KB Financial, Leading 'ESG Management' for Gender Equality Proves Effective

KB Financial Group Selected for 3 Consecutive Years in the '2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index'

Yoon Jong-kyu, Chairman of KB Financial Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Sun-mi] KB Financial Group has been selected as a ‘2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI)’ company for the third consecutive year, gaining international recognition for its efforts and achievements in promoting gender equality.

The GEI is an index published by Bloomberg to provide investors with information on companies’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management status. It surveys companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges with a market capitalization of over $1 billion. The index evaluates gender equality policies and efforts across five categories: ▲female leadership and talent development ▲equal pay and gender pay parity ▲inclusive culture ▲sexual harassment policies ▲female-friendly brands.

This year, 380 companies from 44 countries were selected for the ‘2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index,’ including many leading global companies such as Goldman Sachs, S&P, and Bank of America, along with KB Financial Group.

As the first domestic financial holding company to have two female outside directors on its board, KB Financial Group is rapidly advancing group-wide ESG management practices centered on the ESG Committee, including gender equality. As an official supporter of the ‘Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs),’ it is continuously expanding tailored education for female talent development and promoting a culture of gender equality through the active appointment of female professionals.

The group operates education programs specialized for female talent, such as the ‘WE (Women’s Empowerment) Star Mentoring’ program, KB Insurance’s ‘KB In-house University Dream Campus,’ and KB Securities’ ‘Value-up Course.’ Practical efforts are also underway, including expanding female executives and establishing principles for the proportion of female personnel at KB Kookmin Bank: ‘20% (department heads), 30% (team leaders), 40% (team members).’

A KB Financial Group official stated, “Being included in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for three consecutive years is a result of recognizing KB Financial Group’s active ESG management efforts,” adding, “Going forward, KB Financial will do its best to firmly root a culture of gender equality based on diversity and inclusion as a leading financial group in ESG management.”