BRAC Bank named ‘Top Sustainable Bank’ by BB for fifth consecutive year

BRAC Bank has once again been recognised by Bangladesh Bank as one of the top sustainable banks in the country for the fifth consecutive year—a distinction it has maintained every year since the inception of the Sustainability Rating in 2020.

The central bank's Sustainability Rating evaluates banks and financial institutions across five key indicators: the Sustainable Finance Index, CSR activities, green refinance, the Core Banking Sustainability Index, and Banking Services Coverage. This continued recognition underscores BRAC Bank's institutional strength in governance, responsible lending, and risk-adjusted capital management.

In 2024, BRAC Bank achieved an impressive 94% disbursement in sustainable finance, significantly exceeding the regulatory target of 20%. The bank also reached 17% disbursement in green finance, well above the 5% benchmark.

BRAC Bank is among the first financial institutions in Bangladesh to publicly disclose 100% of its Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions, in alignment with the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF). It is also the first in the country to publish independent IFRS S1 and S2 reports in accordance with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards.

The bank has institutionalised sustainability across its operations through a robust Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) framework, aligned with Bangladesh Bank's guidelines. It is further integrating the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards into its lending practices to enhance ESG compliance and mitigate risk.

To broaden access and drive ESG-aligned financing nationwide, BRAC Bank has established 50 Sustainable Finance Helpdesks across the country. This extensive support network connects clients with sustainable credit solutions and green refinance schemes.

The bank's CSR initiatives focus on longterm impact in key areas such as healthcare with a focus on disability inclusion, climate resilience, and higher education for underprivileged women. In 2024, BRAC Bank facilitated healthcare and educational opportunities for marginalised communities, while 2,500 farmers received climate-resilient tools and training to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

BRAC Bank's leadership in sustainability has also earned international recognition. The bank received a Bloomberg sustainability score of 43.37, was named a top ESG performer by Moody's, and its Chief Sustainability Officer was honoured with an SDG Pioneer Award by the UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh.

Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, managing director & CEO, stated: "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."