Mizuho and the Equator Principles
Mizuho Bank (formerly Mizuho Corporate Bank) recognized early on that the Equator Principles would become a new business standard in international financing for environmental and social risk management of large–scale projects and therefore within six months of their inception in June 2003, Mizuho Bank became the first Asian bank to adopt the Equator Principles in October 2003. Since then, Mizuho Bank has been conducting environmental and social risks assessments based on the Equator Principles, and has also been proactively undertaking initiatives to promote them, and raise awareness regarding environmental and social risks impacts among businesses and other related parties, including the borrowers. These activities have enabled Mizuho Bank to contribute to balanced economic development via financing and environmental preservation, thus fulfilling its social responsibility as a financial institution.
Since the adoption of the Equator Principles in October 2003, Mizuho Bank has played a leadership role in the Equator Principles Association as a member of the Steering Committee until now. Mizuho Bank also led the Equator Principles Association as its Chair for the term May 2014 to May 2015, thus becoming the only Asian bank to chair the association. Currently Mizuho Bank holds the role of Asia Oceania Regional Representative.
Chronicle: Initiatives for the Equator Principles
| Jun 2003 | Equator Principles were established. |
| Oct 2003 | Mizuho Bank (former Mizuho Corporate Bank) adopted the Equator Principles. |
| Jul 2006 | The Equator Principles were revised, and the second revision of Equator Principles became effective. |
| Nov 2006 | Assumed duties as Secretariat Bank for the Equator Principles Financial Institutions until July 2008. |
| Jun 2007 | Presented with the Chairman's Award of the 2007 Sustainable Banking Awards. |
| Mar 2009 | Presented with the Green Banking Contribution Award at the International Forum on China Environmental Investment. |
| Aug 2010 | Assumed the role of the Leader of the Equator Principles Asia Outreach Working Group |
| Jun 2013 | The Equator Principles were revised, and the third version of Equator Principles became effective. |
| May 2014 | Assumed the role of the Chair Bank of Equator Principles Association until May 2015. |
| Mar 2015 | Recognized for good practices in the Principles for Financial Action towards a Sustainable Society (Principles for Financial Action for the 21st Century). |
| Oct 2017 | Assumed the role of the Regional Representative of the Equator Principles in Asia-Oceania region. |
| Nov 2019 | Re-elected as the Regional Representative of the Equator Principles in Asia-Oceania region |
| Nov 2019 | The Equator Principles were revised, and the fourth version of Equator Principles adopted. |
| Jul 2020 | Started applying the fourth version of Equator Principles |
| Mar 2021 | Assumed the role of the Lead of the EP4 Reference Working Group |
Implementation System for the Equator Principles
Mizuho Bank has created the Sustainable Development Office in its Project Finance Department. The Sustainable Development Office is responsible for the bank's overall implementation of the Equator Principles.
The Sustainable Development Office applies the Mizuho's in–house Equator Principles Implementation Manual to all its projects globally, that are under the scope of the Equator Principles. The Sustainable Development Office also endeavors to promote internal understanding of the Equator Principles through in–house training and via the distribution of in–house newsletters etc.
General Process for the Equator Principles Implementation [for Project Finance]
Application of the Equator Principles in Loan Syndication
For a project that falls under the scope of the Equator Principles, and in which Mizuho Bank participates in the loan syndication, the business promotion division officer first prepares an "Equator Principles (EP) Screening Form", which is a simplified checklist. The Sustainable Development Office then reviews the EP Screening Form and categorizes the proposed project into A, B or C based on the magnitude of the potential environmental and social impacts. Also, the Sustainable Development Office prepares a recommendation in documents such as "EP Screening Report", to inform the business promotion division officer the necessary actions that the client shall take to comply with the environmental and social requirements. The business promotion division officer then supports the client as recommended by the Sustainable Development Office. In addition, the Sustainable Development Office also ensures that the relevant environmental and social covenants are included in the loan documentation.
