LONDON, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lloyds Bank plc 2025 Half-Year Results 24 July 2025 Member of the Lloyds Banking Group CONTENTS Forward-looking statements1 Statutory information (IFRS) Condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited)2Condensed consolidated income statement (unaudited)2 Financial review3 Risk management Principal risks and uncertainties5Capital risk6Credit risk10Liquidity risk20 Statutory informati ...

Core Insights - Yiren Digital Ltd. released its annual ESG report for 2024, emphasizing its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility through its mission of "Better Lives Through Digital Innovation" [1][7] AI-Powered Transformation - The company implemented its "AI + Multi-use Cases" strategy in 2024, achieving customer satisfaction rates of 94% in financial services, 98% in insurance brokerage, and 96% in lifestyle solutions [3] - Yiren Digital's Hawkeye anti-fraud model intercepted 16,800 fraudulent loan applications, preventing losses of RMB 180 million, with additional manual interventions averting RMB 54.43 million in potential losses [4] Driving Inclusive Growth - Yiren Digital facilitated over RMB 53.6 billion in loans for more than 4 million clients, including small business owners and women entrepreneurs, and provided over RMB 86 billion in risk coverage for gig economy workers [5] Leading the Green Transition - The company reduced energy use and carbon emissions, with over 90% of its Beijing office equipment being energy-efficient and a 5% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions year-on-year [6] - In 2024, Yiren Digital facilitated loans totaling RMB 88.48 million for 3,156 business owners in the energy-efficient industry and RMB 16.46 million for 593 business owners in the environmental monitoring sector [6] Future Outlook - Yiren Digital plans to continue its growth anchored in ESG principles, focusing on AI-driven innovation and sustainable practices to build a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem [7]

在全球可持续发展浪潮下，ESG已成为衡量企业高质量发展的核心维度。作为中央级主流财经媒体， 《华夏时报》始终致力于推动ESG理念落地与实践创新。事实证明，好的实践总是通过一个个好的案例 来体现，案例交流是提升企业ESG绩效的有效方式。为此，华夏时报社和华夏ESG观察联盟启动"2025 年ESG实践优秀案例"征集，试图寻找和发现过去一年中取得优良绩效的企业ESG案例，现诚邀企业参 与。 本次征集范围为：中国企业、在中国境内经营的外资企业及中外合资企业。 案例库共分9个类别，每个类别入选不超过6家中外企业，并从入选企业中进一步挑选出10个最佳案例。 9个类别分别是： 1、绿色机遇案例：这些企业把握住了可持续发展理念带来的商业机遇。 2、低碳领先案例：这些企业在生产过程中直接或间接降低了碳排放。 3、节能降耗案例：这些企业在生产过程中显著降低了资源消耗，除了能源、水资源等，也包括其他物 资。 4、环境友好案例：这些企业降低了生产过程中的污染物排放，有利于保护自然资源、人居环境及生物 多样性。 5、品质甄选案例：这些企业提供了质量可靠的产品或服务。 6、人力与公益标杆案例：这些企业处理好了雇佣关系，或在公益领域进行了 ...

Core Viewpoint - Zijin Bank has faced significant regulatory penalties due to multiple compliance violations, highlighting ongoing issues in internal controls and consumer protection practices [2][3][6]. Regulatory Penalties - Zijin Bank was fined a total of 2.4 million yuan for seven violations, marking the largest penalty in the past three years [2]. - Previous fines included 500,000 yuan for improper loan practices and 996,000 yuan for anti-money laundering compliance failures [2]. Internal Control Issues - The bank's internal controls in payment settlement, data governance, and consumer protection are identified as areas needing improvement [3]. - Specific issues include inadequate management of account opening and payment processes, insufficient data accuracy, and violations of consumer protection mechanisms [3]. Risk Management Practices - Zijin Bank has focused on enhancing risk management processes, particularly in credit, liquidity, and market risks [3]. - The bank has established mechanisms for addressing non-performing loans and has formed special teams to promote compliance [3]. Industry Context - Over the past three years, A-share listed rural commercial banks have collectively faced over 100 million yuan in regulatory penalties, indicating a broader trend of compliance challenges within the sector [3]. - Among the ten rural commercial banks in the A-share market, Zijin Bank ranks fifth in total assets at 280.3 billion yuan [4]. Consumer Protection Concerns - The bank's practices in its inclusive finance department have raised concerns regarding unauthorized collection and sharing of credit information, impacting consumer privacy [6]. - Despite efforts to enhance consumer protection, broader issues related to consumer rights have not been adequately addressed in the bank's ESG reporting [6]. Complaint Statistics - In 2024, Zijin Bank received 537 complaints, primarily related to loan services, card services, and customer service [8]. - The bank's complaint rate is moderate compared to peers, with 12.03 complaints per billion yuan in revenue [8]. ESG Performance - Zijin Bank has maintained a BBB rating in the Wind ESG rating system, indicating a mid-level performance among domestic listed banks [10]. - The bank's green loan balance reached 14.3 billion yuan, growing at a rate of 16.81%, ranking third among its peers [13].

