tree and shrub species which are well adapted to their environment.
Our woodland management systems are closer to nature such as protecting undisturbed forest soils and wood decay.
106

NAB (Australia) Announces Wa Bushfire Disaster Relief Package IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
NAB has announced its disaster relief package for customers affected by the recent bushfires in Gidgegannup and Perth
Hills, Western Australia. If you’re a NAB customer affected by the bushfires, we can provide financial relief by:
• Suspending home and personal loan repayments and waiving application fees and charges.
• Waiving fees and charges for withdrawing term deposits early.
• Supporting business banking customers to restructure existing bank facilities.
• Providing credit card relief.
• Providing access to complimentary, professional and confidential counselling.
NAB State Business Bank Executive WA, Jeff Pontifex, said it has been a difficult time for the communities in
Gidgegannup and the Perth Hills.
107

Nordea (Sweden) sets target to become a net zero emissions bank by 2050 IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Nordea has updated its plan to fully integrate sustainability into its business strategy with a long-term objective to become a net zero
emissions bank by 2050 at the latest. Nordea wants to make a difference together with customers and enable them to make sustainable
choices contributing to society through climate action and social impact. Nordea’s ambition is to become a bank with net zero emissions
by 2050 at the latest. To reach this goal, Nordea has set a mid-term objective to reduce carbon emissions from its lending and investment
portfolios by 40-50% by 2030. Nordea will also reduce its internal carbon emissions by at least 50% and achieve net positive carbon
contribution by 2030. The baseline measurement for the objectives is 2019. As a leading Nordic universal bank, Nordea plays a vital role
in encouraging and inspiring the transition to a climate neutral economy, with a major impact from its lending and investments activities.
Sustainability is embedded across Nordea’s business strategy, backed by measurable targets, strong governance and one of the broadest
sustainability customer offerings in the market. Nordea has committed to aligning its business strategy to be consistent with the goals
listed in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. Furthermore, Nordea is equally committed to supporting
its customers to reach these goals.

108

Northern Trust (USA) Asset Management Launches Ultra-Short Sterling ESG IT Shades
Strategy Engage & Enable
Description
Northern Trust Asset Management, one of the world’s leading investment managers, has this month launched its Sterling Ultra-Short ESG strategy,
expanding its cash segmentation suite to cater to the varying investment horizons for investors, whilst incorporating Environmental, Social and
Governance factors. The strategy is designed to align with investors’ specific risk, return and liquidity needs and aligns with Northern Trust Asset
Management’s belief that investors should be compensated for the risks they take. The strategy, open to investors globally subject to local
distribution rules, will enable investment in securities with a target duration of one year and a maximum maturity of five years. The strategy
supports “strategic” cash with longer term spending needs, and as part of a cash segmentation approach, can be complemented by the Northern
Trust Sterling Conservative Ultra-Short ESG strategy for “reserve” cash with intermediate or uncertain spending needs with a three to nine month
horizon, and the Sterling Money Market Strategy for “operational” cash for day to day spending needs. Northern Trust Asset Management is a
global leader in liquidity strategies with more than 40 years of experience. It is the fourth largest cash manager for external clients in Europe (as
of December 31, 2019 according to IPE’s Top 500 Asset Managers 2020 survey). The asset manager’s liquidity strategies manage cash along the
liquidity spectrum of investor needs — from operational to reserve to longer-term, strategic uses of cash. Its deep global expertise in rates, credit
and risk management — together with its global scale — can help clients navigate changing economic landscapes.
109

