8. Valuing diversity and revision of our HR framework

SMBC set up the Diversity and Inclusion Department within the Human Resources Department in April 2008. Since then, it has been engaged in diversity management in earnest with the management team committed to various initiatives, including for women’s empowerment. In May 2014, the bank established the Diversity and Inclusion Committee chaired by the president, and in April 2017, SMFG established its Diversity and Inclusion Department within the Human Resources Department and released “SMBC Group Diversity and Inclusion Statement”. In the statement, diversity and inclusion were defined as “the source of SMBC Group’s competitive strength,” and “the core of our growth strategy,” representing the Group’s strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.

In January 2020, SMBC revised its HR management framework, setting a new slogan “Be a Challenger.” The revision was planned with a focus on the three concepts of “Fair,” “Challenge,” and “Chance,” and looking to enable and encourage its employees to work more energetically and fully exercise their potential.