Core Insights - The brand value of NVC Lighting has surpassed 67.9 billion yuan in the 2025 "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands" list, highlighting the company's strength and potential [1] - NVC Lighting has been awarded the "People's Craftsmanship Brand Award" by People's Daily for its brand value and influence [1] ESG Commitment - NVC Lighting aims to become a leader in the lighting industry regarding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) by integrating ESG into its corporate development strategy, focusing on energy conservation and clean production [3] - The company has established a complete ISO 50001 energy management system at its Huizhou base, with plans for the Wanzhou base to complete its setup by 2024, optimizing production to reduce carbon emissions [3] Product Development and Sustainability - NVC Lighting has implemented a comprehensive product design and development control program centered on green design, adhering to the principles of the circular economy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) [5] - The company uses recyclable materials and employs mechanical reduction design to minimize raw material usage, while also collaborating with institutions like the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and Tongji University to enhance health-oriented lighting solutions [5] Social Responsibility and Community Engagement - NVC Lighting is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and actively participates in social welfare initiatives, such as the "Light Up Plan" in partnership with the One Foundation, which aims to improve lighting conditions in rural education [6] - Since its launch, the "Light Up Plan" has reached over 30 schools and renovated more than 200 classrooms, benefiting over 40,000 students [6] Future Outlook - NVC Lighting has established a robust ESG governance framework and has been recognized as a partner in China's aerospace industry, indicating its commitment to integrating performance with ESG development [8] - The company plans to continue leveraging its brand advantages to provide high-quality lighting solutions and contribute to the green transformation of the entire lighting industry [8]

Core Insights - The KPMG report highlights the resilience of Hong Kong's asset management and private equity industry amidst global uncertainties, projecting growth opportunities and challenges ahead [1][11][12]. Industry Overview - By the end of 2024, the total assets under management in Hong Kong's asset and wealth management sector is expected to reach HKD 35.1 trillion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 13% and a significant net inflow increase of 81% [1][16]. - The IPO market in Hong Kong is performing strongly, with HKD 107.1 billion raised in the first half of 2025, driven by a surge in "A+H" listings and a robust pipeline from sectors like TMT and healthcare [1][19]. Industry Consolidation - The report notes an acceleration in industry consolidation, with global and Hong Kong asset management firms pursuing mergers and acquisitions to achieve scale and efficiency, leading to the emergence of a "multi-strategy super market" model [1][25][26]. Regulatory Developments - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is enhancing scrutiny on asset management firms, focusing on private fund management deficiencies and liquidity risk management, while also introducing guidelines for AI governance and virtual assets [1][32][60]. Tax Environment - Reforms to the Unified Fund Exemption (UFE) are expected to broaden the exemption scope and enhance the attractiveness of the tax environment, potentially drawing more funds and investors to Hong Kong [1][41][42]. Private Equity and Alternative Investments - The mainland China market remains a significant area for private equity, with Hong Kong asset managers positioned to capitalize on the growing interest in alternative assets from investors [1][46][47]. - Emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia present new investment opportunities, while mature markets such as Japan and Australia offer stable investment paths [1][48]. Cross-Border Opportunities - The opening of the mainland market provides Hong Kong asset managers with a unique position to serve the global allocation needs of mainland investors, supported by ongoing improvements in cross-border financial mechanisms [2][55]. Artificial Intelligence - The application of AI in asset management is moving towards systematic implementation, driven by the need for operational efficiency and cost reduction, although challenges related to data privacy and regulatory compliance remain [2][59][60]. Virtual Assets - Hong Kong is advancing in the virtual asset space, having granted licenses to ten virtual asset trading platforms, with expectations for growth in related products and services [2][64][66]. Tokenization - The rise of tokenization technology is set to transform wealth management, with regulatory support paving the way for new investment opportunities, although challenges in market liquidity and infrastructure need to be addressed [2][71][72].

