YEREVAN, October 21. /ARKA/. ACBA Bank has published its first sustainability report, presenting its performance in the areas of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, the bank’s press service reported.
Having begun its operations by financing the agricultural sector, ACBA now offers a wide range of banking services while explicitly excluding the financing of enterprises whose activities could cause environmental damage or harm the natural world.
By publishing this sustainability report, ACBA underscores its commitment to ESG principles, transparency, and responsible business conduct.
“ACBA was conceived not merely as a financial project, but as a social one. When the bank was established, our primary goal was to support farmers and foster the development of communities. Even then, we adopted a policy to finance only those projects that do not harm the environment. For us, what matters is not rapid, erratic growth, but sustainable development,” noted Hakob Andreasyan, Chief Executive Officer of ACBA Bank.
Sona Ishkhanyan, Chair of the Board of ACBA Bank, emphasized the responsibility to ensure that future generations grow up in a society founded on the principles of equality, kindness, and diversity.
“These values lie at the core of our operations, and in this context, the role and significance of our ESG strategy continue to grow,” Ishkhanyan stated.
Hakob Hakobyan, Director of SME and Corporate Business at ACBA Bank, remarked that the publication of the sustainability report is of great importance to the bank. “In line with established standards and the principles of transparency, we have endeavored to present the bank’s long-term efforts and operational principles to the public and our stakeholders,” noted Hakobyan.
Artak Manukyan, a member of the Council of the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia, stated that the regulator is currently discussing the possibility of making ESG standards a mandatory requirement for all.
“It is highly encouraging that ACBA Bank is a step ahead in this regard. On behalf of the Central Bank, I am pleased to welcome the publication of ACBA Bank’s first sustainability report. In my view, this represents a significant step toward fostering a responsible and transparent business culture within Armenia’s financial system,” Manukyan remarked.
By 2028, ACBA Bank intends to fully integrate ESG risks into its lending process, substantially expand its “green” portfolio, and issue “green” bonds.
The bank is regulated by the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia.
