Sustainable Fitch and EthiFinance have improved Unicaja's ESG (environmental, social and governance) rating, highlighting in particular the bank's performance in the area of governance, where it obtained its highest score, based on the assessment methodologies of both entities. This improvement reflects Unicaja's strategic approach to sustainability, which translates into the incorporation of ESG criteria into its management model.
Sustainable Fitch assessment
Sustainable Fitch has upgraded Unicaja's ESG rating from 3 to 2 (with 1 being the highest score and 5 the lowest), highlighting the expansion of the bank's decarbonisation objectives to new sectors of its loan portfolio,
complemented by its policy of excluding certain sectors from financing. In addition, the rating upgrade is also supported by the incorporation of ESG objectives into Unicaja's strategic goals, reinforcing the bank's commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050.
It also maintains a rating of 2 for the bank’s Green Bond Framework, highlighting the positive impact of funds allocated to green buildings and renewable energies, as well as the robustness of the project selection and evaluation process.
In its analysis, Sustainable Fitch gives Unicaja the highest score for governance, valuing its adequate internal control, risk management and separation of duties between the CEO and the chairman. The environmental and social areas receive a rating of 2, highlighting in the first case the emission reduction policies, carbon footprint measurement and external verification, and in the second case, the diversity, inclusion and gender representation initiatives at all levels of the organisation.
EthiFinance assessment
EthiFinance gives the bank an overall score of 72 points out of 100, up from 64 in the previous year, representing an improvement of 8 points. Specifically, it bases the improvement in the ESG rating on the fact that Unicaja has strengthened its commitment to reducing its climate impact by setting quantitative short-term targets.
Likewise, in relation to social issues, the introduction of quantified targets for equal opportunities has contributed positively to the improvement in the bank's score.
Finally, governance is once again the highest-rated area, with 79 points. Unicaja's introduction of a double materiality assessment, as well as its good practices in the area of corporate conduct and stable cybersecurity indicators, have contributed to strengthening the bank's governance. In addition, the agency considers Unicaja's exposure to ESG controversies to be low.
Sustainable management
Unicaja has a Sustainability Policy in line with the Paris Agreement, the Global Compact Principles, the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, the bank is a signatory to the Collective Commitment for Climate Action (COP2025) and the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking.
Recognition by two independent agencies reinforces Unicaja's position as an institution committed to sustainability, transparency and good governance.
