YES Bank Becomes the First Indian Bank to be Selected in Dow Jones Sustainability Indices

• First Indian bank to be selected as an index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI )in the Emerging Market index

• YES BANK is the only Indian bank selected from 116 banks from emerging markets that were invited to apply

• Reinforces its position as a global sustainability leader in India

• Sustainable banking for a sustainable economy

YES BANK, India’s fifth largest private sector bank, has become the first Indian bank to be selected as an index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices in the Emerging Markets Index. The Index comprises of 92 companies from 14 emerging economies including China, Brazil, South Africa and Taiwan. 116 banks from emerging economies were invited to participate, of which YES BANK is the only Indian Bank to have been included. The selection is effective from September 21, 2015 and valid for one year.

Launched in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices are the longest-running sustainability benchmarks globally that follow a best-in-class approach to measure the performance of global sustainability leaders. It is a part of the S&P Dow Jones Indices, the world’s largest global resource for index-based concepts, data and research. Together with S&P Dow Jones Indices, RobecoSAM - a global sustainability investment specialist, publishes the globally recognized Indices. This year, the world’s largest 3,400 companies from developed and emerging markets were invited to take part in its annual Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA).

To be selected into the DJSI, YES BANK underwent a rigorous assessment on approx.1000 data points that include;

• Economic Dimensions such as Corporate Governance, Financial Stability and Systemic Risk, and Risk & Crisis Management

• Social Dimensions such as Climate Strategy, Environmental Policy/Management System and Environmental Reporting

• Environmental Dimensions such as Financial Inclusion, Human Capital Development, Social Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement                                                                

These Indices are highly regarded by global investors, financial analysts and other stakeholders as a whole.

In line with its Responsible Banking ethos, YES BANK focuses on linking sustainable development with stakeholder value creation and benchmarks itself as a financial institution for inclusivity and sustainability in India. Its selection into the DJSI is a testimony to YES BANK’s efforts towards Sustainable banking for a Sustainable economy.

Recently, YES BANK and International Finance Corporation (IFC) opened trading of the world’s first Green Masala Bond of INR 3.15 billion issued by IFC and listed on the London Stock Exchange. IFC has invested the proceeds of the bond in YES BANK’s Green Bonds, and the proceeds will be used by YES BANK to fund Renewable Energy projects including solar power and wind power projects. Earlier this year, YES BANK had issued India’s first ever Green Infrastructure Bonds for INR 1000 Crore (USD 160 million) with green shoe option that witnessed strong demand from leading global and domestic investors.

Rana Kapoor, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK said, “We are extremely proud to be the first Indian Bank to be selected in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, in Emerging Markets Index. We believe that banks being central to an economy should influence and facilitate positive impact. YES BANK strives to set an industry benchmark towards creating a sustainable ecosystem and serve our customers, clients, employees and communities better. We certainly hope that this global recognition will help evangelize sustainability and environment management in the entire banking sector”.

About YES BANK

YES BANK, India’s fifth largest private sector Bank with a pan India presence across all 29 states and 7 Union Territories of India, headquartered in the Lower Parel Innovation District (LPID) of Mumbai, is the outcome of the professional & entrepreneurial commitment of its Founder Rana Kapoor and its Top Management team, to establish a high quality, customer centric, service driven, private Indian Bank catering to the future businesses of India.

YES BANK has adopted international best practices, the highest standards of service quality and operational excellence, and offers comprehensive banking and financial solutions to all its valued customers.

YES BANK has a knowledge driven approach to banking, and offers a superior customer experience for its retail, corporate and emerging corporate banking clients. YES BANK is steadily evolving as the Professionals’ Bank of India with the long term mission of “Building the Finest Quality Large Bank of the World in India” by 2020.