BRAC Bank ranked among top sustainable banks for the 5th consecutive year

BRAC Bank has been recognised by Bangladesh Bank as one of the top sustainable banks in the country for the fifth consecutive year, a distinction it has held every year since the rating’s inception in 2020.

The central bank’s Sustainability Rating assesses banks and financial institutions across five indicators: Sustainable Finance Index, CSR activities, green refinance, Core Banking Sustainability Index, and Banking Services Coverage.

According to a press release, the consistent recognition reflects BRAC Bank’s institutional strength in governance, responsible lending, and risk-adjusted capital management.

In 2024, BRAC Bank achieved 94 per cent disbursement in sustainable finance against the regulatory target of 20 per cent, and 17 per cent in green finance, surpassing the 5 per cent benchmark.

BRAC Bank is among the first in Bangladesh to publicly report 100 per cent of its Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions, in alignment with the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF). It is the first institution in the country to publish an independent IFRS S1 and S2 reports in accordance with the ISSB standards.

The bank has institutionalised sustainability across its operations through a robust Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) framework aligned with Bangladesh Bank guidelines. It is also integrating the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards into its lending processes to ensure stronger ESG compliance and risk mitigation.

To enhance accessibility and drive ESG-aligned financing nationwide, BRAC Bank has established 50 Sustainable Finance Helpdesks across the country, a network of frontline support that connects clients with sustainable credit solutions and green refinance schemes.

BRAC Bank’s CSR initiatives are centred around long-term impact in health focused on disability inclusion, climate resilience, and higher education for underprivileged women. In 2024, the bank facilitated access to healthcare and learning opportunities for marginalised communities, while 2,500 farmers received climate-resilient tools and training to enhance sustainable agricultural practices.

BRAC Bank’s leadership has also earned international recognition, including a Bloomberg sustainability score of 43.37, top ESG performer status from Moody’s, and an SDG Pioneer Award from the UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh awarded to its Chief Sustainability Officer.

Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, Managing Director & CEO (Current Charge), said:

“Sustainability is embedded in our core strategy. This recognition reaffirms our belief that responsible banking is resilient banking. We remain committed to scaling our green and inclusive financing efforts to support national sustainable development goals.”