Ayala raises $100 million from first Singapore dollar-denominated sustainability-linked loan
Zobel-led conglomerate Ayala Corp. has secured its first Singapore dollar-hedged loan through a $100 million (or Singapore dollar equivalent) sustainability-linked facility with DBS Bank Ltd.
In a statement on Monday, May 11, Ayala said the facility further diversifies its funding sources while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable finance and supporting its growing portfolio.
“This transaction underscores strong market confidence in Ayala’s credit profile and long-term growth trajectory, with proceeds from the facility to be used to support the continued development and expansion of Ayala’s portfolio across its core sectors,” the conglomerate said.
The milestone facility, signed last May 6, marks another step in Ayala’s efforts to broaden access to capital and enhance financial flexibility amid the continued growth of its sustainable portfolio.
“This facility enables us to support Ayala’s growth initiatives while reinforcing our commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. It also reflects Ayala’s ability to access funding at attractive terms under this challenging environment,” said Ayala Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Chief Risk Officer, and Finance Group Head Juan Carlos L. Syquia.
The transaction highlights the increasing adoption of sustainability-linked financial instruments in the Philippines and reinforces Ayala’s position as a leader in sustainable and innovative corporate finance.
As of end-2025, the Ayala Group has secured approximately $6.9 billion in sustainable financing, reflecting strong investor confidence in its environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-aligned portfolio and disciplined capital strategy.
By tapping a sustainability-linked structure, Ayala said it aligns its financing strategy with its ESG objectives.
Ayala Executive Director and Treasurer Estelito C. Biacora said, “This transaction strengthens Ayala’s ability to access diversified funding sources and widen the reach of our partnerships in the region.”
“It reflects our disciplined approach to capital management and the continued integration of sustainability into our financial strategy,” he added.
Lim Wee Seng, DBS group head of energy, renewables and infrastructure, sustainability, project finance, and strategic advisory, noted that, “This sustainability-linked facility marks an important step in Ayala’s efforts to deepen financial innovation and build greater resilience.”
As the group’s first Singapore dollar-denominated hedged loan, the facility enables Ayala to choose between United States (US) dollar or Singapore dollar borrowings, providing greater flexibility and more diversified funding sources.
“This is exactly the type of partnership we want to build with leading corporates in the region: one where capital supports business priorities, while sustainability is embedded into the way growth is financed and measured,” Lim said. - James A. Loyola