Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (“SMFG”) and eight group companies (*1) (President and Group CEO: Toru Nakashima; the corporate group will hereinafter be referred to as “SMBC Group”) received “Gold,” the highest award of the PRIDE Index 2024. The index is organized by work with Pride (General Incorporated Association). This is the sixth consecutive year for SMFG and the group companies to jointly receive the award as SMBC Group.

SMBC Group established the Diversity, Equity ＆ Inclusion Statement as the basic policy for promoting Diversity, Equity ＆ Inclusion ( “DE＆I”）as part of Group-wide efforts to create a work environment in which employees coming from diverse backgrounds respect each other and enjoy professional growth by leveraging their talents and individuality.

As part of such efforts, we have set up an external consultation desks to respond to various work-related consultations involving gender identity and sexual orientation. We also collaborate with other financial groups to address LGBTQ-related issues in a manner that transcends organizational boundaries. For example, by holding events aimed at creating a society and fostering a corporate culture in which each individual is equally valued. In addition, each SMBC Group company extends in-house employee benefits and welfare rules for same-sex partners.

DE＆I remains a key pillar of SMBC Group's growth strategy as we seek to create a work environment in which all employees can display their talents and reach their full potential. Through such efforts we hope to provide even greater value-added services to our customers.

[Recent efforts]

⚫ During Pride Month (*2) in June 2024, we communicated internal corporate information regarding “sexual diversity” to all the SMBC Group companies. By clarifying the location of the Harassment Prevention Guideline, the Same-Sex Partner Registration Guidebook, and the consultations desks we aim to organize information in a manner which allows for the information to be easily accessed by employees requiring such information. Through such efforts, we will realize the SMBC Group Talent Policy: “Realizing the workplace and teams where diverse professional talents aim high and feel rewarded.”  

⚫ SMBC Group has been a Co-sponsor of Tokyo Rainbow Pride, one of the largest LGBTQ events in Asia, since 2019. 2024 marks the third year of collaborations with other financial groups that commenced as a result of Tokyo Rainbow Pride. We will work with our partners to expand efforts to create social value to all parts of society, not only through study seminars and events, but also through the continuation of donations to initiatives that contribute to the resolution of social issues.

(*1) Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; SMBC Trust Bank Ltd.; Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Leasing Company, Limited; SMBC Nikko Securities Inc.; Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co., Ltd.; SMBC Consumer Finance Co., Ltd.; The Japan Research Institute, Limited.; and Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company, Limited

(*2) A month in which activities to raise awareness of LGBTQ rights are held around the world.