Application of the Equator Principles in Project Finance Advisory Services (FA)
For a project in which Mizuho Bank acts as a financial advisor, the Sustainable Development Office supports the clients by advising them on the environmental and social requirements they would need to fulfill under the Equator Principles, which in turn helps them in early identification of issues likely to surface under environmental and social reviews by Equator Principles Financial Institutions and/or Japan Bank for International Cooperation's environmental and social assessment.
Application of the Equator Principles at Each Stage of Project Finance (Image)
Mizuho Bank's Internal Procedures for Equator Principles Implementation [for Project Finance]
- The business promotion division officer prepares an "EP Screening Form", which is a simplified environmental and social risks assessment checklist, and submits it to the Sustainable Development Office.
- The Sustainable Development Office reviews the "EP Screening Form", conducts the required due diligence and categorizes the project into A, B or C.
- The recommendation from the Sustainable Development Office (ex. "EP Screening Report", etc.) is submitted to the credit division together with the credit application prepared by the business promotion division. The credit division takes into account the potential environmental and social risks of the project to make a comprehensive determination of the risks specific to the project.
- After loan documentation has been determined, the Sustainable Development Office confirms that the necessary Action Plan and the covenants are in place. If additional action is required to make the project compliant with the Equator Principles, the Sustainable Development Office addresses to the Client through the business promotion division to conduct necessary actions.
- After confirming that the necessary steps have been taken by the Client, the business promotion division prepares an "EP Review Form" and submits to the Sustainable Development Office.
- The Sustainable Development Office confirms that the project is compliant with the Equator Principles, and prepares an "EP Review Report" as and if necessary.
Internal Equator Principles implementation flow
Disclosure subject to Equator Principles 3 and 4
Closed Transactions screened for EP Compliance
Project Finance
| A | B | C | |
| Definition | Projects with potential significant adverse environmental and social risks and/or impacts that are diverse, irreversible or unprecedented. | Projects with potential limited adverse environmental and social risks and/or impacts that are few in number, generally site–specific, largely reversible and readily addressed through mitigation measures. | Projects with minimal or no adverse environmental and social risks and/or impacts. |
| FY2020 | 4 | 26 | 10 |
| FY2019 | 11 | 21 | 16 |
| FY2018 | 6 | 15 | 6 |
(Note)
- The figures above represent the number of projects applying the Equator Principles which reached Financial Close in FY2018, FY2019 and FY2020 (the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 3 which were signed and the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 4 for which the conditions precedent were satisfied).
- The figures above represent the number of projects which were mandated until June 2020 applying the Equator Principles 3 and those mandated from July 2020 applying the Equator Principles 4.
- The figures above have been assured by KPMG AZSA Sustainability.
By Sector (number of projects)
| Sector | Category | Total | ||
| A | B | C | ||
| Oil/Gas | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Mining | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power | 2 | 18 | 0 | 20 |
| Infrastructure | 1 | 4 | 9 | 14 |
| Others | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 4 | 26 | 10 | 40 |
| Sector | Category | Total | ||
| A | B | C | ||
| Oil/Gas | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Mining | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Power | 5 | 16 | 0 | 21 |
| Infrastructure | 2 | 4 | 10 | 16 |
| Others | 1 | 0 | 6 | 7 |
| Total | 11 | 21 | 16 | 48 |
| Sector | Category | Total | ||
| A | B | C | ||
| Oil/Gas | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Mining | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power | 5 | 10 | 0 | 15 |
| Infrastructure | 0 | 5 | 6 | 11 |
| Others | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 6 | 15 | 6 | 27 |
(Note)
- The figures above represent the number of projects applying the Equator Principles which reached Financial Close in FY2018, FY2019 and FY2020 (the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 3 which were signed and the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 4 for which the conditions precedent were satisfied).
- The figures above represent the number of projects which were mandated until June 2020 applying the Equator Principles 3 and those mandated from July 2020 applying the Equator Principles 4.
- The figures above have been assured by KPMG AZSA Sustainability.
