Business Function
DBS Institutional Banking Group provides corporate customers with a full range of commercial banking products and services, including cash management services, current accounts, time deposits, trade finance, working capital finance, term loans and foreign exchange. Through our continued commitment, DBS has cultivated long-standing relationships with its customers in the region that are based on account relationship management, service differentiation, product development andrigorous credit standards.
Position Summary
The SVP of E&S Risk will lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of environmental and social risks associated with the lending and advisory portfolios. With a sharp market & commercial perspective and positioned within the first line of defence function, this role involves shaping the Bank’s E&S risk assessments, actively working onclient E&S engagements, while looking at and developing the Bank’s frameworks and policies, conducting complex due diligence on high-risk transactions, and guiding front-line RMs to ensure compliance with international standards (e.g., Equator Principles or EP, IFC Performance Standards) and the firm's NetZero commitments. The role combines commercial awareness with strong risk discipline to ensure that the Bank’s transactions and client engagements align with international environmental and social standards, regulatory expectations, and the Bank’s Net Zero commitments.
Key Responsibilities
E&S Transaction Advisory & Due Diligence:
- Lead E&S due diligence (including EP, ESDD) for complex and high-risk transactions.
- Ensure that the Transition Finance transactions are taken through detailed technical review and internal governance/ transaction validation.
- Act as the senior IBG Sustainable Finance E&S approver while identifying key risks, defining mitigation measures and firmly keeping the commercials of the transactions in sight.
Policy Development & Implementation:
- Drive the creation, enhancement, and implementation of sector-specific position statements, E&S Risk Management Frameworks, and exclusion lists to align with the Bank’s risk appetite.
- Support ongoing integration of climate risk considerations into transaction assessment processes.
Client Engagement & Negotiation:
- Advise client coverage teams and external clients on market-aligned and market-leading ESG solutioning, ESG risk management, including negotiating E&S clauses in loan documentation and Action Plans.
- Support constructive client engagement on sustainability practices and transition pathways where appropriate.
Strategic Risk Integration:
- Actively and regularly collaborate with Risk Management Group and CSO teams to integrate E&S factors into underwriting and investment processes from a business perspective.
- Provide input into the development of climate risk methodologies, sustainability assessment tools, and ESG risk monitoring practices across the Bank’s portfolio.
Regulatory & Market Leadership:
- Monitor emerging E&S best practices, regulations and market developments (e.g., carbon markets, biodiversity) to guide the Bank’s thought leadership and shape its overall positioning.
Capacity Building:
- Develop and deliver training programs on ESG risk assessment for internal stakeholders (e.g., on Transition Risk).
- Mentor and support junior members of the E&S risk team to strengthen the Bank’s technical capabilities in sustainable finance and environmental risk assessment.
Requirements
- Minimum 15+ years of relevant experience in environmental and social risk management, sustainability consulting, or ESG banking.
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Sustainability, Finance, Economics, or related fields. Master’s degree preferred.
- Deep working knowledge of international standards, specifically Equator Principles IV, IFC Performance Standards (IFC PS), and WBEHS Guidelines.
- Practical experience in sector-specific E&S challenges (e.g., Oil & Gas, Mining, Renewable Energy, Metals & Mining, etc.).
- Strong understanding of banking products, deal structures, and credit risk processes.
- Proven ability to engage with senior management, to influence stakeholders and when required, to work independently and together with the Team Lead in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Certifications
- CFA Institute’s Certificate in ESG Investing.
- Certifications related to environmental management (e.g.,LEED, ISO 14001).
Key Focus Areas of the Role
- Client Relationship Focus: To carefully and actively combine commercial perspective with rigorous E&S risk management and mitigation insight.
- IBG First Line of Defence: To manage environmental and social risks, e.g., ensuring no significant harm in financing activities.
- Net Zero Alignment: Driving the integration of climate risk data and net-zero strategy into client conversations and pre-deal assessments.
Apply Now
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and the professional advantages of a dynamic environment that supports your development and recognises your achievements.
