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
IFF Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results3.11.2026 22:30:00 CET | Press release
Delivered Strong Sales, Profit and Cash Flow Performance in Third Quarter 2026Raising Low-End of Full Year 2026 Financial Guidance RangesRecently Completed $500M Share Repurchase AuthorizationFood Ingredients Divestiture Progressing Well and On Track to Close by End of Second Quarter 2027 IFF (NYSE: IFF) reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. Results are presented on a continuing operations basis, excluding the Food Ingredients business and other minor perimeter adjustments (the “Food Ingredients disposal group”), and the Soy Crush, Concentrates, and Lecithin businesses (the “SCL disposal group”). The Food Ingredients disposal group and the SCL disposal group are reported as discontinued operations. Management Commentary “IFF delivered a solid third quarter, with improved sales and profitability across all divisions,” said Erik Fyrwald, CEO of IFF. “Taste and Scent delivered strong top- and bottom-line results, and Health & Biosciences improved modes
2026–2027 World Branding Awards Honours Global “Brand of the Year” Winners at Hampton Court Palace3.11.2026 21:00:00 CET | Press release
The World Branding Awards returned to honour the brands that continue to set the benchmark for excellence. The 2026–2027 World Branding Awards Ceremony took place at the iconic Hampton Court Palace, marking the 21st edition of the awards. Set within the grandeur of a historic venue, the prestigious event brought together guests from across the globe for a memorable celebration. The evening was hosted by the acclaimed BBC presenter, Hannah Gray, and was further enriched by a keynote presentation from renowned speaker Adrian Webster. Earning a World Branding Awards remains a highly distinguished achievement. Winners are determined through a rigorous evaluation process encompassing brand valuation, consumer market research, and public online voting. This year, over 105,000 consumers took part in the voting process, and more than 2,000 brands from 62 countries were nominated. Of these, less than 10 brands from each country were declared the “Brand of the Year” across the Global, Regional,
Gencom Acquires Rosewood London, Expanding Its Footprint With Its First Luxury Hotel Acquisition in Europe3.11.2026 19:05:00 CET | Press release
Located in one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality corridors, the acquisition of the 308-key hotel represents a major milestone in the firm’s international growth. Gencom, a U.S.-based investment firm that owns and develops prized real estate around the world, announces the acquisition of Rosewood London, the landmark 308-key luxury hotel situated at 252 High Holborn in Central London. The acquisition strengthens Gencom’s global hospitality investment platform and expands its presence in Europe through its first luxury hotel asset in London. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261103137897/en/ Gencom, a U.S.-based investment firm that owns and develops prized real estate around the world, announces the acquisition of Rosewood London in Central London London is one of the world’s most supply-constrained hospitality markets, supported by year-round demand from both leisure and business travelers. The acquisi
SGCA Honours Communication Excellence Across Asia, Europe and the Arab World3.11.2026 16:52:00 CET | Press release
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, honoured winners of the 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA), organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261103972039/en/ SGCA honours communication excellence across Asia, Europe and the Arab world (Photo: AETOSWire) Winners represented China, India, Thailand, Ukraine and the Arab world. Some 433 entries from 31 countries across four continents passed initial screening. The award covered 23 categories across five sectors, including six partner awards. His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, highlighted the award’s growth under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, noting that it had attracted more than 9,500 entries over five year
BioLife to Showcase Oral Peptide Delivery Technology During London Life Sciences Week3.11.2026 16:03:00 CET | Press release
Company to highlight granted patent portfolio, preclinical semaglutide data and potential applications across future peptide medicines at LSX Investival BioLife Products Limited today announced its participation in London Life Sciences Week, where it will highlight its patented oral peptide delivery technology and recent advances in its intellectual property portfolio. BioLife will present at the LSX Investival Showcase on Monday, November 16, 2026, from 3:15 to 3:30 p.m. GMT, at Old Billingsgate, London. The presentation will be led by Former US Ambassador James P. Cain, Strategic Advisor to the Chairman & Founder, alongside Ludivine Delattre, Business and Corporate Relations, and will highlight the scientific journey behind the technology and its potential applications. BioLife is focused on developing a novel approach to delivering peptide therapeutics orally. Built on over 35 years of pharmaceutical effervescence expertise and two decades of oral peptide research by founder and inv
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