Hana Financial, KakaoBank obtain highest MSCI ESG rating

Korea’s two leading financial institutions — Hana Financial Group and KakaoBank — have earned the highest AAA rating in the latest environmental, social and governance (ESG) assessment by global index provider Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), the two said Sunday. The recognition highlights the growing global competitiveness of the Korean financial sector’s sustainable ESG management, strengthening foreign investor confidence in the country. The MSCI evaluates 8,500 listed companies annually for performance in corporate governance, data protection, consumer rights and climate-risk management. The rating is closely followed by institutional investors worldwide and often influences foreign investment decisions and index inclusion in ESG-focused funds. KakaoBank secured its first-ever AAA rating, a notable climb from its initial BB rating in 2021 and a further upgrade from AA in February this year. The Kakao subsidiary is the sole internet-only bank to have secured the top rating. MSCI cited Kakao Bank’s strong performance in data privacy and cybersecurity, consumer proWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times