China CITIC Bank International to open first ESG flagship branch in Tsim Sha Tsui's Canton Road

First bank branch in Hong Kong to utilise solar glass panels in move to promote green finance

HONG KONG, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China CITIC Bank International Limited ("CNCBI") today announces the official opening of its first ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) themed flagship branch in Tsim Sha Tsui – a pivotal step that carries significant weight in the Bank's commitment to advancing green finance development.  With the opening of the ESG flagship branch, CNCBI will continue to pursue development opportunities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in an effort to broaden its cross-border business.

Ms Wendy Yuen, Deputy Head of Personal and Business Banking Group and Head of Distribution, CNCBI, said, "Opening the new ESG flagship branch in bustling Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui marks an important step in CNCBI's retail development strategy.  In addition to providing local and cross-border customers with more professional and convenient banking services, the new ESG flagship branch demonstrates our commitment to implementing ESG concepts, from its landmark appearance to the human-centric interior design and materials, as well as paperless services."

New ESG operating model with renewable energy from solar glass panels

CNCBI's new ESG flagship branch prides itself as the first bank branch in Hong Kong to harness the power of a three-storey solar glass panels which harvests approximately 200 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per month for the branch and serves as an example of pioneering uses of renewable energy in retail operations.

Aside from the exterior design, the facility and software setup of the ESG flagship branch also keep ESG concepts in mind:

• Energy saving: Natural lighting design with energy-saving LED sensors and an intelligent constant temperature central air-conditioning system reduce daily electricity consumption.
• Repurposed resources: Extensive use of renewable, non-toxic and low-emission eco-friendly materials for furniture, interior walls and carpets including meeting room tables made of eco-materials of more than 30% chili leaves and chili seeds, and a feature wall constructed in excess of 300 pieces of 99% recycled glass.
• Air quality: Select interior walls coated with diatomaceous earth which is a sedimentary deposit of aquatic plankton "diatoms" from millions of years ago and boasts air-purifying and bacteria-absorbing properties.  Natural, eco-friendly algae plants are installed to reduce carbon and dust, control temperature, purify air and improve indoor air quality effectively.
• Paperless operation: Optimised electronic processes for non-cash services and real-time information validation shorten service time and enhances customer experience.  Paperless operation and streamlined middle- and back-end operations improve operational efficiency by more than 30% and provide customers with services with greater speed and security. 
• Staff participation: A dedicated ESG mobile app encourages branch staff to take an active part in environmental protection by practising green habits in their daily routines.

The new ESG flagship branch displays its environmental and energy-saving performance data on an ESG dashboard at the branch's lobby area.  Over the last two months, the branch has achieved remarkable results with the energy and resources conserved equivalent to saving about 300 trees.

Exclusive branch opening customer offer: fixed deposit interest rate of 6.8% p.a.

In celebration of the official opening of the new ESG flagship branch in Tsim Sha Tsui, new-to-bank customers who take out a one-month USD fixed deposit in person at the new ESG flagship branch in Tsim Sha Tsui from now until 15 March 2024 may enjoy a preferential interest rate of 6.8% p.a.

Offers are subject to terms and conditions.  For details, please visit: https://www.cncbinternational.com/_document/personal/deposits/tsttdoffer.pdf.  

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"Art in CNCBI"
Since 2012, CNCBI has been building an interactive platform for the public to engage with artists.  By integrating art into its branch and office networks, Art in CNCBI is the first programme of its kind in a local bank which provides local artists with more opportunities to reach people from all walks of life, while bringing new experiences to the Bank's customers and staff.  In 2024, Art in CNCBI incorporates ESG concepts into promoting conservation and social responsibility in support of sustainable development.

A number of "Art in CNCBI" artworks are now on display at China CITIC Bank International's new ESG flagship branch in Tsim Sha Tsui:

On the first floor
Artist Karen Pow Cheuk-mei turns natural materials into works of art, using seashells to form uninterrupted circular patterns which visualise infinities in space and serve as a symbol of wisdom and wealth, while conveying concepts of marine conservation.

On the second floor
Artist Apple Tong Wing-yin uses his unique vision and brushstrokes to express the beauty of nature and harmony between people and nature, sending out a message of artistic integration to people from all walks of life while calling on people to protect our ecosystems.

China CITIC Bank International Limited

China CITIC Bank International Limited ("CNCBI"), a major offshore platform of commercial banking business of the CITIC Group, is 75%-owned by CITIC International Financial Holdings Limited ("CIFH"), which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited ("CNCB").

China CITIC Bank International's footprint in Greater China includes 24 branches and two business banking centres in Hong Kong, as well as presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Macau, and overseas branches in New York, Los Angeles and Singapore. 

Across a century, China CITIC Bank International has grown together with its employees, customers and partners since 1922 and will continue to move towards its vision of "Agile. Professional. Simple." in adherence to the 4C (Culture, Customer, Collaboration, Cyberspace) core values while driving actively its missions to "create value for customers, seek happiness for employees, make profit for shareholders, perform responsibility for society".

More information about China CITIC Bank International can be found on its website at www.cncbinternational.com.