By Region, Country (Designated/ Non–designated), and Implementation of Independent Review by an Environmental and Social Consultant (Number of projects)
| Category | Total | |||
| A | B | C | ||
| Americas | 0 | 17 | 0 | 17 |
| Asia Pacific | 2 | 2 | 10 | 14 |
| Europe/ Middle East/ Africa | 2 | 7 | 0 | 9 |
| Total | 4 | 26 | 10 | 40 |
| Designated Country | 0 | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| Non–Designated Country | 4 | 6 | 0 | 10 |
| Independent Review Done | 4 | 26 | 1 | 31 |
| Category | Total | |||
| A | B | C | ||
| Americas | 3 | 12 | 0 | 15 |
| Asia Pacific | 6 | 6 | 16 | 28 |
| Europe/ Middle East/ Africa | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Total | 11 | 21 | 16 | 48 |
| Designated Country | 4 | 19 | 15 | 38 |
| Non–Designated Country | 7 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
| Independent Review Done | 11 | 21 | 2 | 34 |
| Category | Total | |||
| A | B | C | ||
| Americas | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Asia Pacific | 5 | 7 | 6 | 18 |
| Europe/ Middle East/ Africa | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 6 | 15 | 6 | 27 |
| Designated Country | 2 | 15 | 6 | 23 |
| Non–Designated Country | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Independent Review Done | 6 | 15 | 0 | 21 |
(Note)
- The figures above represent the number of projects applying the Equator Principles which reached Financial Close in FY2018, FY2019 and FY2020 (the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 3 which were signed and the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 4 for which the conditions precedent were satisfied).
- The figures above represent the number of projects which were mandated until June 2020 applying the Equator Principles 3 and those mandated from July 2020 applying the Equator Principles 4.
- List of Designated Countries as defined by the Equator Principles Association is published on the Equator Principles Association website.
The Equator Principles Association Designated Countries list
- The figures above have been assured by KPMG AZSA Sustainability.
Project–Related Corporate Loan
| A | B | C | |
| Definition | Projects with potential significant adverse environmental and social risks and/or impacts that are diverse, irreversible or unprecedented. | Projects with potential limited adverse environmental and social risks and/or impacts that are few in number, generally site–specific, largely reversible and readily addressed through mitigation measures. | Projects with minimal or no adverse environmental and social risks and/or impacts. |
| FY2020 | 1 | 4 | 9 |
| FY2019 | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| FY2018 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
(Note)
- The figures above represent the number of projects applying the Equator Principles which reached Financial Close in FY2018, FY2019 and FY2020 (the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 3 which were signed and the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 4 for which the conditions precedent were satisfied).
- The figures above represent the number of projects which were mandated until June 2020 applying the Equator Principles 3 and those mandated from July 2020 applying the Equator Principles 4.
- The figures above have been assured by KPMG AZSA Sustainability.
By Sector (Number of projects)
| Sector | Category | Total | ||
| A | B | C | ||
| Oil/Gas | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Mining | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Infrastructure | 1 | 0 | 6 | 7 |
| Others | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Total | 1 | 4 | 9 | 14 |
| Sector | Category | Total | ||
| A | B | C | ||
| Oil/Gas | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Mining | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Power | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Infrastructure | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Others | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Total | 2 | 6 | 6 | 14 |
| Sector | Category | Total | ||
| A | B | C | ||
| Oil/Gas | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Mining | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Power | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Infrastructure | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Others | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Total | 2 | 3 | 4 | 9 |
(Note)
- The figures above represent the number of projects applying the Equator Principles which reached Financial Close in FY2018, FY2019 and FY2020 (the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 3 which were signed and the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 4 for which the conditions precedent were satisfied).
- The figures above represent the number of projects which were mandated until June 2020 applying the Equator Principles 3 and those mandated from July 2020 applying the Equator Principles 4.
- The figures above have been assured by KPMG AZSA Sustainability.
