Encomium
Africa’s leading financial institution, Access Bank, has emerged winner of the 2019 Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Awards for ‘Outstanding Business Sustainability Achievement’ at an award ceremony held on Thursday at the City Hall, Karlsruhe, Germany.
The prestigious award which the Bank is taking home for the fourth consecutive time was presented to its GMD/CEO, Herbert Wigwe, with top brand managers, executives, CEOs of leading global financial institutions, top German government officials, policy makers, regulators and key sustainability stakeholders in attendance.
The award is in recognition of Access Bank’s unwavering commitment towards embedding social, environmental and economic sustainability into its core business strategy which helps to address issues across its business operations and value chain.
The Global Sustainable Finance Awards celebrate financial institutions, related organisations and top executives making significant contributions to the field of sustainable banking and finance, while also aiming to promote the growth of sustainable financial instruments and markets globally, particularly with a focus on green finance and investments; financial inclusion and social finance; green equity and venture capital, including the holistic integration of sustainability among financial institutions.
Speaking at the event, Herbert explained that “the global finance sector plays a major role in the economy, as they provide huge amounts of capital and have the ability to influence other companies and customers across sectors through their products and services. Many banks are now placing a great deal of emphasis on driving sustainability as well as digitizing core business processes and reassessing organizational structures to be better prepared for the future of banking. This transformation illustrates the increasing desire to become a sustainable and digital bank.”
“Access Bank has a corporate strategy and philosophy which places sustainability at its core. Together with our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Access Bank recently launched a five-year tenured, fixed rate green bond worth N15 billion which is the 1st Climate Bonds Initiative Certified corporate green bond in Africa,” he said.
Access Bank remains committed to setting standards for sustainable business practices by adopting innovative solutions to build a desirable future. It continues to make positive contributions to people and the planet, paving the way for its own longevity and continued profitability, while also making the case for sustainability to businesses worldwide.
L-R: Former Cabinet Minister and Member, Karlsruhe City Council, Tom Hoyem; Lord Mayor, Karlsruhe City, Frank Mentrup; Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc., Herbert Wigwe; CEO, European Organisation for Sustainable Development, Arshad Rab, at the 2019 Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Awards.
