KakaoBank Achieves Highest 'AAA' Rating in MSCI ESG Assessment

Upgraded to the Highest Level in Four Years Since Joining the Evaluation in 2021

KakaoBank announced on November 9 that it has received the highest rating, 'AAA', in the 'MSCI ESG Ratings' published by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI).

This upgrade comes just eight months after receiving an 'AA' rating in February, marking a significant achievement as the company has reached the top rating tier in four years since its first evaluation (BB) in October 2021.

MSCI is a leading global ESG rating agency that annually evaluates the ESG management levels of over 8,500 listed companies worldwide. The agency reviews a wide range of criteria across environmental, social, and governance factors, including green finance, financial consumer protection, talent acquisition and development, and corporate governance. It assigns ratings in seven tiers, from AAA (highest) to CCC (lowest).

The MSCI rating is considered one of the most credible and influential indicators for global investors when making key decisions. KakaoBank's achievement of the highest rating is expected to have a positive impact on its corporate value.

Among domestic internet-only banks, KakaoBank is the only one evaluated by MSCI for ESG ratings. The company received high marks in areas such as personal information and data protection, financial consumer protection, and governance.

KakaoBank regularly verifies its information security systems through various domestic and international organizations. The company continuously maintains certifications for information security management systems, including ISO 27001 (international standard for information security), ISO 27701 (international standard for personal information protection), and ISMS-P (information security and personal information protection management system for electronic financial transaction services). KakaoBank has also achieved the highest grade (S grade) for five consecutive years since 2021 in the information security continuous evaluation system organized by the Financial Services Commission.

Additionally, the company has established an independent financial consumer protection system. KakaoBank operates a consumer protection team composed of the Consumer Protection Planning Team, Financial Fraud Response Team, and FDS Team, and provides proactive financial education for vulnerable groups. In 2025, the company is conducting financial fraud prevention education for more than 6,000 individuals, including children, adolescents, seniors, and young adults preparing for independence.

KakaoBank stated, "Since our first evaluation in 2021, we have continuously advanced our sustainable management system, which enabled us to achieve the highest rating in this assessment. We will continue our efforts to practice ESG management in line with global standards across all aspects of our business, including environment, society, and governance."

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