Kyrgyzstan’s Bakai Bank has emerged as a standout in sustainable banking, earning a strong debut score in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA).
The prestigious evaluation, which assesses over 12,000 companies worldwide including top international banks, placed Bakai Bank among global leaders in sustainable development, highlighting its commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
In its first CSA evaluation, Bakai Bank scored 57 out of 100, surpassing the global banking sector’s average of 35. This positioned the bank in the 85th percentile of banking organizations worldwide, making it a pioneer in Central Asia’s financial sector. The CSA, a benchmark for corporate sustainability, evaluates 23 sustainability topics through industry-specific criteria, reflecting Bakai Bank’s integration of ESG practices amid growing demand for responsible finance.
The bank’s achievement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing ethical governance and environmental stewardship. Its 2024 Sustainability Report, prepared to international standards, details advancements in risk management and climate-focused initiatives. In a region where sustainable banking is still developing, Bakai Bank’s leadership sets a high bar for peers in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and beyond.
“This recognition from S&P Global CSA validates our long-standing dedication to embedding sustainability into our core operations,” said Umut Abakirova, Chairwoman of Bakai Bank’s Management Board. “As a leading financial institution in Kyrgyzstan, we aim to strengthen our role as an ESG benchmark, fostering responsible banking that supports our stakeholders and contributes to a sustainable future.”
The CSA’s rigorous methodology, refined over 25 years, evaluates financially material criteria, enabling benchmarking against global peers. Bakai Bank’s score reflects its ability to balance economic, environmental, and social priorities, appealing to sustainability-focused investors managing $35 trillion globally.
Bakai Bank’s participation in the UN Global Compact underscores its commitment to human rights and fair labor standards. Its CSA success signals Central Asia’s rising role in sustainable finance, proving that responsible banking can drive regional progress and global recognition. As Bakai Bank continues to strengthen its ESG practices, it redefines sustainable finance in Central Asia.
Main Image: Zarema Sultan via Wikimedia.
