iM Financial Group earns top AAA rating in MSCI ESG assessment

iM Financial Group said Tuesday it received AAA, the highest rating, in Morgan Stanley Capital International's (MSCI) ESG assessment, marking recognition of its ESG management competitiveness and sustainability in global investment markets.

The MSCI ESG assessment evaluates approximately 8,500 listed companies worldwide each year on their ESG management standards and risk-response capabilities across environmental, social and governance categories, assigning one of seven ratings ranging from AAA to CCC.

iM Financial Group received high marks across its overall ESG management in the assessment, covering ESG risk evaluation and management systems, information security, digital channel innovation in financial services, financial education for vulnerable groups and corporate ethics.

Particularly noted were the group's efforts to strengthen its ESG risk management framework — including climate risk analysis and data security — and its pursuit of digital transformation and community co-prosperity as core management strategies.

The group is also expanding financial support for sustainable growth. iM Financial Group operates K-Taxonomy-linked support loans and special guarantee programs for small business owners, while offering corporate customers free ESG self-assessment tools and greenhouse gas calculator services.

iM Financial Group Chairman Hwang Byung-woo said the result "proves iM's ESG management capabilities meet global standards," adding that the group would continue to treat ESG as a core value running through all aspects of its management while "creating positive change for society and the environment."