GOVERNANCE

At BOC U.S.A., we are committed to sustainable and value-creating growth that empowers those we serve, including our communities.

We recognize that achieving ESG goals requires bank-wide collaboration. Prioritizing ESG in our operations is crucial to our business development and counterparty engagement, and we recognize that it is necessary to communicate our ESG progress with relevant stakeholders while adhering to industry best practices and transparency in the market.

For more than 40 years, BOC U.S.A. has been an integral part of the local economy: financing businesses, international trade, manufacturing facilities and commercial real estate, creating and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, and fulfilling our mission of bridging the U.S. and Chinese economies. For the next 40 years and beyond, BOC U.S.A. aims to create pathways to a more responsible future.

To do this effectively and with longevity, we believe that strong corporate and ESG governance is crucial.

The ESG Working Group Becomes the ESG Committee

At BOC U.S.A., every department is committed to driving sustainable and value-creating growth, forging responsible relationships with our communities and operating under a principled and transparent governance framework. BOC U.S.A. established the ESG Working Group in 2021 with the purpose of informing our ESG efforts and helping build a basic understanding and awareness of ESG across BOC U.S.A.

In October 2023, the group was elevated to ESG Committee, responsible for the overall management and decision-making of BOC U.S.A.’s ESG initiatives, engaging all lines of defense across the bank. The establishment of the ESG Committee demonstrates the progression of ESG becoming part of business-as-usual processes with the directives from and support of senior leadership.

The ESG Committee oversees the bank’s ESG initiatives, and it’s responsible for aligning BOC U.S.A.’s ESG strategies and practices with local and global regulatory requirements. It:

Defines ESG priorities, objectives, and strategy with the goal of further integrating sustainability into BOC U.S.A. strategy and operations
Monitors and assesses developments relating to and improving the bank’s understanding of ESG matters
Considers the current and emerging ESG matters that may affect the business, operations, performance, or reputation of BOC U.S.A.
Sets the tone and reinforces a culture of sustainability in alignment with BOC Group guidance
Supports BOC U.S.A.’s ongoing commitment to green finance business development, climate-related financial risk governance, environmental stewardship, health and safety, corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, and sustainability as relevant
Promotes open discussion and integrate ESG management into the bank’s processes and goals
Identifies new green business development opportunities and cooperation synergies for research sharing

The Value of Upskilling

As the world evolves, training and education is key to keeping relevant personnel equipped with necessary information on ESG. We offer ESG-themed seminars and training sessions to bank-wide employees, including those on the ESG Committee, to continue their ESG learning journeys. Thus far, a sample of the courses introduced include:

Climate-related financial risks for banks

Common green financial instruments and the concept of transition finance

Climate disclosure regulatory updates for banks

Climate scenario analysis and stress testing

Commercial banks’ carbon footprint

Quantifying the impact of climate change

Policy requirements and latest market practices of financial markets to address climate risks

Best practices for incorporating climate risk management into a bank’s risk management frameworks and its impact on credit risk and integration as a result

For more about the continuing education programs initiative by BOC U.S.A.

Please see the following releases:

“BOC Learnings Institute New York Launched Its Third Session of the ‘2023 Online Training Series on Global Banking Trends’ – Sustainable Finance in the US Banking Industry,” Aug 22, 2023

“BOC Learning Institute New York Launched First Session of ‘2023 Online Training Series On Global Banking Trends’ – Climate Risk Management For Banking Industry,” June 15, 2023

“Bank of China U.S.A. Hosts Discussion On ESG In Infrastructure and Transportation,” June 20, 2023

Code of
Ethical Standards

BOC U.S.A. has a Code of Ethical Standards for all its employees to abide by. Employees have a responsibility to understand and comply with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations that govern BOC U.S.A. and its employees. The Code of Ethical Standards comprises of:

Anti-retaliation provisions
Honesty and fairness clauses
Avoidance of conflicts of interest
Duties in compliance
Anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies
And other related topics

Consumer Privacy Protection

BOC U.S.A. maintains a written Consumer Privacy Policy that describes its program to protect customer information and is designed to ensure that consumers are aware of the bank’s privacy policies and practices pursuant to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the “GLBA”).

The BOC U.S.A. Branches Consumer Privacy Policy, in complying with applicable U.S. bank regulations and guidelines, adopts privacy notices that assist consumers in the following:

Understanding the bank’s consumer information protection principles
Provides insight on the bank’s data sharing methods
Provides an individual with an option to opt out of sharing nonpublic personal information, as required by law and/or regulation
Promotes the “free flow” of information between the bank and consumers.

The Consumer Privacy Policy applies only to nonpublic personal information (the “NPI”) about individuals who obtain financial products or services primarily for personal, family or household purposes from the bank.

All bank employees must adhere to the policy requirements detailed in the BOC U.S.A. Branches Consumer Privacy Policy. Please click here for more information about this policy.

To learn more about BOC USA’s Code of Ethical Standards, please contact [email protected]

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Environment

Our Commitment to the Environment

Social

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment

Governance

The ESG Committee