Aozora Bank : Announces Expansion of ESG Support Framework

November 1, 2023

Aozora Bank, Ltd.

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Aozora Announces Expansion of ESG Support Framework

TOKYO November 1, 2023 ― Aozora Bank, Ltd. (President and CEO: Kei Tanikawa; Head

Office: Tokyo) ('Aozora' or 'the Bank') today announced the expansion of "Aozora's ESG Support Framework," which was established in June 2022.

"Aozora's ESG Support Framework" is a build-up type of framework where the Bank provides both financial and non-financial solutions to support customers' initiatives to address environmental, social and governance issues by leveraging the Aozora Group's services and network. This framework is now being expanded in the following two ways:

1. Launch of "environmental credit trading service"

"Environmental credit trading service" has been launched in collaboration with enechain Corporation (Founder and CEO: Ryo Nozawa; Head Office: Tokyo), an operator of the environmental credit trading marketplace Japan Climate Exchange ('JCEX'). For customers who intend to purchase environmental credits towards becoming carbon neutral or sell environmental credits they have generated, Aozora provides opportunities to trade environmental credits through JCEX as well as transaction support through effective use of JCEX's market data service.

2. Launch of "supply chain GX business"

"Supply chain GX business" has been launched in collaboration with Kanematsu Corporation (President: Yoshiya Miyabe; Head Office: Tokyo). Through a supply chain-focused decarbonization menu that is unique to this trading company, Aozora supports customers in reducing CO2 emissions associated with the process from purchasing raw materials and parts to selling products, and provides added value to their businesses.

The framework expansion described above, coupled with "visualizing CO2 emissions" and "J- Credit generation/purchase services" already in place, allows Aozora to provide one-stop solutions tailored to customer needs depending on the progress that has been made on their decarbonization and climate change initiatives.

In order to "actively contribute to the sustainable growth of society" as outlined in its Management Philosophy's Key Priorities, the Aozora Group strives to incorporate sustainability into all of its financial services and activities as a business entity as well as promote initiatives while working closely with senior management.