Transforms conventional loan facility into an innovative tool that drives measurable social and environmental outcomes
Singapore, 13 October 2025 – ABC Impact, an impact investing firm backed by Temasek and a member of Temasek Trust Asset Management[i], has partnered with DBS and UOB on a sustainability-linked subscription loan facility. The USD 110 million (SGD 142 million)[ii] sustainability-linked subscription loan facility, jointly established by DBS and UOB, transforms an existing conventional loan facility into an innovative instrument that links financing to measurable impact targets.
Previously, ABC Impact had a conventional subscription loan facility, which is typically a short-term facility that allows private equity and impact funds to bridge the gap between investments made and the receipt of capital called from investors.
With the sustainability-linked loan facility – which is linked to sustainability performance targets – ABC Impact and the two banks will channel capital flows towards projects with meaningful outcomes while embedding a focus on measurable impact and disclosure into the financing structure itself.
The loan facility is for ABC Impact Fund II, which was incepted in August 2023 and held its final close in March 2025. Assets under management (AUM) of the fund currently exceed USD 600 million (SGD 712 million) – double the size of its inaugural Fund I – with commitments from investors including Temasek, Temasek Trust, the Asian Development Bank, Mapletree Investments, SeaTown Holdings, a Southeast Asian sovereign wealth fund and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Under the terms of the sustainability-linked loan facility, ABC Impact Fund II’s portfolio companies will be required to achieve sustainability performance targets related to avoided or reduced greenhouse gas emissions, as well as number of beneficiaries reached across key impact sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and financial services.
ABC Impact has tracked key impact indicators across its portfolio since inception, providing a data-driven foundation for measuring and reporting the outcomes achieved by its investments. The conversion of this loan facility into a sustainability-linked loan facility creates additional incentives to raise the bar on performance and further aligns financing with the fund’s mission to address pressing environmental and social challenges in Asia and reframe them into growth and development opportunities.
With this facility, ABC Impact, DBS and UOB are establishing a new benchmark for the financial sector in integrating sustainability considerations into conventional fund financing.
Sugandhi Matta, Chief Impact Officer, ABC Impact, said, “This sustainability-linked loan marks an important milestone in ABC Impact’s journey. With our investors’ capital already fully dedicated to impact, and now our financing linked to measurable sustainability outcomes, every dollar we manage is aligned with our mission. By embedding performance targets into mainstream financing structures, we are reinforcing our commitment to deliver both financial discipline and positive social and environmental outcomes across Asia.”
Simon Ong, Group Head of Financial Institutions and Government-Linked Corporations, DBS said: “This partnership demonstrates financial innovation in action – taking a traditional product and reimagining it to better serve the ecosystem. By working with ABC Impact, we are helping to unlock capital for businesses that generate both financial and social returns. This is an example of how banks can act as enablers of sustainable and impactful development, steering capital towards solutions that improve lives and livelihoods.”
Edmund Leong, Head of Group Corporate Banking, UOB, said: “UOB is steadfast in our commitment to developing innovative financing solutions that enable our clients to drive meaningful and measurable impact. By structuring the financing to clearly defined sustainability outcomes, this facility represents a new standard in harnessing capital for both commercial success and societal progress. Our collaboration with ABC Impact underscores the critical role of strategic partnerships in tackling pressing environmental and social challenges across the region.”
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About ABC Impact
ABC Impact is a Pan-Asia impact investment firm dedicated to delivering measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside risk-adjusted financial returns through sustainable growth. With over USD 900 million in assets under management, the firm follows a disciplined, thematic strategy to invest in high-potential businesses addressing Asia’s most pressing challenges.
Its portfolio spans climate and water solutions, sustainable food and agriculture, healthcare and education, and financial and digital inclusion. ABC Impact is a member of Temasek Trust Asset Management and is backed by Temasek Trust, Temasek, the Asian Development Bank, and other leading institutional investors.
As a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment and the Operating Principles for Impact Management, ABC Impact applies a rigorous, evidence-based impact measurement and management framework to ensure effectiveness and accountability. It is committed to mobilizing private capital for a more sustainable and inclusive Asia.
Visit www.abcimpact.com.sg for more information.
