CIMB's Triple Jump Toward a Sustainable Future
CIMB Group has announced a bold new sustainability push, tripling its existing targets and pledging RM300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030. With this game-changing move, the regional banking giant aims to lead Southeast Asia’s transition to a low-carbon and inclusive economy, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Kuala Lumpur-based CIMB Group has unveiled its most ambitious sustainability goal to date: deploying RM300 billion (S$90) in sustainable finance by 2030. This massive leap — up from RM100 billion previously committed for 2021–2024 — underscores the bank’s intent to be a force for real-world change in Southeast Asia.
Group CEO Novan Amirudin called the new target «three times higher than our previous one,» emphasizing the bank’s dedication to helping clients thrive in a low-carbon economy. «Our purpose is to advance customers and society,» he said, adding that CIMB aims to support businesses that cut emissions, protect ecosystems, and promote social equity.
Guiding Clients Through a Complex Transition
CIMB’s strategy is not just about capital – it’s about helping clients navigate complex sustainability challenges. With evolving regulatory demands like IFRS S2, as well as growing climate and human rights risks, many businesses are under pressure. CIMB is stepping up with sustainability advisory services and innovative financing options, from transition and carbon finance to blended finance structures.
The Group plans to align its efforts with major regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. In doing so, CIMB aims to future-proof clients against shocks like potential carbon taxes and electricity tariff hikes.
Supporting SMEs and Individuals for a Just Transition
CIMB’s sustainability push goes beyond large corporations – it’s also about empowering small businesses and individuals. The GreenBizReady programme offers sustainability-linked financing and advisory support to help SMEs adopt green practices and access better rates.
Under SMEBizReady, nearly 500 SMEs received over RM990 million in financing in 2024 alone. The funds enabled investments in green technologies, automation, and digitalisation — including tools like e-invoicing – that are crucial for long-term resilience.
Encouraging Green Lifestyles and Financial Inclusion
On the retail side, CIMB is rolling out preferential financing for green homes and vehicles, as well as promotions for sustainable consumer choices. The goal? To make low-carbon living accessible and rewarding.
At the same time, the bank is expanding its social outreach. From financial literacy campaigns to scam awareness initiatives and micro-investment tools for underserved communities, CIMB is making inclusion a core part of its sustainability mission, especially for vulnerable groups and Malaysia’s B40 segment.
Global Recognition for Local Leadership
CIMB’s leadership in sustainability hasn’t gone unnoticed. The bank was recently ranked first in the world in the Financial System Benchmark by the World Benchmarking Alliance, topping a list of 400 financial institutions in their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
«As a leading ASEAN bank, our ambition goes beyond financing,» Amirudin said. «It’s about creating real value, building partnerships, and ensuring the transition is not only green, but fair and inclusive.»