By Region, Country (Designated/ Non–designated), and Implementation of Independent Review by an Environmental and Social Consultant (Number of projects)
| Category | Total | |||
| A | B | C | ||
| Americas | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Asia Pacific | 1 | 2 | 9 | 12 |
| Europe/ Middle East/ Africa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 4 | 9 | 14 |
| Designated Country | 0 | 2 | 8 | 10 |
| Non–Designated Country | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Independent Review Done | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Category | Total | |||
| A | B | C | ||
| Americas | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Asia Pacific | 1 | 3 | 5 | 9 |
| Europe/ Middle East/ Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 2 | 6 | 6 | 14 |
| Designated Country | 0 | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Non–Designated Country | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| Independent Review Done | 2 | 4 | 1 | 7 |
| Category | Total | |||
| A | B | C | ||
| Americas | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Asia Pacific | 2 | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Europe/ Middle East/ Africa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 3 | 4 | 9 |
| Designated Country | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Non–Designated Country | 2 | 0 | 3 | 5 |
| Independent Review Done | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
(Note)
- The figures above represent the number of projects applying the Equator Principles which reached Financial Close in FY2018, FY2019 and FY2020 (the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 3 which were signed and the number of projects applying the Equator Principles 4 for which the conditions precedent were satisfied).
- The figures above represent the number of projects which were mandated until June 2020 applying the Equator Principles 3 and those mandated from July 2020 applying the Equator Principles 4.
- List of Designated Countries as defined by the Equator Principles Association is published on the Equator Principles Association website.
The Equator Principles Association Designated Countries list
- The figures above have been assured by KPMG AZSA Sustainability.
Project-Related Refinance and Project-Related Acquisition Finance
By Sector (Number of projects)
| Sector | Project-Related Refinance |
Project-Related Acquisition Finance |
| Oil/Gas | 0 | 0 |
| Mining | 0 | 0 |
| Power | 0 | 0 |
| Infrastructure | 0 | 0 |
| Others | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 |
(Note)
- In FY2020, there were no Project-Related Refinance and Project-Related Acquisition Finance projects to which the Equator Principles 4 were applied.
- The figures above have been assured by KPMG AZSA Sustainability.
By Region and Country (Designated/ Non–designated) (Number of projects)
| Project-Related Refinance |
Project-Related Acquisition Finance |
|
| Americas | 0 | 0 |
| Asia Pacific | 0 | 0 |
| Europe/ Middle East/ Africa | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 |
| Designated Country | 0 | 0 |
| Non-Designated Country | 0 | 0 |
(Note)
- In FY2020, there were no Project-Related Refinance and Project-Related Acquisition Finance projects to which the Equator Principles 4 were applied.
- List of Designated Countries as defined by the Equator Principles Association is published on the Equator Principles Association website.
The Equator Principles Association Designated Countries list
- The figures above have been assured by KPMG AZSA Sustainability.
Project Finance Advisory Services
| Sector | FY2018 | FY2019 | FY2020 |
| Oil/Gas | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Mining | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Power | 13 | 14 | 6 |
| Infrastructure | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Others | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 16 | 18 | 8 |
(Note)
- The figures above represent the number of projects for which Mizuho Bank had entered Project Finance Advisory Service contract in FY2018, FY2019 and FY2020.
- The figures above represent the number of projects which were mandated until June 2020 applying the Equator Principles 3 and those mandated from July 2020 applying the Equator Principles 4.
- The figures above have been assured by KPMG AZSA Sustainability.
| Region | FY2018 | FY2019 | FY2020 |
| Americas | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Asia Pacific | 15 | 17 | 7 |
| Europe/ Middle East/ Africa | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 16 | 18 | 8 |
(Note)
- The figures above represent the number of projects for which Mizuho Bank had entered Project Finance Advisory Service contract in FY2018, FY2019 and FY2020.
- The figures above represent the number of projects which were mandated until June 2020 applying the Equator Principles 3 and those mandated from July 2020 applying the Equator Principles 4.
- The figures above have been assured by KPMG AZSA Sustainability.
