Korea Investment Holdings’ MSCI ESG rating upgraded to A

Korea Investment Holdings Co. said on Thursday it was upgraded by three notches from B to A in the MSCI ESG rating this year.

The MSCI ESG rating is a global benchmark for environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) has been rating listed companies worldwide based on their ESG performance since 1999.

It evaluates them in terms of 10 themes and 35 key issues in line with its ESG criteria.

Korea Investment Holdings has implemented an ESG management system and policies across its subsidiaries by integrating ESG factors into its investment decision-making process.

The upgrade to the MSCI ESG rating also reflected Korea Investment & Securities Co.'s dedication to sustainable finance with the launch of its carbon solutions division. The unit is responsible for carbon emissions trading and other environment-related investments.

A Korea Investment Holdings official said the three-notch upgrade to its MSCI ESG rating will increase its corporate value and investor confidence in the company as ESG has become a key consideration in investment decision-making.

Write to Yeonhee Kim at yhkim@hankyung.com

Jennifer Nicholson-Breen edited this article.