Two-Level Increase Compared to Last Year's Evaluation
Highly Rated in S)·G Sector
IBK Investment & Securities announced on the 21st that it received an 'A grade' in the '2024 Second Half ESG Comprehensive Evaluation' conducted by Sustainvest.
This represents a two-grade improvement compared to last year's evaluation. Compared to the sector average, it received high scores in the Social (S) and Governance (G) categories.
Sustainvest, established in 2006, is a domestic ESG specialized institution that conducts ESG evaluations twice a year, covering approximately 1,300 listed and unlisted companies in Korea.
The upgrade in IBK Investment & Securities' rating reflects recent efforts to internalize ESG management. In the 'Financial Services' sector, it scored higher than the sector average, with over 20% higher in the Social category and over 14% higher in the Governance category.
Since the appointment of CEO Seo Jeong-hak last year, IBK Investment & Securities has strengthened its ESG management activities based on the ESG strategic goal of being a 'financial investment company that innovatively grows together for a sustainable future.'
In particular, this year, the company established an ESG Committee under the board of directors and newly created an ESG management division, completing a systematic ESG governance structure. Through the Carbon Finance Department, which has been operating since 2021, it has been steadily promoting the activation of the carbon emissions trading market and ESG new businesses.
Activities to fulfill social responsibility have also been strengthened. Donations have nearly doubled compared to last year, and the number of volunteer activities increased by 130%, clearly demonstrating this commitment. Major initiatives include the 'Sharing Music Concert' supporting visually impaired musicians, as well as support for pediatric cancer treatment costs, job support for young adults with developmental disabilities, medical volunteer services in rural fishing villages, meal service for elderly living alone, and operation of the One Company One School economic classroom.
To establish a culture of integrity, IBK Investment & Securities conducted company-wide internal control consulting and in April established an Anti-Corruption Management System (ISO 37001). Internally, efforts have been made to foster a vibrant organizational culture through initiatives such as 'Open Communication Day' and 'Communication Campaigns.'
An IBK Investment & Securities official stated, "The upgrade in this ESG evaluation rating is the result of efforts to pursue public interest alongside profitability as the only securities company affiliated with a national policy bank in Korea. We will continue to fulfill our corporate social responsibility for a sustainable future."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
