Shiga Bank Launches Japan's First ESG Finance Setting Three Environmental Factors as KPIs
Shiga Bank, in collaboration with Shiga Prefecture, has launched 'Shiga Tri-Link Loan,' Japan's first ESG finance product that sets three environmental factors—Carbon Neutrality, Nature Positive, and Circular Economy—as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This initiative aims to support environmental activities of regional businesses and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 01:13
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Shiga Bank announced today, April 30th (Thursday), the launch of its ESG finance product, 'Shiga Tri-Link Loan' (hereinafter, 'this loan'), in collaboration with Shiga Prefecture.
Under a comprehensive partnership agreement with Shiga Prefecture, this loan aims to expand the scope of environmental activities and enhance the sophistication of initiatives by customers with business establishments in Shiga Prefecture, providing administrative and financial support.
By fostering collaboration among Shiga Prefecture, Shiga Bank, and businesses, the initiative seeks to achieve 'Sanpo Yoshi' (good for all three parties) for the local community, environment, and businesses.
Eligible for this loan are companies based in Shiga Prefecture that have obtained certification under the 'Shiga Biodiversity Initiative Certification System,' a unique program of Shiga Prefecture.
This loan product features a mechanism where financing conditions fluctuate based on the achievement status of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) set for goals contributing to the three elements: 'Carbon Neutrality,' 'Nature Positive,' and 'Circular Economy.'
Notably, ESG finance combining these three elements is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Japan.
The finance framework for this loan has received a third-party evaluation, 'ESG Financial Evaluation "Sustainable SEEDS"' from Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I), confirming its contribution to the realization of a sustainable society, based on best practices and market standards for ESG finance.
Under its purpose of 'making the region happy through Sanpo Yoshi,' the Shiga Bank Group is working on its 8th Medium-Term Management Plan as an engine for a 'virtuous cycle that makes the region happy.'
This initiative is based on 'Impact Design,' one of our basic strategies.
The Shiga Bank Group will continue to design the growth of its customers and the region through ESG finance, contributing to the creation of impact towards the realization of a sustainable society.
Click here for the Shiga Tri-Link Loan Finance Framework.
Click here for R&I's evaluation report.
1. Overview of This Loan
Overview of Shiga Tri-Link Loan
Eligible Companies
Corporations with business establishments in Shiga Prefecture.
Basic Conditions
Loan Amount: 50 million yen or more
Loan Period: 3 years or more
Applicable Interest Rate: Individually determined according to the bank's prescribed guidelines
Purpose of Funds: Business funds (working capital, equipment funds)
Prerequisites
Obtainment of 'Shiga Biodiversity Initiative Certification.'
Setting of Indicators and Targets
Set one or more from the following categories:
・Carbon Neutrality
・Nature Positive
・Circular Economy
*Refer to the finance framework for specific indicators and target levels.
Reporting
Report actual indicator values to Shiga Bank and Shiga Prefecture once a year.
Upon Target Achievement
Interest rates will be progressively reduced according to the achievement status of the targets.
2. Scheme of This Loan
Scheme of Shiga Tri-Link Loan
Under a comprehensive partnership agreement with Shiga Prefecture, this loan aims to expand the scope of environmental activities and enhance the sophistication of initiatives by customers with business establishments in Shiga Prefecture, providing administrative and financial support.
By fostering collaboration among Shiga Prefecture, Shiga Bank, and businesses, the initiative seeks to achieve 'Sanpo Yoshi' (good for all three parties) for the local community, environment, and businesses.
Eligible for this loan are companies based in Shiga Prefecture that have obtained certification under the 'Shiga Biodiversity Initiative Certification System,' a unique program of Shiga Prefecture.
This loan product features a mechanism where financing conditions fluctuate based on the achievement status of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) set for goals contributing to the three elements: 'Carbon Neutrality,' 'Nature Positive,' and 'Circular Economy.'
Notably, ESG finance combining these three elements is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Japan.
The finance framework for this loan has received a third-party evaluation, 'ESG Financial Evaluation "Sustainable SEEDS"' from Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I), confirming its contribution to the realization of a sustainable society, based on best practices and market standards for ESG finance.
Under its purpose of 'making the region happy through Sanpo Yoshi,' the Shiga Bank Group is working on its 8th Medium-Term Management Plan as an engine for a 'virtuous cycle that makes the region happy.'
This initiative is based on 'Impact Design,' one of our basic strategies.
The Shiga Bank Group will continue to design the growth of its customers and the region through ESG finance, contributing to the creation of impact towards the realization of a sustainable society.
Click here for the Shiga Tri-Link Loan Finance Framework.
Click here for R&I's evaluation report.
1. Overview of This Loan
Overview of Shiga Tri-Link Loan
Eligible Companies
Corporations with business establishments in Shiga Prefecture.
Basic Conditions
Loan Amount: 50 million yen or more
Loan Period: 3 years or more
Applicable Interest Rate: Individually determined according to the bank's prescribed guidelines
Purpose of Funds: Business funds (working capital, equipment funds)
Prerequisites
Obtainment of 'Shiga Biodiversity Initiative Certification.'
Setting of Indicators and Targets
Set one or more from the following categories:
・Carbon Neutrality
・Nature Positive
・Circular Economy
*Refer to the finance framework for specific indicators and target levels.
Reporting
Report actual indicator values to Shiga Bank and Shiga Prefecture once a year.
Upon Target Achievement
Interest rates will be progressively reduced according to the achievement status of the targets.
2. Scheme of This Loan
Scheme of Shiga Tri-Link Loan