KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Group Holdings Bhd
has been upgraded from AA to AAA in the MSCI ESG Ratings, the highest possible rating, reflecting strengthened sustainability practices and disclosures, particularly in the consumer protection and workforce management pillars.
CIMB also maintained a robust environmental score of 9.2, a testament to its disciplined management of environmental risks within its credit underwriting process.
MSCI ESG Ratings evaluate how well companies manage the environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities specific to their industry that may affect financial performance.
Group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin said CIMB's recent achievements reflect its efforts in embedding sustainability more deeply into the core operations, ensuring foundational frameworks become part of daily decision-making.
"This approach is integral to our Forward30 strategy, where sustainability is not treated as a standalone agenda, but as a key driver of how we grow and deliver impact,” he said in a statement.
CIMB was also ranked first globally among financial institutions in the 2025 Financial System Benchmark by the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA), as well as securing the second spot globally for Inclusive Finance.
WBA’s Financial System Benchmark assesses how the world's 400 most influential financial institutions are transforming the financial system for a more just and sustainable future.
Beyond external ratings, CIMB’s focus is on supporting and enabling its customers as they navigate the transition to a more sustainable economy.
As part of its commitment to mobilising RM300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030, the group is sharpening its efforts to help clients manage transition risks and capture opportunities linked to decarbonisation and nature-positive solutions.
CIMB also aims to connect businesses with credible decarbonisation solution providers and incentivise progress through sustainability-linked financing tied to measurable outcomes. - Bernama