FY2020 KPMG AZSA Sustainability Independent Assurance Report (PDF/1,786KB)
FY2019 KPMG AZSA Sustainability Independent Assurance Report (PDF/1,772KB)
FY2018 KPMG AZSA Sustainability Independent Assurance Report (PDF/427KB)
Project Name Reporting Sample - Project Finance
| No. | Project Name (English) | Country |
| 1 | GLP ALFALINK Nagareyama 4 | Japan |
| 2 | GLP ALFALINK Nagareyama 5/6 | Japan |
| 3 | Murra Warra II Wind Farm | Australia |
| 4 | New Footscray Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria | Australia |
| 5 | Meghnaghat Combined Cycle Power Plant Project | Bangladesh |
| 6 | Coastal Gaslink Pipeline Project | Canada |
| 7 | Fecamp Offshore Wind Farm | France |
| 8 | Emerald | India |
| 9 | Jubail 3A IWP | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| 10 | Rabigh Solar PV IPP Project | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| 11 | Servicios Compresión de Gas Ca-Ku-A1, S.A.P.I de C.V. | Mexico |
| 12 | Area 1 Mozambique LNG Project | Mozambique |
| 13 | Al Kharsaa Solar PV IPP | Qatar |
| 14 | Dubai Waste Management Center Project | UAE |
| 15 | FUJAIRAH F3 IPP | UAE |
| 16 | Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 1 Projco Limited | UK |
| 17 | Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 2 Projco Limited | UK |
| 18 | Black Rock Wind | USA |
| 19 | CED Nevada Virginia Solar Portfolio | USA |
| 20 | CPV Three Rivers | USA |
| 21 | Double E Pipeline | USA |
| 22 | Hillcrest Solar | USA |
| 23 | LS Power Grid New York | USA |
| 24 | Mangilao Solar Project | USA |
| 25 | Mesquite Sky Wind | USA |
| 26 | Pasadena Performance Products, LLC | USA |
| 27 | Seaside LNG | USA |
| 28 | Terra-Gen Valley Center Battery Energy Storage Project | USA |
| 29 | TG East Wind Project | USA |
| 30 | Wapello Solar | USA |
| 31 | Whistler Pipeline | USA |
| 32 | DRU and PAT Project | USA / Canada |
Project Name Reporting Sample – Project-Related Corporate Loan
| No. | Project Name (English) | Country |
| 1 | Kyoto Project | Japan |
| 2 | Toyama Kyodo Jikahatsuden Co.,Ltd：Large-scale renovations for Miza・Kuzuyama hydroelectric power stations | Japan |
| 3 | CCGT Project Unit D2 | China (Hong Kong) |
| 4 | Energia Costa Azul Liquefaction | Mexico |
Utilization of Originally Developed Tools
The Equator Principles requires compliance with the IFC Performance Standards,the World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines and with the host country laws, regulations and permits. IFC Performance Standards comprises of 8 standards related to the development of an environmental and social risk management system by the client, consideration of biodiversity, indigenous peoples, and cultural heritage etc. On the other hand, the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines are technical guidance, and consists of two complementary sets which includes the General EHS Guidelines, that give guidance on common EHS issues potentially applicable to all industry sectors, and the sector specific EHS guidelines for 62 industry sectors. Mizuho Bank has its original "Environmental and Social Checklist by Sector," which reflects all the requirements under the above standards for the 35 sectors in which the Bank usually undertakes and expects business, including the Oil and Gas Development sector and the Thermal Power sector, so that environmental and social reviews based on the World Bank Group EHS Guidelines can be implemented quickly and comprehensively. In addition, sectors unique to Mizuho Bank such as Bioethanol, which are not covered by the EHS Guidelines, are also included.
Because the descriptions of the IFC Performance Standards and the World Bank Group EHS Guidelines are very technical and detailed the use of formatted checklists is an effective means for applying them to banking practices. The Environmental and Social Checklist by Sector is not only used for internal checking but also used in cases such as early identification of issues to be confirmed by the client or by the bank's environmental consulting company, before they prepare an assessment report.
Of its Environmental and Social Checklists, Mizuho Bank discloses Offshore Oil and Gas Development, Mining, and Thermal Power, as a reference for stakeholders.
