By Modupe Gbadeyanka
For the second time in a row, Access Bank Plc has been named the ‘Outstanding Business Sustainability Achievement Award 2017’ at the 2017 Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Awards in Germany.
The award conveners presented the accolade in recognition of Access Bank’s outstanding success in incorporating economic, social and environmental aspects into its corporate strategy and business processes.
This prize also brings global recognition to the Bank’s impressive success in holistically embedding sustainability across all aspects of operations within the financial institution.
Held on July 13, 2017 and attended by CEOs of leading international financial institutions, senior executives of other winning institutions and top German government officials, the award was presented to Access Bank CEO, Mr Herbert Wigwe in Karlsruhe, Germany.
This recognition comes a year after Access Bank made history as the first African bank to receive this prestigious accolade.
The award was received barely a week after Nigeria’s foremost rating agency, Agusto & Co upgraded the Bank’s rating from A+ to AA-
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr Herbert Wigwe, said the award validates the Bank’s continuous efforts and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Since we were here last year to receive the 2016, ‘Outstanding Business Sustainability Achievement Award’, Access Bank has continued to champion responsible investing, innovative health initiatives, environmental protection and financial inclusion.
“We are doing this profitably. So, we continue to encourage other institutions to embrace the same principles and practices,” Mr Wigwe said.
“At Access Bank, we believe our operations, loan and project finance must have the barest environmental footprint. Indeed, we believe the net impact of our activities must be positive on the environment.
“As such, we are champions of climate change mitigation and adaptation” he added. He assured that the Bank will be further motivated and maintain profitable growth while embracing sustainability,” he added.
The conveners said the 2017 awards focused on honouring organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the field of sustainable finance, stimulated the interests of financial institutions and other stakeholders in integrating sustainability in their core business strategy.
It also recognises candidates who promote growth of sustainable financial instruments and markets worldwide particularly in the fields of green finance and investments, financial inclusion and social finance, green equity and holistic integration of sustainability in the financial services institutions.
Dipo Olowookere 
Aduragbemi Omiyale