Fubon Financial

Embracing global turmoil challenges, the financial industry collectively promotes the enhancement of social resilience

Today, on the 11th, Fubon Group collaborated with the Risk Society and Policy Research Center at NTU (hereafter referred to as the NTU Risk Center) to host the "Fubon Sustainable Future Forum." The theme of the forum is "Opportunities and Risks for Taiwan's Sustainable Transition in Light of New Political and Economic Trends." Notable speakers included Peng Jin-lung, Chairperson of the FSC, Gao Xian-Gui, Vice Chairperson of the National Development Council and Daniel M. Tsai, Chairman of Fubon Group. Experts from various sectors, including industry, government, and academia, gathered to discuss the crises and opportunities that Taiwan's political, economic, and social landscape may face amid numerous changes in the international political and economic situation, as well as strategies to enhance overall societal resilience, withstand shocks, and create opportunities in response to global challenges.

Daniel M. Tsai, Chairman of Fubon Group, attended a forum this morning and delivered a speech emphasizing that "we are currently at a moment where crises and opportunities coexist." Mr. Tsai pointed out that the primary challenges to Taiwan's sustainable transformation in the past stemmed from climate change. If industries do not accelerate their investment in low-carbon operations, their business models and revenues will face significant impacts. However, at present, the challenges are more numerous and broader than before, including whether Taiwan can enhance its energy independence and respond to the impacts of international trade tariffs. Various obstacles are being thrown at the private sector and the government like "curveballs."

Mr. Tsai stated that crises can also bring about the best opportunities. The financial industry should actively help industries navigate through high-risk periods, becoming a stabilizing force for the economy. This includes assisting businesses in developing resilient operational models, such as offering green financing, risk transfer, or innovative insurance solutions, to help establish sustainable supply chains and mitigate tariff impacts. In the face of various uncertainties and turbulent political and economic situations, the role of the financial industry is evolving, acting as a bridge that connects fragments, creates stability, and builds trust.

Richard M. Tsai, Chairman of Fubon Financial Holdings, stated that Fubon Financial Holdings recognizes its responsibility as a catalyst for sustainable transition in the financial industry. The company aims to deepen the integration of sustainable strategies with its core financial operations, setting a target of NT$2.9 trillion in green finance by 2030. Furthermore, the company will continue to support industrial transition and lead the capital market towards a net-zero vision through initiatives such as green financial investments and renewable energy technology investments.

This year, the Fubon Sustainable Future Forum commenced with a discussion on "Trump 2.0 and Taiwan's Net Zero Carbon Emission Opportunities." Edward H. Chow, Former President of National Chengchi University, served as the moderator, engaging in dialogue with Wei Lo, Chief Economist of Fubon Financial Holdings, and Daniel Liu, Director of the Regional Development Research Center at the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research. They analyzed how the Trump administration's support for fossil fuels, reversal of energy transition policies, and relaxation of environmental regulations will impact Taiwan's transition goals, as well as the implications of the "America First" policy on the regional net zero economy.

The NTU Risk Center has released the fourth consecutive corporate sustainability survey in collaboration with Fubon, titled "2025 Corporate Sustainability Disclosure Readiness Survey." This report thoroughly examines key aspects of corporate climate-related disclosures, the impact of sustainable finance, workplace diversity and inclusion, and human rights due diligence. It not only continues the previous surveys' focus on climate and environmental issues but also delves deeper into labor and social equity.

Kuei-Tien Chou, Director of the NTU Risk Center, emphasized that Taiwan must enhance its efforts in becoming a pivotal player in global technology and supply chains. The government, businesses, and society need to actively pursue new pathways towards ESG, seizing the opportunity to quickly catch up and lead the sustainable economic and social transformation in the Asian region amidst the current international hesitance or delays in sustainability.

The focus of the second half centers on how " transition finance" can jointly promote industrial transition. Initially, Mr. Tsutomu Sato, Councilor from Comprehensive Policy Bureau of Financial Services Agency, will share international experiences, illustrating how Japan's green transformational finance policies actively encourage industries to adapt to climate change through a variety of policy tools; the concluding session will feature Taipei Fubon Bank, a leader in Taiwan's green finance development. Tim Kuo, the President of Taipei Fubon Bank, will discuss how the financial industry collaborates with industries for sustainable transition, inviting prominent customers such as Yeh Hui-Ching, Chairman of YFY Inc. and Hong Rong-Tsong, Chief Environmental Protection Officer of Hon Hai Technology Group to share their corporate experiences. Together with Brenda Hu, Director-General in Department of Planning and Executive-Secretary of the Fintech Center, Financial Supervisory Commission, we will explore how Taiwan's industries can implement transition finance.

Fubon Financial Holdings embodies the brand spirit of "Be possible All possible" and is committed to promoting sustainable operations. The company aims to enhance its financial and non-financial impact, assisting Taiwan in accelerating its journey towards net-zero goals. In the financial sector, it has collaborated with its subsidiaries for two consecutive years to host carbon reduction workshops. Additionally, it continues to guide customers in improving their ESG performance and transitioning to low-carbon operational models through sustainable financial investments, loans, products, and professional services. On the non-financial front, Fubon encourages the public to adopt low-carbon lifestyles. Since launching the Run For Green™ initiative in 2021, it has invited marathon runners to participate in tree-planting activities, resulting in over 100,000 trees planted across Taiwan, contributing to local ecology and carbon reduction efforts.

Fubon Group integrates sustainable development into its core values. As a leader in sustainability, Fubon Financial Holdings has collaborated with the Fubon Cultural and Educational Foundation and the NTU Risk Center since 2016 to host forums that focus on critical transformation issues within Taiwanese society. We hope to unite and promote consensus for sustainable development in Taiwan and strive to build a brighter future for the next generation.

2025 Fubon Sustainable Future Forum titled "Opportunities and Risks for Taiwan's Sustainable Transition in Light of New Political and Economic Trends" can be accessed at the following website: https://rsprc.ntu.edu.tw/web/events/participation_in.jsp?lang=tw&ai_id=AI1746412953694