Website triumphs at Euromoney Awards for its profound focus on empowering people and improving communities within Asia-Pacific region.
Deutsche Bank India has been recognised as a pioneer in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly in the areas of education, environmental conservation, women empowerment, and inclusion for people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2025, Euromoney named Deutsche Bank India "India's Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility." This recognition comes as no surprise, given the bank's extensive commitment to these causes.
One of the bank's key initiatives is its partnership with the Smile Foundation, where more than 700 young women are supported through a four-year STEM education program. Mentorship by Deutsche Bank employees is an integral part of this program, ensuring the recipients receive the guidance and support they need to succeed.
Deutsche Bank also promotes climate-smart agriculture by partnering with the Centre for MicroFinance. This collaboration supports 3,000 women farmers, significantly boosting crop yields and irrigation efficiency by 80%.
In the realm of women empowerment, Deutsche Bank collaborates with SEWA to help over 4,000 women build sustainable livelihoods. One such initiative is the Kamla Café chain in Ahmedabad, run by 2,400 women.
The bank's commitment to inclusion extends to people with disabilities. Through Sarthak Educational Trust, over 500 people with disabilities receive training in English, digital, and life skills. Remarkably, about 75% of these individuals have secured employment.
Deutsche Bank also actively promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion. The bank provides educational opportunities and resources to LGBTQIA+ members, including support for Mumbai’s first salon run by the transgender community.
In addition to these initiatives, Deutsche Bank prioritises mental health with a dedicated first aiders programme. The bank also excels in diversity and inclusion, exceeding gender representation goals in leadership positions.
Deutsche Bank's dedication to CSR is further evidenced by its employees' active participation. More than 40% of employees in India volunteered their time and talent last year.
The bank's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Deutsche Bank has been named "Asia's Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion" by Euromoney, and "India's Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility" for two consecutive years.
In contrast, ICICI Bank's major CSR efforts focus on empowering 10 lakh women through Self-Help Groups, healthcare outreach, environmental water conservation, and rural livelihood improvements. However, ICICI Bank's initiatives do not explicitly mention LGBTQ+ inclusion or disability inclusion programs.
Therefore, for specific focus on education, environmental initiatives, women empowerment, and inclusion for people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community, Deutsche Bank India leads with clearly articulated and impactful CSR programs in these areas.
Deutsche Bank India's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) isn't limited to just financial support; their initiatives in education are substantiated by their partnership with the Smile Foundation, providing mentorship to over 700 young women in STEM education. Furthermore, Deutsche Bank's involvement in finance extends to business ventures, such as their collaboration with SEWA, enabling more than 4,000 women to build sustainable livelihoods.