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking”by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
About UOB
UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of more than 470 branches and offices in 19 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
For nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying
relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.
The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to help businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.
For media queries, please contact:
ABC Impact
e. media@abcimpact.com.sg
DBS
Tania Tan, Group Strategic Marketing and Communications
e: taniatanlilin@dbs.com
t: (65) 9692 2887
UOB
Michelle Toh, Group Strategic Communications and Brand
e: Michelle.Toh@UOBGroup.com
t: (65) 6539 3986
[i] Temasek Trust was established by Temasek Holdings to provide governance and financial oversight for philanthropic assets. Its Asset and Investment Management cluster, through Temasek Trust Asset Management, aims to generate sustainable cashflows to enable Temasek Trust to deliver on its purpose of building better for every generation.
[ii] All exchange rates as of 6 Oct 2025
Mr Goh Yew Lin is Chief Executive Officer of G. K. Goh Holdings Pte Ltd, an investment company with substantial assets in aged care in Australia and Singapore, alongside venture capital and private equity. He is Chairman of Xora Innovation, a Temasek-owned venture builder, and a Director of Temasek Trust. He was Chairman of Seviora Holdings, Temasek’s asset management arm, until September 2025, and served as a non-executive Director of Temasek Holdings from 2005 to 2018.
Mr Goh is also a board member of A*STAR (the Agency for Science, Technology and Research) and Chairman of the Governing Board of Duke-NUS Medical School. He holds a degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
As Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Trust Asset Management (TTAM), Mr David Heng oversees two investment platforms: ABC Impact, an Asia-focused growth impact private equity firm with over S$1 billion (US$900 million) in assets under management, and Temasek Trust Capital, a purpose-aligned investment platform managing a diversified portfolio in support of Temasek Trust’s long-term philanthropic objectives.
With over 30 years in the investment industry, Mr Heng spent 14 years in senior leadership roles at Temasek, including Head of Real Estate, Head of Japan & Korea, Joint Head of Consumer, and Joint Head of China, prior to which he was with Deutsche Bank AG. He serves as an Independent Director of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE) and is a board member of the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP). Mr Heng is an IBF Fellow (Asset Management). He holds an MBA from the University of Hull and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Canterbury.
Mr Desmond Kuek is Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Trust, the philanthropic arm of Temasek, a role he has held since January 2023. He was previously Divisional Vice Chairman, Global Wealth Management at UBS AG (2019 to 2022), where he headed Sustainable Finance for Asia Pacific, and President and Group CEO of SMRT Corporation (2012 to 2018). Earlier in his career he served nearly three decades in the Singapore public service and Singapore Armed Forces, including as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Chief of Defence Force, and Chief of Army.
Ms Chan Wai Ching is Chief Corporate Officer of Temasek International and a member of its Strategy, Portfolio and Risk Committee and Senior Management Committee. She heads Temasek’s Organisation & People function and is a Director of Temasek Trust. She joined the board of Seviora Holdings, Temasek’s asset management group, in September 2025. Ms Chan joined Temasek in June 2006, following an extensive human resources career at Fullerton Financial Holdings, Citibank, Singapore Technologies, United Overseas Bank and Overseas Union Bank. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the National University of Singapore and completed the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School in 2012.
Ms Margaret Lui is an experienced investment professional in direct investments, asset management and private equity. She was Chief Executive Officer of Azalea Investment Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek, from its founding in 2015 until her retirement on 31 March 2025; under her leadership, Azalea grew to manage around US$11 billion in assets and developed its two flagship platforms, the Astrea Private Equity Bonds and the Altrium PE Funds. She remains an Adviser to Azalea and sits on the Investment Committees of its Altrium funds.
Ms Lui spent 40 years with the Temasek group from 1985, including as Senior Managing Director and, prior to Azalea, as Chief Operating Officer of two of Temasek’s affiliate investment management companies. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Singapore Institute of Technology, as an independent non-executive director of Lendlease, as Chair of PSA International’s Marine Services Supervisory Committee, and as a member of the Singapore Exchange’s Listing Advisory Committee.
As Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Trust Asset Management (TTAM), Mr David Heng oversees two investment platforms: ABC Impact, an Asia-focused growth impact private equity firm with over S$1 billion (US$900 million) in assets under management, and Temasek Trust Capital, a purpose-aligned investment platform managing a diversified portfolio in support of Temasek Trust’s long-term philanthropic objectives.
With over 30 years in the investment industry, Mr Heng spent 14 years in senior leadership roles at Temasek, including Head of Real Estate, Head of Japan & Korea, Joint Head of Consumer, and Joint Head of China, prior to which he was with Deutsche Bank AG. He serves as an Independent Director of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE) and is a board member of the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP). Mr Heng is an IBF Fellow (Asset Management). He holds an MBA from the University of Hull and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Canterbury.
Mr Tan Shao Ming leads a diverse team of impact-oriented investment professionals in building a portfolio that generates impact alongside compelling, market-rate risk-adjusted returns across Asia.
He brings over 20 years of institutional investing experience across a range of styles and strategies. At Temasek, he worked on acquiring controlling and minority positions in Asian banks in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. He later focused on special situations and structured credit at Citadel Investment Group in Hong Kong, covering China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, and led Southeast Asian mid-market investing at Citi Private Equity.
Mr Tan is a Chartered Financial Analyst. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical), First Class Honours, and a Master of Engineering (Chemical) from the National University of Singapore.
As Chief Impact Officer, Ms Sugandhi Matta leads ABC Impact’s approach to assessing, measuring and driving impact outcomes across its portfolio, and also invests for the firm across South and Southeast Asia. She brings over 20 years of investing experience in the region, having previously been Director of Investment at LeapFrog Investments, a billion-dollar impact fund focused on financial inclusion, and before that focused on Southeast Asian mid-market private equity at Actis. She began her investing career as a member of Temasek Holdings’ Financial Services team.
Ms Matta sits on the boards of several portfolio companies across India and the UK, and has also held board directorships in Thailand and Indonesia. She holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and a Bachelor of Engineering from Maharaja Sayaji Rao University, Baroda.
Mr Eugene Huang was previously Managing Director, Investments at Temasek, where over a 12-year tenure based in Singapore, Beijing and Shenzhen he invested and exited over US$5 billion of capital globally across industries such as software, e-commerce, social media, education and consumer. He was most recently responsible for Temasek’s technology and consumer investments in China and head of its Shenzhen office.
Mr Huang began his career as an investment banker with Merrill Lynch & Co. (now Bank of America) in New York and Hong Kong. He graduated summa cum laude from New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Ms Charina Chan is Chief People Officer of ABC Impact, a role she holds concurrently with Chief People Officer of Temasek Foundation Ltd and Head of Organisation, Human Resources and Administration at Temasek Trust Ltd. She was previously part of Temasek International’s Organisation & People team, where she led the Non-Executive Talent portfolio, covering board governance and the management of an extended talent network for Temasek and its portfolio companies. Earlier in her career she worked at Fullerton Financial Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings.
Ms Chan holds an MBA from Imperial College London and a Bachelor of Science from the National University of Singapore.
Mr Koh Boon San is responsible for finance, risk, compliance and operations at ABC Impact. He brings more than 20 years of experience across fund management, finance and the corporate sector.
Before joining ABC Impact, Mr Koh headed the business management team at HSBC Securities Services, covering trustee, fund administration and custody services, and spent 10 years at Fullerton Fund Management heading various finance, risk and compliance functions. He began his career at Pricewaterhouse before joining Temasek Holdings’ finance department.
Mr Koh holds a Bachelor in Accounting (Second Class Honours, Upper Division) from Nanyang Technological University and is a member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.
Mr Jeffrey Fang leads Investor Relations at ABC Impact, responsible for capital raising, investor engagement and external communications across global markets.
Earlier in his career, Mr Fang held roles across corporate development, operations and financial communications. He was Director of Strategic and Public Affairs at Temasek, managing global M&A communications, media relations, and crisis and issues management. He subsequently built a portfolio as an angel investor and venture operator, alongside his own advisory practice, before joining Temasek Trust Asset Management.
Mr Fang serves on the boards of Kim Dental, the Home Nursing Foundation, and several venture-backed companies. He holds an MA in International Relations and Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a BA in Mass Communication from RMIT University.