CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has been upgraded to the highest MSCI ESG Rating of AAA, recognising the bank’s strong performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices compared to global peers.
According to CIMB, the upgrade from AA reflects enhanced disclosures, stronger consumer protection, improved workforce management, and a solid environmental score of 9.2.
MSCI ESG Ratings assess how well companies manage industry-specific ESG risks that could affect financial performance. Companies are ranked from AAA to CCC based on their resilience relative to peers, using a rules-based methodology and data from corporate disclosures and alternative sources.
Group CEO Novan Amirudin said the rating underscores CIMB’s success in integrating sustainability into both operational and strategic decisions. “Sustainability is a core part of our Forward30 strategy, driving growth and impact rather than being treated as a separate agenda,” he said.
The MSCI upgrade follows other recent recognitions, including CIMB being ranked #1 globally among financial institutions in the 2025 Financial System Benchmark by the World Benchmarking Alliance and #2 globally for Inclusive Finance. These accolades highlight the bank’s transparency in governance and efforts to expand financial access while supporting a fair socio-economic transition.
Novan added that external recognition is only part of the journey. CIMB is prioritising support for customers navigating the sustainability transition and aims to mobilise RM300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030. Initiatives include expanding sustainability advisory, carbon and nature finance solutions, and helping SMEs through workshops, transition risk guidance, and sustainability-linked financing tied to measurable outcomes.
“What sets CIMB apart is our ability to turn ambition into action, helping clients through the transition and delivering meaningful real-economy impact across ASEAN,” he said.
