SC Bank Korea earns top rating in corporate governance again

Standard Chartered (SC) Bank Korea announced on Nov. 19 that it has earned an A+ rating in an annual corporate governance assessment for the seventh consecutive year.

The Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability (KCGS) recognized SC Bank Korea as the only commercial bank to receive the top-tier grade every year since 2019.

The Seoul-based lender also became the first commercial bank to receive the KCGS “Best Governance Company Grand Prize” for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021).

From 2022 to 2024, it was the only outfit among all evaluated firms designated as a “Governance Hall of Fame Company.”

This year, SC Bank Korea stated that it once again stood alone among commercial banks in securing the prestigious A+ rating.

The 2025 corporate governance evaluation covered 1,090 companies, including 970 publicly listed firms and 120 financial institutions.

The KCGS pointed out the bank’s robust governance framework, noting the balanced efforts of management and the board of directors in building and advancing a sound ESG structure.

The institute cited this synergy as a key factor in establishing a virtuous cycle of ESG management and oversight.

SC Bank Korea CEO Lee Kwang-hee stressed the global significance of the bank’s governance model.

“Our governance system and culture are considered among the most exemplary within Standard Chartered’s 54 global markets,” he said.

“Being the only commercial bank to receive an A+ rating for seven consecutive years and to be named a ‘Governance Hall of Fame Company’ brings great responsibility and pride.”

Short for Environmental, Social, and corporate Governance, ESG is the three core pillars used to assess a company’s long-term sustainability and its broader impact on society.

In recent years, the term has gained significant traction in the global business community and has become one of the most talked-about frameworks shaping corporate strategy.