By Nancy Frohman and Carrie Johnson
30 September 2004

The Equator Principles are a voluntary set of guidelines developed by banks for managing social & environmental issues related to the financing of development projects. The principles have already been adopted by 27 financial institutions around the world, many of which have offices in Singapore. These financial institutions will apply the principles globally and to project financings in all industry sectors, including mining, oil and gas, and forestry.

The Equator Principles are based on the policies and guidelines of the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC). In adopting the Equator Principles, a bank undertakes to provide loans only to those projects whose sponsors can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the bank their ability and willingness to comply with comprehensive processes aimed at ensuring that projects are developed in a socially responsible manner and according to sound environmental management practices.

Equator Principles & Singapore
With Singapore being the financial hub of SE Asia, the Equator Principles are of great relevance to financial institutions, project financiers and project developers locally. Already some banks based in Singapore have signed up to the Equator Principles, and we would expect to see this trend continue.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Nancy Frohman has almost 20 years experience in banking, finance and credit and investment analysis with financial institutions in New York, Jakarta and Singapore. She has significant experience managing teams and businesses which perform project financing, with an eye toward business sustainability, proper funds management/use and related corporate business practices. Nancy is now applying the skills she learned in the course of her corporate career to training, coaching, motivating and consulting for both individuals and business in the areas of CSR, ethical investing and general business practices.

Nancy is currently co-chair of the UNIFEM advisory committee for the UOB UNIFEM Ethical Investment Fund, Chair of the Corporate Citizenship and Deputy Chair of Cultural Affairs Committees for the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, and coordinator of the Work/Life Balance Initiatives for the Singapore Council of Women's Organizations (SCWO). She has an MBA in International Finance (with Honours) from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) and a BA (cumlaude) from Duke University.

Carrie Johnson has 12 years experience in the environmental field, conducting environmental assessments and advising on strategies to minimise environmental impacts, whilst maximising profits. She has worked with both private and Governmental agencies on a range of environmental, sustainable development and corporate social responsibility related issues.

Carrie's first degree is in Geography from Cambridge University (UK) and she has a Master's Degree (with Distinction) in Environmental Management from Imperial College, London. She is currently one of the judges for the ACCA Singapore Environmental Reporting Awards and co-authored the ASrIA report on the potential for Socially Responsible Investments in Singapore.

Last updated on 25 Jun 08

ENQUIRIES:
Please call 67319208 or email nea_seicustomer@nea.gov.sg