Business Wire

ANT-GROUP

13.6.2024 06:45:32 CEST | Business Wire | Press release

Share
Ant Group Releases 2023 Sustainability Report: Expanding Investment in Technology Reflects Firm Commitment to AI and Digital Inclusion

Ant Group (or “the Company”) today released its 2023 Sustainability Report, showcasing the Company’s significant progress since the introduction of its ESG strategy in 2022 and demonstrating its commitment to transparency and to its sustainable business practices.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240612743798/en/

To view this piece of content from mms.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.

Technological Innovation (Graphic: Business Wire)

The report highlights noteworthy advancements across key areas, underpinned by four core pillars: Technological Innovation, Digital Inclusion, Green and Low-Carbon Development, and Open Ecosystem.

“Looking ahead, we are constantly reflecting on how to stay true to our original aspirations in this era of rapid change, continuously bringing about more small yet beautiful changes to the world,” said Eric Jing, Chairman & CEO of Ant Group. “Since our journey started from Alipay’s inception in 2004, technology-driven innovation has always been the fundamental force propelling our growth. It will play an even greater role in shaping our future.”

Technological Innovation

To drive innovation for consumers, small and micro-sized enterprises (SMEs) and partners, Ant Group has increased its investment in technology R&D for three consecutive years, reaching a record high of RMB 21.19 billion yuan (~ 2.92 billion USD) in 2023. Ant Group’s BaiLing Foundation Model, which was approved to serve the Chinese public in 2023, has been powering AI assistants that make it easier for users to access various life services on the Alipay platform, from smart life assistant, to smart healthcare manager and smart financial manager.

Digital Inclusion

By leveraging digital payment and finance innovation, Ant Group, together with its associate MYbank, have served more than 87 million SMEs as of 2023.

On the Alipay platform, thousands of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) have developed more than 700 digital solutions for 4.27 million merchants, enabling them to seize more business opportunities through digital operations. In 2023, the annual transaction volume of merchant operated Alipay mini-programs grew by 68% year-on-year.

Green and Low-Carbon Development

By the end of 2023, Ant Group had achieved operation-wide carbon neutrality for three consecutive years, with a 43.19% reduction in absolute Scope 1 & 2 emissions compared to the 2020 baseline year. In accordance with standards such as the "Greenhouse Gas Protocol: Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standards" and the "Global Financial Industry Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Reporting Standards," Ant Group conducted the Company’s first comprehensive accounting for Scope 3 carbon emissions in 2023, covering 11 categories related to activities along Ant Group's value chain, which provides a scientific basis for further emission reduction initiatives.

Since its launch in 2016, Alipay Ant Forest has encouraged more than 690 million users to make everyday low-carbon choices. As a result, 475 million trees have been planted by local partners with financial support from the Company.

Open Ecosystem

To better connect travelers with merchants and facilitate cross-border commerce, more than 25 leading e-wallets and banking apps have adopted Alipay+, a suite of cross-border digital payment and digitalization technology solutions. Alipay+ enables their users to pay and travel like locals, bringing international businesses to over 88 million merchants worldwide. In addition, with its one World Account, WorldFirst has served one million SME traders to pay, connect, and manage money globally.

The 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion program has provided exchange and learning opportunities for 6,243 certified learners from over 100 countries and regions, of whom nearly half are women participants.

Ant Group, after establishing 19 sustainability issues with 3-year OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and plans in 2022, has upgraded its governance and incentive system in line with global best practices. This includes linking senior management’s remuneration to the Company’s risk management and sustainability performance metrics.

In 2023, Ant Group used relevant Sustainability Accounting Standards Board(SASB) industry standards as a guiding reference for its sustainability reporting for the first time. Ant Group also bolstered its climate-related disclosures with reference to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) requirements, including detailing how its executives and senior management tackle climate-related decisions as well as the establishment of an early warning platform to monitor extreme weather's impact on business operations.

Note: All figures are as of December 31, 2023 unless otherwise specified. The 2023 Sustainability Report is available in Chinese. The English-language version will be available on Ant Group’s official website soon.

About Ant Group

Ant Group aims to build the infrastructure and platforms to support the digital transformation of the service industry. Through continuous innovation, we strive to provide all consumers and small and micro businesses equal access to digital financial and other daily life services that are convenient, sustainable and inclusive.

For more information, please visit our website at www.antgroup.com or follow us on Twitter @AntGroup.