Environmental and Social Checklist by Sector (Oil and Gas Development [Offshore]) (PDF/270KB)
Environmental and Social Checklist by Sector (Mining) (PDF/281KB)
Environmental and Social Checklist by Sector (Thermal Power) (PDF/269KB)
Pioneer Activities
Serving as the Secretariat Bank (2006 to 2008)
In November 2006, Mizuho Bank was designated as the Secretariat Bank for Equator Principles Financial Institutions. During Mizuho's tenure as the secretariat which lasted for 2 years until July 2008, we assumed duties such as supporting the potential Equator Principles adopters in the adoption process and served as the point of communication for external stakeholders and the public.
Presented with the Chairman's Award of the 2007 Sustainable Banking Awards
On June 7, 2007, Mizuho Bank, along with 10 other Equator Principles Financial Institutions, was awarded for showing outstanding leadership in actively coordinating the process of adopting the revised Equator Principles (issued in July 2006). The Sustainable Banking Awards were first awarded in 2006 by the Financial Times in association with the IFC. The FT Sustainable Banking Awards are designed to recognize banks that have shown innovation in integrating social, environmental and corporate governance objectives into their operations. In adopting the revised Equator Principles, the 11 award recipients played a significant role as working group members in drafting revised versions, building consensus among Equator Principles Financial Institutions and holding globally targeted consultations with major clients and environmental NGOs.
Leadership as a Member of the Steering Committee
Mizuho Bank is a member of the Equator Principles Association Steering Committee consisting of 10 banks worldwide. During the revision of the Equator Principles in 2013 and 2019, Mizuho Bank took part in various Task Forces such as scope expansion, information disclosure, and climate changes and contributed to finalizing the revised Equator Principles.
Mizuho Bank also participates together with other Equator Principles members in various working groups, such as Biodiversity, Social Risk, Capacity Building & Training, Scope, and Climate Change to help define policies and guidance for the larger group in these important areas of interest. From 2021, we have also assumed the role of the Lead of the EP4 Reference Working Group.
Management and Future Development of the Equator Principles Association
The Equator Principles Association Working Groups
Serving as the Chair Bank (2014 to 2015)
From May 2014, Mizuho Bank assumed the role of the Chair of the Equator Principles Association, and played a leadership role by leading the discussions and decisions affecting the operational policies and organizational management of the Association. At the annual meeting of the Association on October 28, 2014, Mizuho Bank led the other member institutions in discussions regarding climate change, biodiversity, the protection of human rights, capacity building and training among the Association members.
Outreach Activities for the Equator Principles in Asia
Presence of Asian banks in the world has been increasing with the economic growth. For example, Chinese banks have greatly increased their global influence. In addition, recently, commercial banks in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia have put their importance on the overseas project finance transactions. However, the number of Asian financial institutions who have adopted the Equator Principles (9 from Japan, 7 from China, 8 from Taiwan, 3 from Korea, 2 from Singapore and 1 from India) is still very small compared to those in Europe and Americas.
Under the circumstance where the number of Asian financial institutions who are anticipated to adapt the Principles expects to increase, Mizuho Bank, as a Regional Representative of the Equator Principles Association in Asia–Oceania region, has been proactively conducting meetings in collaboration with multilateral institutions such as IFC, to enhance the understanding of the Equator Principles requirements among financial institutions in Asia. Mizuho Bank has also been actively engaging with stakeholders including non–financial institutions by holding several outreach seminars in the region.
Trainees Accepted from Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. of China
During the period from June 23 to the end of July 2009, Mizuho Bank accepted two trainees from Industrial Bank Co., Ltd., which was the first Chinese bank to adopt the Equator Principles. During their training the trainees received an opportunity to learn about the implementation of the Equator Principles together with practical case studies.
Seminar presented to Vietnamese Delegation
In November 2013, Mizuho Bank, in cooperation with IFC, hosted a seminar about the Equator Principles to a Vietnamese Delegation which included participants from Ministry of Environment of Vietnam, Central Bank of Vietnam, and major commercial banks in Vietnam. Other Equator Principles Financial Institutions from Europe, the Americas and Asia also attended the seminar as presenters. The seminar focused on sharing the experiences and challenges of implementing environmental and social risk management to provide in–depth view of the Equator Principles to the participants. The Equator Principles Financial Institutions mainly discussed various case studies with the delegation and facilitated further discussion and Q&A.
