Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd has won the title of Best Islamic Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Bank at The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2017. Notable for being the first of its kind ever awarded by The Asset publication, the award puts emphasis on the ESG components guided by the principles of Shariah.
This notable success reflects the Bank’s commitment to becoming a responsible financial entity, and upholding its social and environmental responsibilities. The Bank supports infrastructure projects that involve planning for and securing sustainable resources for the country, such as environmental-friendly waste management business. It also provides green financing to deserving projects such as hydroelectric and solar farms.
Khairul Kamarudin, Chief Executive Officer of Bank Islam said the award is a great endorsement of what Bank Islam has been doing and achieved over the years. “It is a great honour to be recognised by The Asset for the work that we have done, and how we set about ensuring that what we do is always right by our stakeholders and of great benefits to them,” Khairul said.
“This award will provide further impetus for us to continue deliver the responsibilities that has been entrusted on us, in ensuring that we prosper together with the society and make a meaningful contribution to the nation. As Bank Islam position itself as a Value-based Intermediary that is set to transform the Islamic financial landscape, the needs for values already embedded into our institution such as inclusive financial offerings, greater transparency and proper governance are even more crucial,” he further explained.
In addition to Best Islamic ESG Bank award, the Bank also took home Best Islamic Fintech Deal award for its financing to Koperasi Kakitangan Kumpulan BIMB Holdings Malaysia Berhad (“KOBIMBING”). The transaction was funded by the Bank’s Restricted Investment Account product via Investment Account Platform (“IAP”). IAP, which is a platform to facilitate the channeling of funds from investors to finance viable ventures and projects, was launched by Bank Negara Malaysia in February 2016.
Khairul further explained, “The listing of viable ventures on IAP will provide support for further growth of SME as well as our commitment to develop real economic activities.”