Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Commitments at Synovus

Environmental

Facilities

• 144,000 sqaure feet of LEED qualified space (2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 eligible).
• 13 electric vehicle charging stations.
• Approximately 810,000 square feet of space (more than 25% of footprint) fitted with LED lighting. 

Paper Reduction

• More than 132,000 accounts receive electronic statements. 

Social

Community Outreach

• Focus on education, needs-based, and health and wellness service opportunities
• 30,000 hours volunteered and 4,300 Here Matters projects completed in 2018
• $915,000 contributed by team members and corporate giving to the United Way in 2018
• $127,000 Jack Parker Scholarship dollars awarded through 126 university scholarships in 2018.

Philanthropy

• 2018: More than $2 million donated to more than 500 non-profits and agencies. 

Culture and People

• One of American Banker’s “Best Banks to Work for” in 2018.
• Benefits include health/wellness, retirement/401k match, tuition reimbursement.
• Inclusion & Diversity: a CEO-sponsored initiative to increase minority representation in the company, female representation in leadership, and improve inclusiveness in six areas identified in a team member inclusion survey. 

CRA, Community Development and Financial Inclusion

• “Satisfactory” CRA rating (Nov. 2017).
• $100 million Affordable Mortgage Program for first-time homebuyers and other borrowers who may require assistance to purchase a residence.
• No-fee retail checking accounts offered.

Financial Education

• 2017-18 school year: 4,900 hours of financial literacy and education provided to 1,265 students at 10 schools in Columbus.

Governance

Board of Directors

• 13 of 14 directors are independent.
• 7 current or former CEOs.
• 12 audit committee financial experts.
• Collectively more than 200 years of banking and financial services experience.
• In-depth experience in business strategy, insurance, investment management, commercial real estate and risk management.
• Expertise in legal, regulatory, risk management and accounting matters.
• ISS Quality Score of 3. 

Reputation

• Recognized as one of the country’s 10 “Most Reputable Banks” by American Banker and the Reputation Institute for four consecutive years. 

Oversight of Strategy and Risk

• Board of directors focuses on strategic planning and direction, with oversight of long-term strategy within approved risk appetite parameters.
• Risk Committee oversees enterprise risk management and compliance framework and processes, including emerging risks.

Data Security

• Comprehensive Information Risk Policy governs security and use of all company and customer data. 

Management of Legal and Regulatory Environment

• No material losses resulting from legal proceedings associated with fraud, theft, regulatory penalties or violation of industry regulations.
• The company’s whistleblower policy includes a third-party operated whistleblower report line.