For the second consecutive year, SEB banka awarded the Platinum rating of the Sustainability Index

In the closing ceremony of the Sustainability Index 2018 held on 14 June, for the second consecutive year, SEB banka was awarded the Platinum rating of the Sustainability Index, which is the top corporate sustainability assessment rating consistently with international requirements in all aspects of corporate social responsibility.

Ieva Tetere, CEO of SEB banka:

“I would like to thank the whole SEB team and partners. Last year we were the first bank to be awarded the highest rating in the creation of sustainable business. Nevertheless it was expected, but still it was a big surprise and achievement. As other members of the Platinum category point out, it's not easy to receive the recognition for the first time, but it is even harder to gain the recognition for the second consecutive year. We have succeeded. I think that business continuity in our understanding is the responsibility to take care of our customers, to ensure excellent quality in service, because it has a clear impact on our customers and society's long-term prosperity. It is also responsibility to provide clear and transparent financial services especially in the context of international events. Sustainability is also to be concerned about employee well-being. All our decisions are viewed through the focus of sustainability. "

In evaluating the bank's performance, attention was paid to our contribution to the development of an insightful business strategy as well as good corporate governance, creating a clean and transparent business environment, lessening the direct impact on the surrounding environment, as well as taking care of employees and customers, including, ensuring sustainable solutions for developing financial services and customer service.

SEB banka has been participating in the Sustainability Index since 2010, when the bank was awarded the Silver rating. Between 2011 and 2016, SEB had the Gold ratings. 2017 was the first year we made it into the Platinum category. This year, we have managed to keep up with the high praise by being awarded the top - Platinum rating again.

The Platinum rating of the Sustainability Index was awarded to AS “SEB banka”, SIA “CEMEX”, AS “Cēsu alus”, SIA “Latvijas Mobilais Telefons”, AS “Latvenergo”, VAS “Latvijas dzelzceļš”, VAS “Latvijas Loto”, SIA “Rimi Latvia”, Riga Technical University, AS “Swedbank”, municipal SIA “Ventspils reiss”, and SIA “”Ventspils nafta” termināls." 

The “Sustainability index” is a strategic management tool that helps companies assess their operational sustainability and corporate responsibility level in five areas: strategy, market relations, working environment, environment, and local community. At the same time, it provides the public, government and non-governmental organizations with objective criteria to praise and support companies that help strengthen sustainable development. The partners of the initiative include the Institute for Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility as well as the national-level social partners – the Employers' Confederation of Latvia and the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia.

This year, over 80 Latvian companies were engaged in carrying out a full assessment of the Sustainability Index. The Platinum rating is awarded to companies, whose total Sustainability Index is higher than 90 %. This means that the relevant company has fully integrated corporate responsibility aspects in its activities and appointed the persons in charge at the management board as well as executor levels.