The Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA) confirmed the ESG rating of Center-invest Bank at ESG-2 (AA+) with a stable outlook, which corresponds to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance level among Russian banks.
The agency notes that Center-invest is an organically growing regional bank, one of Russia’s top 100 banks, operating primarily in the Southern Federal District. The bank’s main line of business is lending to individuals and SMEs, primarily related to agriculture.
Center-invest Bank actively implements ESG principles in its operations across its primary region of operation, and was among the first to develop ESG banking in Russia. The bank has deeply integrated the environmental agenda into its business processes and was among the first in Russia to incorporate compliance screening of clients and projects regarding environmental impact requirements, and to conduct continuous monitoring of environmental and climate risks at the credit risk division level.
Center-invest Bank pays due attention to human resource management: the Bank has developed a talent development programme and signed strategic cooperation agreements with major universities in the Southern Federal District to maintain its talent pool. The bank is committed to creating a favourable working environment: all employees have access to voluntary health insurance (PMI), a corporate sports programme, and an extensive parenting support programme.
According to the Agency, Center-invest Bank pays special attention to information security, personal data protection, and combating financial cyber fraud. It monitors trends in the digitalisation of services and controls the business reputation of its managers and shareholders.
The Agency notes that ESG matters are a priority for Center-invest: the Bank’s ESG strategy is part of its overall framework, as emphasised in the title of the document: "Strategy for 2025–2027: ESG Digitalisation 3.0″. In addition, the Bank has approved the "Artificial Intelligence Development Strategy for 2025–2027″, a business continuity plan and an import substitution plan. The bank discloses information about its contribution to the achievement of the National Development Goals of the Russian Federation.
The Bank is building systematic work with stakeholders and the expert community in the field of sustainable development, maintaining interaction with GABV1 and UNEP FI2, and also has partnership relations with the Scientific and Educational Centre of Southern Russia regarding the development of an ESG expert assessment centre.
1 The Global Alliance for Banking on Values is an independent association of "values-based banks" with a shared mission to use finance to deliver environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) positive outcomes
2 UNEP FI is the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative