KASIKORNBANK (KBank) has been selected as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) family for 2021, in both the DJSI World and Emerging Markets Indices, for the sixth year running - the first bank in Thailand to do so - while also earning the highest scores in the corporate governance and economic dimension among all banks across the globe. In the total scores comprising environmental, social, and governance and economic dimensions, The Bank also won the world's second-highest marks in the banking category, and the highest scores among banks in Southeast Asia for the second consecutive year. Amid numerous challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, KBank has garnered these marks of recognition while also being determined to contribute to both national and global efforts in the drive towards sustainable development.
Ms. Kattiya Indaravijaya, KBank Chief Executive Officer, stated that KBank has been selected for inclusion in two of the internationally recognized Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) 2021, namely the DJSI World and DJSI Emerging Markets Indices, developed by S&P Global. A total of 340 leading banks worldwide participated in the 2021 assessment, which was based on their sustainable development in the environmental, social, and governance and economic dimensions.
Regarding 2021's DJSI assessment results, KBank is the first Thai bank to be selected as a member of the DJSI family for the sixth consecutive year, from 2016 to 2021. In 2021, KBank is one of 24 leading banks to be included in the DJSI World Index, and one of 14 banks to be included in the DJSI Emerging Markets Index. Additionally, KBank has garnered the highest score in the governance and economic dimension. In the total scores comprising environmental, social, and governance and economic dimensions, The Bank also received the world's second-highest marks in the banking category, and the highest scores among leading banks in Southeast Asia for the second consecutive year.
Ms. Kattiya added that being a member of the DJSI for the sixth consecutive year is one of KBank's important milestones, as it reflects KBank's capacity in forging its future journey, based on the principle of sustainability in every circumstance. Despite challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, KBank had to make rapid adjustments to ensure that its businesses could stay afloat, and customers could weather the crisis amidst 'new normal' conditions. Looking ahead, KBank will continue to operate its business in line with the principles of a Bank of Sustainability by assessing ESG opportunities and risks, while also ensuring the ESG criteria is in every operational process and engrained in KBank's DNA. Such endeavors are aimed at offering maximum benefit and sustainable returns to all stakeholders. At the end of October 2021, KBank announced its Net Zero Commitment. This is another important step that puts strong emphasis on KBank's determination to achieve sustainable change, while pushing for concrete sustainable development in Thailand and at the international level.