More than three out of four (78 per cent) transactions at BBK were conducted via e-channels in 2021, cementing its drive towards sustainability, reveals a new report.
A year after the launch of its sustainability framework, the BBK Sustainability Report 2021 released yesterday during an event at the Al Khalifiyeh Library in Muharraq gives insights into the bank’s progress in implementing various initiatives based on outlined KPIs aimed at building a better life for every Bahrain resident and ultimately creating a more sustainable world.
The report reveals that the bank has strengthened its offering of alternative channels thereby allowing customers to conduct their banking transactions without having to visit a branch.
“A well-defined sustainability framework allows us to focus and prioritise efforts around the four pillars: good corporate governance, responsible and responsive employer, long-term positive customer relationships and experiences, and social responsibility mindset,” said BBK Group chief executive Dr AbdulRahman Saif at the event.
“As the region’s premier financial group, we are encouraged by our achievements thus far. The statistics and success stories outlined in this report offer ample evidence to support this. We are guided by the mission to serve our community and deliver products and services that enrich people’s lives and do not harm the environment. With our Sustainability Report, we consolidate our intention to embed sustainability at the core of BBK’s mission, continue to build upon its far-reaching benefits for our people and to remain future-ready for generations to come.”
Last year saw a lot of ground being covered with respect to initiatives and success stories, prominent among them being the fact that 40.4 per cent of the BBK workforce is female.
Dr Saif said the bank plans to ensure growth in this area and also encourage women to take up senior positions by introducing new career development programmes for female executives.
With respect to customer service, BBK’s customer complaint response rate is currently at 1.4 days, significantly less than the CBB requirement.
The top official said the bank has further aligned its priorities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 goals that have been defined with an aim to end poverty, fight inequality and tackle climate change among others.
As an example, BBK’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals focused on renewable energy and environment is evident in its pre-packaged loan for solar panels being offered to retail and corporate clients.
Additionally, the bank has affirmed its committment in supporting Bahrain’s leadership to achieve the most recent clean energy adoption goal towards net-zero emissions by 2060.
Moving forward, BBK intends to deepen its commitment in the fields of education, environment, financial inclusion, and women empowerment as well as health.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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