Green Finance Strategy
IBK has established an ESG and Green Finance Promotion Strategy to actively support the response to the climate crisis and the green transition of SMEs. In accordance with Global ESG Disclosure Standards (such as ISSB), IBK Financial Group has conducted integrated ESG disclosures and achieved results exceeding government allocation in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target Management System for seven consecutive years.
2024 ESG Evaluation and Awards Achievements
IBK adheres to international standards by joining various international ESG initiatives such as the UN Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), and Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). In 2024, the bank strengthened its domestic and international ESG cooperation framework by newly joining TNFD and Korea Social Investment Forum (KoSIF). It will continue to actively participate in global alliances for a sustainable society.
In 2024, IBK was recognized for its global ESG competitiveness by being included in the FTSE4Good Index for two consecutive years, receiving an A rating in the MSCI ESG evaluation, maintaining an A rating for four consecutive years in the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability (KCGS) evaluation, and being selected as the top domestic financial institution in the Financial Times' climate response excellence. Additionally, IBK has externally demonstrated the achievements of its ESG management practices by receiving the Presidential Commendation from the Ministry of Environment for Contribution to Eco-friendly Technology Promotion and Consumption, the Minister of Environment Award for Outstanding Green Finance Company, and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award for Outstanding Greenhouse Gas Reduction Company.
IBK will continue its efforts to support the sustainable growth of SMEs, expand green finance, and address climate change. It will also play a leading role in establishing ESG Governance in the financial industry and complying with global ESG standards.
2024 Major ESG Evaluation Results
Brand Strategy Dept.
IBK Concert
IBK strengthens cultural communication with its customers by organizing unique performances and collaborations with top-tier artists to enhance customer satisfaction. At the IBK Concert held in 2024 , approximately 12,000 customers were invited to enjoy a special collaboration featuring world-renowned soprano Jo Su-mi, violinist Danny Koo, and saxophonist Brandon Choi. Additionally, the bank hosted a distinguished outdoor event, the IBK Festival, which is designed to deepen engagement with customers in their 20s and 30s. The festival attracted 13,752 attendees, marking the largest turnout ever for a single IBK event.
TV Advertising Campaign Featuring Value Finance
IBK instills pride in entrepreneurs through a TV advertising campaign that highlights the growth of SMEs driving South Korea's economy. Under the slogan “Empowering Korea’s Unstoppable Great Companies—IBK by Your Side,” the campaign conveys the message of “MADE IN KOREA” becoming a symbol of innovation, emphasizing IBK's corporate philosophy.
IBK Design for Hope Initiative: Design Improvement Project for Microbusiness Owners
Since 2016, IBK has been running the IBK Design for Hope initiative, a program dedicated to improving the business environments of microbusiness owners. In 2024, IBK carried out an environmental improvement project at the Chungbuk Industrial Material Distribution Complex in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, improving the signage and exterior walls of a total of 157 stores—the largest support case in the program’s history.
Additionally, IBK has continued post-management for previously supported commercial districts, such as Seoul’s Yeomcheon Shoe Street and Daegu’s Daesin Sock Alley, contributing to the sustainable growth of microbusinesses and the revitalization of local economies through ongoing environmental improvements.
Going forward, IBK remains committed to supporting the growth of SMEs and microbusiness owners, while expanding its brand strategies and social contribution initiatives to realize Value-Creating Finance in collaboration with the local communities.
Corporate Social Responsibility Dept.
Social Contribution Initiatives for SME Workers
IBK has conducted various social contribution initiatives to enhance the welfare of SME workers and to promote local community development. In March 2006, the bank established IBK Foundation with the aim of improving the welfare of SME workers and their families, and has contributed a total of KRW 95.8 billion to date. By 2024, the Foundation provided KRW 23.7 billion in scholarships to 13,161 children of SME workers with excellent academic performance, and KRW 17.5 billion in medical expenses to about 4,100 family members of workers with rare and severe diseases.
The Foundation also implemented the IBK Mentoring Program, where university student mentors provide online learning mentoring to the children of SME workers, with a total of 14,063 individuals receiving support by 2024.
Moreover, to support the work-life balance of SME workers, the Foundation established the first dedicated daycare centers in the financial sector, opening them in Namdong Industrial Complex (2018) and Gumi Industrial Complex (2019). To date, the children of workers from 78 SMEs have used these facilities.
Support for the Underprivileged and Realization of Social Value
IBK has operated various projects to support the underprivileged in the community. Since 2023, IBK has been conducting the IBK Wings for Hope project in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, providing KRW 5 million annually in scholarships, financial education, mentoring, and legal counseling to 200 young adults preparing for independence.
In addition, to help the stable settlement of multicultural families, IBK has operated comprehensive support programs including living assistance, capacity development, and expanded opportunities for cultural and artistic enjoyment, providing a total of KRW 4.6 billion.
IBK has also conducted a blood donation campaign to alleviate blood supply shortages and provided treatment cost support for leukemia and pediatric cancer patients, as well as actively participated in recovery support during domestic and international disasters. IBK’s Good Love Meal Truck program, operating in 30 regions nationwide, has provided free meals to the marginalized and the elderly living alone.
Environmental Protection and Global Social Contribution
For a sustainable future, IBK has promoted the IBK Greening Project and created green spaces within urban areas. The bank has continued to expand its environmental protection initiatives using funds raised through the Step Donation Campaign, in which its executives and employees actively participate.
Additionally, as part of its global ESG efforts, IBK has dispatched over 200 volunteers to Mongolia and Vietnam. In Mongolia, the team has planted trees to reduce fine dust and built gers (traditional houses) for low-income families. In Vietnam, volunteers have carried out projects to improve living conditions, demonstrating IBK’s commitment to social responsibilities on an international scale.
2024 Global Volunteer Corps Inauguration Ceremony
Cultural and Artistic Sponsorships including Non-Mainstream Sports
IBK has promoted a distinctive cultural and artistic social contribution initiative, supporting SMEs, emerging artists, children from multicultural families, and artists with disabilities. Additionally, by sponsoring women's Baduk tournaments, Taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, and other non-mainstream sports, IBK has contributed to the foundation for national athletes' achievements in international competitions. IBK will continue supporting the growth of SMEs and local communities, while expanding its social role as a corporate citizen.