Mapletree Logistics Trust secures S$200 million green revolving credit facility IT Shades
from OCBC Bank (Singapore) Engage & Enable
Description
Mapletree Logistics Trust (“MLT”), a leading provider of logistics space in Asia Pacific, has secured its first green
loan, a S$200 million green revolving credit facility (thereafter “Green Loan”), from OCBC Bank. Proceeds from this
Green Loan will be used to finance the working capital requirements in line with the eligibility criteria of MLT’s newly
established Green Loan Framework (“Framework”). The Framework was prepared in line with the relevant
international principles and guidelines1. OCBC Bank is the green loan advisor and sole lender for this Green Loan.
MLT’s first foray into sustainable finance, back in November 2019, was also supported by OCBC Bank through a
S$200 million sustainability-linked loan that was designed to incentivise MLT to expand the renewable energy
generation capacity for its portfolio.
110

NatWest (UK) doubles Female Entrepreneurship Funding to £2bn IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
NatWest has announced an additional £1 billion in funding to help support female-led businesses in the UK recover from the coronavirus. The aim
is to ultimately help female entrepreneurs to scale and grow and builds on the £1bn announced last January, which was the largest intervention by
a UK lender focused specifically on female-led businesses. The bank has also committed to help create an additional 35,000 new businesses in the
UK by the end of 2021, focusing its efforts on underrepresented groups and geographical inequality. Due to the extraordinary impacts of the
coronavirus the bank has seen unprecedented demand from female-led businesses and has exceeded £1bn of lending in under 12 months. The
impacts of the coronavirus combined with the availability and ease of access through digital channels of Government lending schemes, has led to
many more female entrepreneurs applying for funding. The NatWest share of lending to female founders has not only increased in absolute terms,
but proportionately rising from 9.5% to 14% of total lending. A central finding of The Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship (‘the Rose
Review’), was that the single biggest issue holding female entrepreneurs back is the lack of funding directed towards them. Traditionally women
are less likely to take on debt than male-led businesses and this can impact their ability to scale and group at the same rate. The increased
engagement stimulated through the government schemes has also allowed NatWest to ensure that female entrepreneurs gain access to this overall
package of support.
111

U.S. Bank (USA) makes investment into Employee Assistance Fund to help IT Shades
employees during the pandemic Engage & Enable
Description
U.S. Bank has expanded its Employee Assistance Fund program to help employees whose families are navigating financial
challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, which was established in 2008, helps employees with financial
emergencies, such as unexpected medical expenses, natural disasters and more. Now, employees facing financial hardship due to
a partner or spouse losing their job may also be eligible for a grant of up to $5,000 for essential living expenses, an expansion
announced as a direct response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It frequently takes individuals who have lost their job
several weeks to begin receiving unemployment funds. These EAF grants can get out the door and to employees quickly. The
grants are specifically designed to help recipients and their partner navigate the time between job loss and when unemployment
benefits begin. The company is also contributing $640,000 to the fund in addition to the $1 million it contributed earlier this year.
The program is funded by both corporate contributions and individual contributions from fellow employees. Since its inception,
the fund has provided more than $12 million in assistance to thousands of employees.
112

IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous Updates
BNY Mellon (USA) Investment Management to Enhance the Specialist Investment IT Shades
Capabilities of Insight, Newton and Dreyfus Cash Investment Strategies Engage & Enable
Description
BNY Mellon Investment Management, one of the world's largest asset managers with $2.2 trillion in assets under
management, and four of its investment firms announced plans to realign Mellon Investmes Corporation's (Mellon's)
capabilities in fixed income, equities and multi-asset, and liquidity management with Insight Investment (Insight),
Newton Investment Management (Newton) and Dreyfus Cash Investment Strategies (Dreyfus CIS), respectively. The
decision, made in partnership with the investment firms, will enhance their respective specialist capabilities, and
strengthen their research platforms and global reach. The transition of Mellon's capabilities is expected to be completed
by the third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals. There will be no change to the firms' investment processes
or philosophies during the transition period as a result of the changes announced.
113

