UOB: Digital Tools Enable Green Transition in Southeast Asia

United Overseas Bank (UOB) has mobilised US$70.1bn in sustainable finance in 2025, demonstrating how financial institutions are leveraging technology platforms to support the transition to green revenue across Southeast Asia. The bank, which operates more than 500 offices across 19 countries and territories, including Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia and Vietnam, has positioned its digital banking infrastructure at the centre of the region's climate financing efforts.

The bank's 2025 Sustainability Report highlights how fintech capabilities are becoming critical tools for deploying capital at scale across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic region. Digital platforms enable faster processing and broader access to green financing products.

Digital infrastructure drives climate finance

UOB's purpose is to build the future of ASEAN, supported by its sustainability framework and underpinned by digital banking technology. This involves sustainably driving growth, keeping customers at the centre of its operations and strengthening corporate social responsibility through fintech innovation.

To help tackle climate change, UOB is committed to building the resilience of its lending and investment portfolio, while supporting the region's transition to a low-carbon economy through technology-enabled financial services. The bank's digital platforms allow it to scale these efforts more efficiently than traditional banking channels.

The institution acknowledges the opportunities for transition and adaptation in Southeast Asia, as the region could generate up to US$300bn in annual green revenue by 2030. This can be done through expanding clean energy, low-carbon industries and nature-based solutions, with financial technology playing a crucial role in channelling investment to these sectors.

Eric Lim, Chief Sustainability Officer at UOB, writes on LinkedIn: "A decade ago, we made a commitment to transparency, accountability and building a sustainable future for ASEAN and beyond. Ten years on, that commitment has only deepened.

"This is also the first year we have integrated net zero progress reporting, and we continue to strengthen our climate disclosures with reference to the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards."

Eric continues: "Amid ongoing global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, we remain focused on sustaining progress through a balanced and pragmatic approach, grounded in steadfast purpose and disciplined execution."

Technology enables SME access

Throughout the development of its financial products, UOB aims to embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations using digital tools and platforms to support long-term economic, ecological and societal well-being. The bank's fintech infrastructure allows smaller businesses to access sustainable finance products that might previously have been available only to larger corporations.

In 2025, the company mobilised US$70.1bn in sustainable financing, which included US$7.8bn to help accelerate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)' sustainable business practices through digital lending platforms. It worked on enhancing its sustainable finance frameworks to deepen its support of SMEs' decarbonisation efforts, with technology enabling more granular assessment of environmental impact.

Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and CEO of UOB, says: "2025 was a challenging year as sustainability ambitions shifted in an increasingly fragmented world. In times like these, our purpose matters more than ever.

"We remain steadfast in supporting our customers, colleagues and communities, with a steady, grounded approach to deliver meaningful impact across the region."

Wee adds: "UOB is committed to being a long-term enabler of our customers' sustainability journeys. We balance environmental integrity with practical economic realities."

UOB's sustainable financing portfolio covers a variety of sectors, including data centres, renewable energy and healthcare, with digital platforms facilitating investment across these diverse areas. This includes a US$300m sustainability-linked loan to IHH Healthcare, the company's first loan to the healthcare sector, as it continues working on its commitment to cap carbon growth and improve waste management through technology-enabled monitoring systems.