Cathay Financial drives digital innovation and future-ready sustainability

Background 

Cathay Financial Holdings (CFH), Taiwan’s largest financial institution, launched the 6S Project in 2021 to transform its culture in response to rapid technological advances, climate change and evolving workplace dynamics. With operations spanning multiple regions CFH needed to enhance digital collaboration, improve employee well-being and integrate sustainability across the organisation. The 6S Project aimed to foster a resilient, adaptable workforce while maintaining leadership in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, preparing CFH for the future of work.

Approach 

The 6S Project focuses on six key pillars: Simple, Smart, Smooth, Smile, Safe and ESG – each designed to address critical areas of business and workforce development.

  • Simple: CFH launched the Cathay Digital Co-Op Hub, a platform that integrates cloud and on-premises systems, streamlining collaboration and accelerating project execution across geographies.
  • Smart: Through the Cathay AI & Auto Service employees can use low-code and no-code solutions to automate routine tasks and boost efficiency, driving future workforce readiness.
  • Smooth: The Cathay iHR Service Hub supports recruitment, training and talent retention, ensuring seamless adaptation of diverse talent into the company culture, and enabling employees to upskill and reskill for evolving roles.
  • Smile: The Cathay Welfare Hub promotes employee wellbeing with flexible work options, mental health support and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to improve engagement and reduce stress.
  • Safe: CFH implemented the Cathay Guard Service, a multi-layered cybersecurity framework certified by global standards, to ensure secure digital collaboration.
  • ESG: As part of its commitment to sustainability CFH became the first Taiwanese financial institution to join RE100. The Cathay Care Hub integrates sustainability into daily operations, focusing on climate, health and empowerment, and earned CFH a leadership role at the World Climate Summit.

“Through its 6S Project Cathay Financial has built a future-ready workforce, driving digital innovation, sustainability and employee wellbeing with impactful results”

Outcomes

The 6S Project has transformed CFH into a future-ready organisation. More than 2 million working hours were saved through AI-driven solutions and digital collaboration tools. CFH’s patent portfolio expanded with 64 new fintech patents, and the company won the “Best Financial AI Project” award in 2023.

Employee satisfaction rose to 4.13/5 while retention improved by 43%. The iHR platform supported a 40.2% increase in diverse talent, keeping CFH competitive in attracting and retaining top employees.

CFH’s sustainability leadership earned it recognition, including being named “Best Business Employer in Asia” five times. CFH continues to lead in ESG practices, positioning itself as a global example of sustainable finance.

By integrating digital innovation, sustainability and employee wellbeing, the 6S Project has positioned CFH as a leader in future workforce readiness, ensuring the company and its employees are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.