SMBC Group is working to deepen understanding of LGBTQ issues and provide support, while also ensuring our systems facilitate proper working environments.
Main initiatives to make it easier for LGBTQ employees to work
Statement on LGBTQ Inclusion
In accordance with the SMBC Group's Statement on Human Rights and Diversity, Equity ＆ Inclusion Statement, we will strive to create working environment that are free of any harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as any discriminatory recruitment or promotion processes.
Educational activities
All our employees receive training and attend study seminars to promote better understanding of sexual minorities, and to encourage greater awareness and behavioral changes towards LGBTQ issues.
In addition to providing e-learning content for learning basic knowledge about LGBTQ issues, we hold events such as LGBTQ-themed movie viewings and talk sessions to promote correct understanding of LGBTQ issues and to change awareness and behavior.
We have collaborated with other financial groups to create an "Ally Message Video" and co-sponsored the "Pride Project", which allows employees to have fun while learning that they as well as the people around them have a variety of gender and other identities.
We have also created our own rainbow-colored logo and are using it in LGBTQ support announcements and educational activities.
Revision of work regulations
We have changed the work regulations at our Group Companies to conduct "same-sex partner registration" for LGBTQ employees, thus allowing their spouses and families to access the employee welfare program.
Preparing a Harassment Prevention Guideline and establishing consultation desks
With employees' values becoming more diverse, it is essential that we enhance their understanding of harassment and take measures to prevent it, so all employees are being familiarized with the "Harassment Prevention Guideline" which adds elements of harassment related to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI harassment) to the previously-prepared manual.
We have also set up internal and external consultation desks for employees to consult on issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.
Creating a society in which LGBTQ people are respected
Support for allies
Domestically, we support Tokyo Rainbow Pride, Asia's largest LGBTQ event. Through such efforts, we engage in employee enlightenment and networking with allies.
At overseas sites, too, we have put together teams to discuss ways of promoting understanding of LGBTQ issues and creating more diverse workplaces. The teams also regularly host events.
In the Americas, we've launched a team called "NIJI PRIDE." Niji is the Japanese word for rainbow, and the team organizes events for employees of SMBC and other financial institutions. The team's members also participate actively in volunteer activities organized by their local communities. In Europe, Middle-East, Africa meanwhile, there's a similar team (NIJI EMEA), which organized a panel discussion on the topic of allies*. A large number of employees were able to take part, as it was conducted remotely from offices across the region.
- * An ally is a person who understands and supports sexual minorities. Sometimes refers to people who clearly advocate such a position.
Initiatives toward customers
SMBC has added "common-law spouse" and "same-sex partner" to the definition of spouse for customers taking out joint-liability housing loans*, and began offering home loans to same-sex partners in February 2020. We also provide training on how to interact with such customers at branches.
- * A single loan taken out jointly by the occupants of a home that they will share ownership of
Click here for information about SMBC housing loan
External evaluation and accreditation
PRIDE Index 2023 "Gold"
In November 2023, the SMBC Group received the highest evaluation of "Gold" for the fifth consecutive year* in the "PRIDE Index", an evaluation of LGBTQ initiatives conducted by the General Incorporated Foundation “work with Pride”.
- * We received "Gold" evaluations as Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in 2017 and 2018.
Link to Video
Recognition and Accreditation