Emirates NBD launches accelerator program to boost sustainable banking solutions

By Delisha Fernandes

Emirates NBD, a banking group in the MENAT region, has launched a sustainability themed accelerator program, inviting global Green FinTechs to co-create innovative sustainability-focused financing solutions and processes to support a climate resilient future.

The SustainTech Accelerator Program is supported by Microsoft and aims to enable the focused advancement of sustainability goals for both.

Vijay Bains, Group Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD, said, “As a leading banking group in the region that is committed to supporting the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and COP28, Emirates NBD strives to contribute to and invest in socially responsible programs and solutions. We are happy to launch our SustainTech Accelerator program and are excited to discover the sustainable products and solutions promising SustainTechs from around the globe bring to the table.”

The accelerator, which will accept applications from 6 September to 10 October 2023, will support Green FinTechs developing solutions and tools that could help Emirates NBD boost its suitability performance through: access to accurate, reliable, standardised and consistent data, reliable indicators to quantify contributions and track progress to sustainable development, advanced risk management tools, solutions that can support the transition of legacy systems and products towards sustainability.

Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, said, “As the UAE prepares to welcome global sustainability leaders from around the world for COP28, all eyes will be on the country to tackle the challenges resulting from climate change. In line with the UAE’s sustainability commitments, we are excited to collaborate with Emirates NBD on the SustainTech Accelerator Program. This collaboration will see us empower FinTechs with the latest technologies to create innovative solutions that will support organisations in understanding their environmental footprint and reducing the environmental impact of their operations.”