Cimb (Malaysia) Go Digital Supports Smes’ Resilience through Digitalization IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad announced its CIMB CNY Go Digital offers for Small and Medium Enterprise (“SME”)
customers. CIMB recognized that businesses are still weathering the pandemic and with the recent implementation of the Movement Control Order
(“MCO”), it is strengthening its efforts to provide digital solutions for SMEs. CIMB’s partners, Shopmatic, a leading e-commerce provider in Southeast
Asia enables SMEs to increase online sales via Shopmatic’s B2C platform to reach a wider audience. At the same time, BusinessHR, an integrated
cloud-based HR management system is designed to automate and simplify management of human resource for SMEs. CIMB CNY Go Digital will assist
SMEs to increase their brand presence online, connect to customers seamlessly, while streamlining HR tasks more efficiently. The two-month campaign
runs in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive season starting from 15 January to 15 March 2021.With Shopmatic’s services, SMEs can easily
set up a fully integrated website in 30 minutes and at the same time, enjoy 50% off on a 12-month subscription plan on the Shopmatic platform with the
“PROCIMBCNY” promo code. Customers are also able to obtain the “Do-It-For-Me” package where tailored website designs and set up will be
provided for only RM888 with the “CNY2021” promo code, and enjoy savings up to RM612 a year. SMEs can now automate and simplify HR tasks,
such as payroll, leave and claims whilst taking advantage of discounts of up to 28% and a three-month fee waiver when they subscribe to the
BusinessHR platform.
114

Cimb (Malaysia) Go Digital Supports Smes’ Resilience through Digitalization IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
Banco do Brasil announced the opening of 14 Agro branches in six states, now totaling 18 business units focused specifically on relationship and
consultancy to rural producers. BB also intensifies its service with another 276 managers dedicated to the sector and the number of clients that rely
on specialized service has grown from 158 thousand to 227 thousand. In all, there are 2,000 qualified professionals to provide complete assistance
to rural producers.The new prefixes will work in the cities of Rio Verde (GO), Sorriso (MT), Dourados (MS), Cascavel (PR), Maringá (PR),
Londrina (PR), Ponta Grossa (PR), Ijuí (RS), Santa Maria (RS), Passo Fundo (RS), Araçatuba (SP), Presidente Prudente (SP), Ribeirão Preto (SP),
and Franca (SP), adding to those already in operation in Goiânia (GO), Uberlândia (MG), Campo Grande (MS) and Campo Mourão (PR).
Openings should take place between February and March. With this movement, the Bank's commercial activity is expanded in 145 municipalities,
totaling 243, and the number of specific portfolios for the agro jumps from 639 to 915. In the private sector, they go from 76 to 82, with an
emphasis on the Center region –West. The initiative is part of a set of actions launched at the beginning of the year to reinforce the institution's
support and commitment to the segment in which it maintains historical leadership, with 55.2% of all rural credit available in the financial system.
The agro credit portfolio represents 26% of the Bank's total credit portfolio and grew by 4.2% in the last 12 months, reaching R $ 190.5 billion.
115

ING (Netherlands) to leave Czech retail banking market by end-2021 IT Shades
Engage & Enable
Description
ING is announcing that it intends to withdraw from the retail banking market in the Czech Republic. Raiffeisenbank Czech
Republic has agreed to prepare a welcome offer for ING’s retail customers in the Czech Republic. In March, customers
will receive an invitation from Raiffeisenbank to move to this bank over the coming months. The ambition is for ING to
stop all its retail activities in this market by the end of 2021. ING will remain active in the Czech Republic as a provider
of wholesale banking products and services. ING has been present in the Czech retail banking market for more than 20
years, offering savings accounts and mutual funds. Currently ING serves around 375,000 local retail customers. Globally,
ING supports more than 39 million retail and wholesale customers in 40 markets. The agreement with Raiffeisenbank has
been secured to ensure ING’s customers in the Czech Republic can continue to meet their banking needs. ING customers
will receive the option to move their savings and investments to Raiffeisenbank at preferential conditions. The agreement
between ING Czech Republic and Raiffeisenbank Czech Republic is pending regulatory approval.
116

