Affin Bank Berhad has received an upgrade in its environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), moving from ‘A’ to ‘AA’, according to the latest ESG Ratings report.
In a statement, Affin Group attributed the enhanced rating to improvements in its corporate governance practices. These include strengthened board oversight, greater accountability, and increased transparency, in alignment with international best practices.
MSCI’s assessment highlighted the Group’s outperformance relative to industry peers in several key areas, including corporate governance, consumer financial protection, and data privacy. The Group’s approach to cybersecurity risk mitigation, product transparency, whistleblower protection, and business ethics was found to be either in line with or exceeding global standards.
President and Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah welcomed the recognition from MSCI, stating that the AA rating reflects the progress made in integrating sustainability across the organisation.
“This recognition affirms the tangible progress we have made in embedding sustainability into our operations, culture, and governance. Sustainability is more than compliance; it is a core driver of how we create value for our stakeholders and ensure long-term resilience,” he said.
Affin Group reaffirmed its commitment to ESG principles, noting that it continues to deliver purpose-led products and services such as green financing, ethical investment solutions, and inclusive digital offerings aimed at advancing financial well-being and environmental responsibility.
The Group also cited recent initiatives within its SME banking portfolio designed to support social enterprises, environmentally conscious borrowers, and underserved communities, reinforcing its strategy to deliver both commercial and societal value.
-Bernama
