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Financial Inclusion

Financial Inclusion

UOB is committed to empowering underbanked and underserved individuals and businesses through the provision of useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs in a responsible and sustainable way.

Providing access to banking and finance

 

Through our extensive network of branches and offices, self-service banking machines and digital banking channels, we seek to be holistic in our approach to financial inclusion, taking into consideration the unique socioeconomic factors in each of our markets. Our colleagues are also equipped with the skills and knowledge to serve the needs of a diverse customer base, including those who may be physically or visually impaired.

Digital financial inclusion

 

We actively engage our customers and the wider community, especially senior citizens, to help them become digitally ready and understand how digital banking products and services can make their lives more convenient.

For example, Digital Advocates at our branches in Singapore are on-site to guide less digitally-savvy customers on how to use the UOB TMRW app for their daily banking activities. We also help educate our customers on the latest scam tactics and share tips on how they can protect themselves.

UOB Business Loan
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The UOB Business Loan is available in Singapore to locally-incorporated companies with at least one year in operation or with low sales turnover. It offers a short tenor cash advance loan or a longer tenor working capital loan, and the entire application process is digital and straight-through to offer companies ease and convenience when seeking funding.

The UOB SME app which is available in Singapore and Malaysia, is an all-in-one digital platform that enables SMEs to transact on the go securely, gain visibility on their cash flow position, and access financing solutions and UOB BizSmart

UOB BizSmart is a curated suite of digital solutions that enables SMEs in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to automate their key operating processes, from accounting and inventory management to online sales and marketing. By linking their UOB BizSmart account to their UOB bank account, SMEs can reconcile their financial transactions and obtain insights into their projected cash positions, top customers, suppliers and account receivables and payables on the UOB SME app.

The UOB Sustainability Compass is an industry-first sustainability tool that offers SMEs a customised step-by-step guide on starting and advancing their sustainability journeys. The online tool enables SMEs to obtain a customised report with insights into their sustainability maturity stage, based on their sector, simply by filling up a quick questionnaire.

The Sustainability Innovation Programme (SIP), run by UOB’s innovation accelerator, UOB FinLab, focuses on helping SMEs to understand and implement sustainable business practices and solutions. The programme offers insights into a range of sustainability topics, such as energy efficiency, sustainable finance, renewable energy certificates, sustainable packaging, carbon management and ESG reporting.

The Greentech Accelerator, a programme by UOB FinLab, is designed to help greentech firms grow and scale by addressining sustainability challenges from various companies. The programme connects greentech innovators with corporates and SMEs across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The AI Ready Programme, by UOB FinLab, is designed to help SMEs at different stages of digital maturity adopt AI by providing education, advisory and access to affordable AI solutions.

Shariah-compliant finance

 

We offer Islamic banking products and services that generate equitable, fair returns through activities guided by the virtues of Shariah, promoting ethical, communal and socially responsible values. It is a viable alternative to conventional banking in many parts of the world.

Since the launch of the Islamic Banking Window in Malaysia in 2016, we have been offering Islamic banking products and services, including:

  • retail and wholesale banking solutions;
  • green Islamic trade financing, investment banking, global treasury and cash management and working capital financing;
  • trade and foreign currency solutions for companies’ cross-border transactions;
  • BancaTakaful solutions to manage fire, property and key-man risks for both individuals and businesses; and
  • innovative products and services for companies and their employees with complimentary Takaful coverage for account holders and special rates for fixed deposits and home financing packages.

We also support Bank Negara Malaysia’s vision for Value-based Intermediation, which promotes good banking practices and encourages sustainable consumer behaviours.

On top of financing, we promote and offer Shariah-compliant investing through UOB Islamic Asset Management (UOBIAM), a subsidiary of UOB Asset Management. UOBIAM offers Shariah-compliant investment solutions that suit the needs and objectives of those seeking ethical and socially-responsible investments.

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Financing for businesses

Financing for businesses

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Fair Dealing

Fair Dealing

We put our customers and their financial goals first as we grow our business through conscious and concerted efforts across our entire franchise.

Investing for impact

Investing for impact

Through UOB Venture Management (UOBVM), we drive positive impact through investments in privately-held companies in Southeast Asia and Greater China.

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