Senior Associate - E&S Risk, Sustainable Finance, Institutional Banking Group

Position Summary

The incumbent will support and lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of environmental and social risks associated with the lending and advisory portfolios.

With a sharp market & commercial perspective and positioned within the first line of defence function, this role involves shaping the Bank’s E&S risk assessments, actively working on client E&S engagements, while looking at and developing the Bank’s frameworks and policies, conducting complex due diligence on high-risk transactions, and guiding front-line RMs to ensure compliance with international standards (e.g., Equator Principles or EP, IFC Performance Standards) and the firm's Net Zero commitments. 

The role combines commercial awareness with strong risk discipline to ensure that the Bank’s transactions and client engagements align with international environmental and social standards, regulatory expectations, and the Bank’s Net Zero commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• E&S Transaction Advisory & Due Diligence: 
  • Support/ Lead E&S due diligence (including EP assessments, ESDD) for complex and high-risk transactions.
  • Act as a support to the senior IBG Sustainable Finance E&S approver while identifying key risks, defining mitigation measures and firmly keeping the commercials of the transactions in sight.
• Policy Development & Implementation: 
  • Drive and support the creation, enhancement, and implementation of sector-specific position statements, E&S Risk Management Frameworks, and exclusion lists to align with the Bank’s risk appetite.
  • Support ongoing integration of climate risk considerations into transaction assessment processes.
  • Support/ Lead on the ESG Risk Questionnaire (ERQ) assessments and approvals.
• Support Client Engagement & Negotiation: 
  • Advise client coverage teams and external clients on market-aligned and market-leading ESG solutioning, ESG risk management, including negotiating E&S clauses in loan documentation and Action Plans.
  • Support constructive client engagement on sustainability practices and transition pathways where appropriate.
• Strategic Risk Integration: 
  • Actively and regularly collaborate with Risk Management Group and CSO teams to integrate E&S factors into underwriting and investment processes from a business perspective.
  • Provide input into the development of climate risk methodologies, sustainability assessment tools, and ESG risk monitoring practices across the Bank’s portfolio.
• Regulatory & Market Leadership: 
  • Monitor emerging E&S best practices, regulations and market developments (e.g., carbon markets, biodiversity) to guide the Bank’s thought leadership and shape its overall positioning.
• Capacity Building: 
  • Develop and deliver training programs on ESG risk assessment for internal stakeholders (e.g., on Transition Risk). 
  • Mentor and support junior members of the E&S risk team to strengthen the Bank’s technical capabilities in sustainable finance and environmental risk assessment.

Required Qualifications, Capabilities, and Skills

• Experience: Relevant experience in environmental and social risk management, sustainability consulting, or ESG banking.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Sustainability, Finance, Economics, or related fields. Master’s degree preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep working knowledge of international standards, specifically Equator Principles IV, IFC Performance Standards (IFC PS), and WB EHS Guidelines.
• Sector Expertise: Practical experience in sector-specific E&S challenges (e.g., Oil & Gas, Mining, Renewable Energy, Metals & Mining, etc.).
• Banking Knowledge: Strong understanding of banking products, deal structures, and credit risk processes.
• AI Knowledge: Working knowledge of AI tools and applying AI tools in a professional environment to increase efficiency.
• Leadership: Proven ability to engage with senior management, to influence stakeholders and when required, to work independently and together with the Team Lead in a fast-paced environment. 

Preferred Certifications

• CFA Institute’s Certificate in ESG Investing.
• Certifications related to environmental management (e.g., LEED, ISO 14001). 

Key Focus Areas of the Role

• Client Relationship Focus: To carefully and actively combine commercial perspective with rigorous E&S risk management and mitigation in sight. 
• IBG First Line of Defence: To manage environmental and social risks, e.g., ensuring no significant harm in financing activities.
• Net Zero Alignment: Driving the integration of climate risk data and net-zero strategy into client conversations and pre-deal assessments.

Location:

DBS Asia Central

Job:

Strategic Planning

Schedule:

Regular

Employee Status:

Full time