To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240612743798/en/

About Business Wire

Business Wire
Business Wire
101 California Street, 20th Floor
CA 94111 San Francisco

http://businesswire.com
DK

Subscribe to releases from Business Wire

Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Latest releases from Business Wire

Transition Industries Signs Definitive EPC Agreement with Siemens Energy and Techint E&C for Pacifico Mexinol’s 210 MW Electrolyzer Facility28.10.2026 19:36:00 CET | Press release

Definitive agreement advances delivery of the electrolyzer facility supplying renewable hydrogen for ultra-low-carbon methanol production in Sinaloa, Mexico Transition Industries LLC today announced that it has signed a definitive Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreement with Siemens Energy and Techint Engineering & Construction (“Techint E&C”) for the approximately 210 MW electrolyzer facility at its Pacifico Mexinol project in Sinaloa, Mexico. The agreement is subject to customary conditions precedent, including the completion of project financing. The signing builds on the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) contract announced in August 2025 and represents an important milestone in advancing the project’s renewable hydrogen production infrastructure from engineering toward construction. The facility will incorporate Siemens Energy’s Elyzer P-300 electrolyzer technology and produce renewable hydrogen to support the production of renewable fuels of non-biological orig

Belkin Introduces Infinity Folio for iPad mini, Available Now28.10.2026 19:21:00 CET | Press release

With a precision-engineered hinge that allows flexible viewing angles, all-around drop protection, and a frosted translucent back panel, Infinity Folio is the perfect companion for iPad mini from day one Belkin, a global leader in consumer electronics accessories trusted by more than 1 billion customers worldwide, today introduced Infinity Folio, a beautifully crafted protective case exclusively designed for iPad mini. The Infinity Folio is engineered to protect without compromise. A thin, lightweight and translucent back lets the new iPad mini design shine through with 360° of protection against drops of up to 2 meters*. The ingeniously engineered detachable cover transforms into a stand with multiple viewing angles. Whether it's streaming a favorite show, joining a video call, or reading an exciting book, Infinity Folio adapts to every moment. Designed specifically for iPad mini, Infinity Folio is available at launch through Apple stores and online in select markets worldwide, with a

DEWA Signs Three Agreements With Global Partners During WETEX 202628.10.2026 15:50:00 CET | Press release

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) signed three agreements with leading global entities during the 28th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2026). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261028187355/en/ DEWA signs three agreements with global partners during WETEX 2026 (Photo: AETOSWire) In the presence of HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD&CEO of DEWA, the agreements were signed by Hussain Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission Power at DEWA, and concluded through Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA. Al Tayer said: “We are committed to strengthening our strategic partnerships with leading global organisations and leveraging the latest technologies, solutions and best practices. This enables us to enhance the efficiency, resilience and future-readiness of our critical infrastructure, while keeping pace with advancements in cyber security, digital tra

Ras Al Khaimah Signs Landmark Friendship Agreement & 10 MoUs during Historic High-Level Tour of South China28.10.2026 14:48:00 CET | Press release

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witnesses the signing of a historic agreement between Ras Al Khaimah and Fujian Province, China, concluding a six-day China visit. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261028878989/en/ His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement between Ras Al Khaimah and Fujian Province, alongside 10 Memoranda of Understanding between entities from the Emirate and their Chinese counterparts, reflecting a shared commitment to broadening cooperation and translating longstanding relations into meaningful opportunities for the future. (Photo: AETOSWire) Signed in Fuzhou, the agreement establishes a framework for strengthening economic, maritime and cultural ties, including cooperation in green supply chains, port logistics, sustainabl

Media Release: Further Up – Allianz Reaches Highest-Ever Brand Value of $30.7 Billion28.10.2026 14:08:00 CET | Press release

Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2026 ranking: For the eighth consecutive year, Allianz is the world’s most valuable insurance brand and now ranks No. 26 among all brands.Financial performance and continuous brand management underpin brand strength, reflected in a record first-half 2026 operating profit.In 2026 Allianz helped deliver safe Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina, established a partnership with tennis player Jannik Sinner and founded the Allianz School for Life to foster financial literacy. A steady climb to a new high: For the eighth consecutive year, Allianz is the world’s most valuable insurance brand and has reached a record $30.7 billion in brand value, lifting it one place to No. 26 in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2026 ranking. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261028268225/en/ #1 Global Insurance Brand This 9% increase on 2025 further narrows the gap to the world’s most valu

In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.

Visit our pressroom
World GlobeA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.HiddenA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.Eye