First National Bank Continues Strategic Expansion in D.C. Metro Area with IT Shades
Branch in Tysons, Virginia Engage & Enable
Description
First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation announced its continued strategic expansion in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with
a new retail location in Tysons, Virginia. The Tysons Office is conveniently located at 1497 Cornerside Boulevard, Suite 1499E, less than one mile from the
Route 267 and Route 7 interchange. FNB’s Tysons Office builds on the Bank’s significant commercial banking presence in the region and adds to its growing
consumer network in D.C. and northern Virginia, which includes its Nineteenth Street Office at 900 19th Street NW in D.C. and a loan origination center
located in Fairfax, Virginia, that both opened in 2020. The new Tysons branch utilizes FNB’s modern concept branch design. Branch features include an ATM
with TellerChat, which allows clients to use video chat technology to conduct transactions with a representative during extended hours, as well as FNB’s
interactive Solutions Center kiosk and touchscreens where customers can learn more about products and services. FNB has also made it possible to explore
and shop for its products and services online using the Virtual Solutions Center. Customers and members of the local community are invited to visit the
Tysons Office to experience FNB’s full range of personal and business banking, wealth management and insurance services. The Tysons office hours are
Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. FNB operates nearly 30 branch locations throughout its Mid-Atlantic
Region, which includes the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, northern Virginia and Maryland. In addition, customers have access to FNB’s leading online
and mobile banking products and services and a convenient network of nearly 800 ATMs spanning its multi-state footprint, including 28 in the D.C.
metropolitan area.
117

IT Shades
Engage & Enable
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Sponsoring Companies for this Edition

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1. Financial, M & A Updates...................................................................................................................................1

3. Rewards and Recognition Updates...................................................................................................................44

4. Customer Success Updates................................................................................................................................70

5. Partnership Ecosystem Updates........................................................................................................................71

6. Environment & Social Updates.........................................................................................................................98

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Key Financial Highlights Executive Commentary

Key Financial Highlights Executive Commentary

impacts will be reflected in BBVA's financial statements in the first quarter

Description Executive Commentary

capacity to 720MWac. Development plans include a 400MWh lithium-ion battery

Description Executive Commentary

from reservations and online delivery services, to customer loyalty programs

tech hub at South Eveleigh, x15ventures Managing Director Toby

Doshii is an exciting business proposition built with leading technology and a

growing ecosystem of apps and merchants on the platform.

Key Financial Highlights Executive Commentary

Description Executive Commentary

advisors, strategists and analysts make recommendations on financial transactions and

investments to the bank’s qualified clients.

Key Financial Highlights

Description Executive Commentary

transaction in the second quarter of 2021, subject to satisfaction of communities."

customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory

in the United States based on assets.

Description Executive Commentary

entering the market in 2001. 12

Description Executive Commentary

Description Executive Commentary

customers, $375 million of deposits, $270 million in approved

NAB announced plans to prioritiseUBank to deliver a market-leading

Description Executive Commentary

under € 7 billion in customer transactions. Akcenta will work closely with

flexibility and dynamic growth."

Description Executive Commentary

for sustainable, biological chemical production. EnginZyme (the three

combines the natural ability of enzymes to create chemical reactions with

participating along with existing owners. The technology developed by

Description Executive Commentary

Fargo’s effort to generate a more inclusive recovery across the country.

announcement includes investments in the following institutions:

• Broadway Federal Bank*, in Los Angeles, California

• Carver Federal Savings Bank, in New York, New York

• Citizens Savings Bank & Trust, in Nashville, Tennessee

• Commonwealth National Bank, in Mobile, Alabama

• M&F Bank, in Durham, North Carolina

• Optus Bank, in Columbia, South Carolina

For any queries, Please write to marketing@itshades.com

Deposits, Green Innovation Finance and Green Trade Loans.

the goal planning process.

and keep moving.

Government under the Low Emission Bus scheme.

sub-advisors indicated in the table below.

companies that pay dividends.

plans, among others, right at their fingertips.