Trainees Accepted from Cathay United Bank Co., Ltd. of Taiwan
During the period from May 27 to June 5, 2015, Mizuho Bank accepted two trainees from Cathay United Bank Co., Ltd., which is the first Taiwanese bank to adopt the Equator Principles. During their training the trainees received an opportunity to learn about the implementation of the Equator Principles together with practical case studies.
Publication of a book on "Implementation Guidelines for the Equator Principles"
Mizuho Bank together with MUFG Bank (formerly Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ) and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation published a book on implementation guidelines for the Equator Principles on March 15, 2016. This book not only covers the details of all the ten constituent principles of the Equator Principles framework and their practical implementation by the author banks, but it also provides details on some of the prominent environmental and social risk management guidelines other than the Equator Principles that are commonly referred by the financial institutions. Mizuho Bank believes that the publication of this book will help promote awareness regarding the Equator Principles and other significant environmental and social risk management guidelines and frameworks and will enhance knowledge sharing among the various industries and financial institutions in Japan.
Presentation at the Chiba University of Commerce Open Symposium
Mizuho Bank was invited to make a presentation and participate in a panel discussion at the Open Symposium of the Chiba University of Commerce (1st round was held in February 2016, with the 2nd and 3rd round held in June 2016, and in December 2016 respectively). Mizuho Bank participated in this symposium together with MUFG Bank (formerly Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, AECOM (as a consultant) and other stakeholders, such as members from academic society, financial institutions, and NGOs. President Sachihiko Harashina of Chiba University of Commerce was the moderator.
Seminar for the ASEAN Bankers Association
On November 1, 2016, Mizuho Bank organized a seminar about the renewable energy market and the Equator Principles for members of the ASEAN Bankers Association during their study tour in Japan. The seminar was attended by 22 members of the Association, representing banks from Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Laos.
Trainees Accepted from The Norinchukin Bank
Mizuho Bank hosted 2 batches of five and three trainees from The Norinchukin Bank on December 20, 2016 and January 23, 2017 respectively. The Norinchukin Bank became the fifth Japanese bank to adopt the Equator Principles. During their training the trainees received an opportunity to learn about the implementation of the Equator Principles together with practical case studies.
Trainees Accepted from The Korea Development Bank
During the period from May 29 to June 2, 2017, Mizuho Bank accepted two trainees from the Korea Development Bank, which is the first Korean bank to adopt the Equator Principles. During their training the trainees received an opportunity to learn about the implementation of the Equator Principles together with practical case studies.
Sustainable Finance Seminar for the Association of Banks in Cambodia
In November 2018, Mizuho Bank held a Sustainable Finance Seminar for the Association of Banks in Cambodia, the National Bank of Cambodia, the Ministry of Environment, private sector banks, and other parties. The goal of the seminar was to introduce Mizuho's progressive initiatives to contribute to the sustainable development of society. Mizuho Bank presented on Mizuho's environmental and social policies and on the Equator Principles, a financial industry benchmark for determining, assessing, and managing environmental and social risk in projects.
Trainees Accepted from Nippon Life Insurance Company
In February 2019, Mizuho Bank accepted four trainees from Nippon Life Insurance Company, which became the first Asian insurance company to adopt the Equator Principles. During their training, the trainees received an opportunity to learn about the implementation of the Equator Principles together with practical case studies.
Trainees Accepted from Shinhan Bank
During the period from August 19 to 21, 2019, Mizuho Bank accepted three trainees from Shinhan Bank, which is the second Korean bank to adopt the Equator Principles. During their training, the trainees received an opportunity to learn about the implementation of the Equator Principles together with practical case studies.
Seminar for Japan Society for Impact Assessment (JSIA)
On March 26, 2021, Mizuho Bank organized a seminar about the Equator Principles 4, at the Japan Society for Impact Assessment (JSIA)’s regular meeting.