Core Viewpoint - Sustainable Fitch has published its first sustainability rating report on Akropolis Group, assigning it a rating of 2 points on a scale of 1 to 5, indicating very good performance in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) areas [1]. Group 1: ESG Performance - The ESG report evaluates both overall performance in ESG areas and the management of sustainability-related financial risks [2]. - The CEO of Akropolis Group stated that the rating reflects efficient management of environmental, social, and governance risks [2]. - The report highlights the company's commitment to sustainability as a key priority, demonstrating progress in all ESG areas [3]. Group 2: Sustainability Goals - The high rating from Sustainable Fitch is attributed to the consistent approach in implementing sustainability goals set by the company last year [4]. - At the beginning of the year, Akropolis Group introduced the Green Financing Framework, linking sustainability objectives with financial activities [5]. Group 3: Green Financing Initiatives - Following the Green Financing Framework, Akropolis Group issued its first EUR 350 million 5-year green bond with a 6.000% annual interest rate in May 2025 [6]. - The bonds are listed on Nasdaq Vilnius and Euronext Dublin stock exchanges [6].

Core Points - Tanate Phutrakul will step down as CFO and Executive Board member of ING at the Annual General Meeting in April 2026 after 24 years with the company, including seven years on the Executive Board [1][2] - Karl Guha, chairman of ING's Supervisory Board, praised Tanate for his integrity and contributions to the bank's strong performance [2] - CEO Steven van Rijswijk acknowledged Tanate's pivotal role during turbulent times for the bank and expressed gratitude for his service [2] - The search for a successor for the CFO position has already begun, with announcements to follow [3] Company Overview - ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, providing banking services through ING Bank, which employs over 60,000 people and operates in more than 100 countries [5] - ING Group shares are listed on the Amsterdam, Brussels, and New York Stock Exchanges [6] Sustainability Efforts - ING aims to integrate sustainability into its operations, with an ESG rating of 'AA' from MSCI and a strong management of ESG material risk according to Sustainalytics [7]

Core Viewpoint - MSCI upgraded China Hongqiao's ESG rating from B to BB, highlighting the company's continuous progress and excellence in ESG management [1][2] Group 1: ESG Rating and Recognition - China Hongqiao has become one of the highest-rated aluminum companies in China according to MSCI ESG ratings, reflecting its successful green and high-quality development [2] - The MSCI ESG rating system evaluates companies based on 27 key issues across environmental, social, and governance dimensions, influencing global investment decisions [1] Group 2: Commitment to ESG Practices - Since 2016, China Hongqiao has consistently published ESG reports, increasing from 40 pages to over 160 pages, showcasing its achievements in ESG [2] - The company has made significant investments in green transformation, innovation, governance, and social responsibility [2] Group 3: Green Development Initiatives - China Hongqiao is leading the industry in energy structure transformation, with over 20% of its aluminum alloy production by 2024 coming from Yunnan, significantly reducing carbon emissions [2] - The company has achieved a 95% reduction in energy consumption and over 85% reduction in carbon emission intensity in its recycled aluminum production [2] Group 4: Carbon Neutrality Goals - China Hongqiao aims to peak carbon emissions by 2025 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2055, with a 12% reduction in carbon emission intensity in 2024 [3] Group 5: Innovation in Aluminum Products - In 2024, China Hongqiao launched several high-performance aluminum alloy materials, reducing component weight by 20% to 40% and carbon emissions by over 10% [4] - The company is focusing on technological innovation to meet the lightweight demands of the new energy vehicle sector [3]

Core Viewpoint - The company iFlytek Medical Technology has achieved an A-level ESG rating from Wind, reflecting its strong performance in governance, social responsibility, and environmental management, with a score of 7.55, significantly above the industry average of 6.08 [1][4]. Group 1: ESG Rating and Performance - iFlytek Medical Technology ranks 24th among 245 information technology service companies in the ESG rating, showcasing its innovative practices in AI healthcare [1]. - The Wind ESG rating system evaluates companies based on over 500 detailed indicators, assessing their ESG risks and sustainable operational capabilities [4]. Group 2: Social Responsibility - The company emphasizes employee rights and diversity, with a comprehensive compensation and benefits system and anti-discrimination policies, achieving a female employee ratio of 32% [4]. - iFlytek Medical Technology scored 8.04 in information security and privacy protection, significantly higher than the industry average of 3.91, and has obtained ISO 27001 certification [4]. Group 3: Governance - The company has a diverse board policy, with an independent director ratio of 42.86% and a perfect score of 10 in audit mechanisms, contributing to a robust governance structure [4]. - A comprehensive risk management system is in place to ensure compliance and stability in business operations [4]. Group 4: Environmental Initiatives - In 2024, iFlytek Medical will move to a new facility designed around "green and energy-saving" principles, promoting energy efficiency and low-carbon operations [4]. - The company is implementing a series of environmental measures, including paperless offices and green commuting, while enhancing its carbon emission tracking mechanisms [4]. Group 5: Market Outlook - Strong growth in the BC segment is noted, with the application of large models in the medical field expanding market opportunities for the company [5]. - The company is expected to maintain long-term competitiveness in medical AI due to its deep understanding of the Chinese healthcare industry and product synergy across three major terminals [5].