ANT-GROUP
13.6.2024 06:45:32 CEST | Business Wire | Press release
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/
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
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
Dominican Republic Drives Modernization of Electronic Passports Under the Leadership of the Thales - MIDAS Consortium25.3.2026 23:22:00 CET | Press release
The General Directorate of Passports, together with the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, are leading the transformation of the country’s passport issuance system with a new, secure, efficient document aligned with international standards.In 2025, the Thales-MIDAS consortium was awarded the contract to develop, issue, and personalize a modern, secure, and highly reliable travel document for Dominican citizens, incorporating additional cybersecurity measures. The Presidency of the Dominican Republic, through the General Directorate of Passports, issued the country’s first electronic passport as part of its strategy to modernize and strengthen national security. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260324368065/en/ Passport of the Dominican Republic The new document was developed in partnership with Thales, world leader in advanced technologies for the Defense, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, and Digital sectors, and M
3D Systems Achieves Full-Scope EU MDR Certification, Accelerating European Launch of NextDent® Jetted Denture Solution Targeted for Summer 202625.3.2026 17:20:00 CET | Press release
Certification Marks Major Milestone in Strategic Dental Growth Initiative Addressing Straightening, Protection, Repair and Replacement of Teeth 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) today announced it has received full-scope certification under the European Union Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR) 2017/745. The certification was attained on Monday, March 16, 2026. This milestone confirms that the Company’s quality system, technical documentation, and clinical evidence meet the most rigorous regulatory requirements in the medical device sector. With the MDR certificate in hand, 3D Systems will now introduce MDR-compliant product versions through a carefully coordinated, phased rollout across its dental product families and European markets. This approach ensures a smooth transition while maintaining uninterrupted product availability for customers and healthcare providers. The EU MDR certification immediately enables the introduction of innovative new materials and is a pivotal step for one of 3D Syst
Visa to Bring Privacy-Preserving Payments to Canton Network25.3.2026 17:00:00 CET | Press release
Visa is the first payments company selected to become a Super Validator on the Canton Network, where it will help banks and financial institutions bring new payment flows onchain Visa (NYSE:V), a global leader in digital payments, today announced it will join the Canton Network as the first major global payments company to serve as a Super Validator, to help extend privacy‑preserving blockchain infrastructure to banks and financial institutions around the world. Visa will be one of 40 Super Validators on Canton. That move goes straight to a core challenge for financial institutions: the same transparency that gives blockchains their appeal can clash with privacy expectations financial institutions operate under. Canton Network, a blockchain built for regulated finance, has privacy built in from the beginning, so organizations can use shared infrastructure without exposing sensitive information. As a Super Validator, Visa will help clients who choose to run and secure operations on the
ECU Worldwide Unveils XLERATE 2.0 Expansion to Bypass Asia–Europe Supply Chain Disruptions25.3.2026 14:30:00 CET | Press release
Strategic LAX gateway enables faster, predictable cargo movement through a reimagined sea–air logistics model ECU Worldwide, Allcargo Globals’ wholly-owned global subsidiary, has announced a strategic expansion of its transformative logistics solution, XLERATE 2.0, to provide a high-speed and resilient alternative to Asia-to-Europe trade lanes facing transit disruptions. Under this alternative routing, cargo is transported across the Pacific to the US West Coast, using Los Angeles (LAX) as a temporary hub. The solution leverages XLERATE 2.0’s premium, time-definite ocean services, ensuring greater transit agility and continuity. XLERATE 2.0 offers two distinct shipping solutions from China and Vietnam, providing shippers with flexibility as traditional trade arteries remain impacted by shifts in global logistics. These changes have led to reduced overall capacity and the disruption of standard sea–air services via conventional transit points. Commenting on the rollout, Simon Bajada, Re
Incyte Announces Executive Leadership Appointments25.3.2026 14:00:00 CET | Press release
Incyte (NASDAQ:INCY) today announced appointments among its executive leadership team to support the Company’s strategic focus and long-term growth plans. Pablo J. Cagnoni, M.D., has been appointed President, Incyte and Global Head of Research and Development. In this role, Dr. Cagnoni will retain responsibility for Research and Development, while also supporting enterprise-wide strategic planning and operational execution. Under Dr. Cagnoni’s scientific leadership, Incyte’s R&D progress has been notable, including advancing our mutCALR antibody, povorcitinib, CDK2, KRASG12D and TGFßR2xPD1 programs. Dr. Cagnoni has also continued to strengthen the way Incyte conducts R&D, introducing a new structure, processes and new technologies to improve productivity and keep Incyte competitive. Steven Stein, M.D., has been appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Late-stage Development. In this role, Dr. Stein will continue to oversee Incyte’s extensive and growing lat
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