Seminars held for Stakeholders
Mizuho Bank has been promoting the understanding of the Equator Principles by conducting several outreach events such as proactively holding seminars not only for private financial institutions but also for other stakeholders, including government organizations and private businesses, both in Japan and overseas. More than 1,300 participants attended such promotional events undertaken by Mizuho Bank in fiscal years 2016 to 2020.
| Fiscal Year | Country/Region | Participants | Number of Participants |
| 2020 | Japan | Private financial institutions, private businesses, university professors/students | 48 |
| 2019 | Japan | Private financial institutions, private businesses, university professors/students | 39 |
| China | Private financial institutions | 40 | |
| Saudi Arabia | Students | 2 | |
| South Korea | Private financial institutions | 3 | |
| 2018 | Japan | Private financial institutions, university professors/students | 12 |
| 35 countries from China and others | Incorporated administrative agency, international development financial institutions, private financial institutions, financial authorities, university professors/students | 120 | |
| Cambodia | Government, private financial institutions, financial authorities | 15 | |
| Indonesia | Government organizations, Incorporated administrative agency, private financial institutions | 26 | |
| Saudi Arabia | Students | 2 | |
| 2017 | Japan | Incorporated administrative agency, private financial institutions, university professors/students | 455 |
| 2016 | Japan | Government organizations, incorporated administrative agencies, international development financial institutions, private financial institutions, private businesses, environmental and social/technical consultants, certification organizations, private analysis institutions, university professors/students, and NGOs | 106 |
| 30 countries from Asia, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa,such as Indonesia, China, Singapore and more | Financial and environmental authorities, and private financial institutions | 250 | |
| Philippines | Government organizations, central bank, international development financial institutions, private financial institutions, NGOs, and environmental and social consultants | 41 | |
| Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Laos | Governmental financial institutions and private financial institutions | 22 | |
| Singapore | Government organizations, private financial institutions, NGOs, research and analysis institutions, and investors | 130 |
(Note)
- The number of participants above include approximate numbers.
In fiscal year 2016 and 2017, 1 officer belonging to the Sustainable Development Office, Mizuho Bank participated in the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)'s "Advisory Committee for Environmental and Social Considerations". The Advisory Committee provides necessary advice on the Category A and as appropriate Category B projects which has significant environmental and social impacts.
Internal Training Sessions for Employees
Mizuho Bank conducts regular training sessions for its employees on environmental and social risks assessment and Equator Principles requirements involved in large–scale project financing. In fiscal years 2016 to 2020 these training sessions were attended by more than 8,900 employees.
| Fiscal Year | Country/Region | Number of Participants |
| 2020 | Japan | 3,478 |
| Hong Kong | 253 | |
| Singapore | 583 | |
| Australia | 71 | |
| Vietnam | 92 | |
| Thailand | 144 | |
| Indonesia | 95 | |
| Malaysia | 31 | |
| South Korea | 82 | |
| Myanmar | 21 | |
| United States | 150 | |
| Canada | 28 | |
| United Kingdom | 276 | |
| UAE | 20 | |
| Germany | 64 | |
| Italy | 10 | |
| France | 29 | |
| Netherlands | 16 | |
| Spain | 3 | |
| Belgium | 6 | |
| Russia | 33 | |
| Austria | 4 | |
| Mexico | 11 | |
| Philippines | 22 | |
| Brazil | 33 | |
| India | 170 | |
| Taiwan | 105 | |
| China | 682 | |
| 2019 | Japan | 19 |
| China | 17 | |
| Singapore | 14 | |
| 2018 | Japan | 81 |
| China | 6 | |
| Indonesia | 20 | |
| Singapore | 4 | |
| Thailand | 30 | |
| Vietnam | 15 | |
| United States | 51 | |
| Russia | 20 | |
| 2017 | Japan | 1,823 |
| Indonesia | 29 | |
| Malaysia | 22 | |
| Singapore | 80 | |
| Thailand | 15 | |
| Vietnam | 26 | |
| United States | 25 | |
| Brazil | 10 | |
| 2016 | Japan | 19 |
| Australia | 11 | |
| Singapore | 42 | |
| Philippines | 22 | |
| United Kingdom | 39 |
(Note)
- The number of participants above include approximate numbers.