AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has released its fourth Sustainability Report, highlighting the bank’s commitment to transparency and accountability across four key pillars: Sustainable Finance, Operations, Communities, and Reporting. The report showcases the bank’s progress in various areas, including climate action, financial inclusion, and governance excellence.
One of the significant achievements of AU SFB is the mobilization of ₹1,178 crore for climate-positive projects through its Green Deposits, with ₹958.81 crore supporting renewable energy projects, ₹90.51 crore financing electric vehicles, and ₹1.48 crore advancing green building initiatives. The bank has also outperformed financial inclusion norms, with 32% of its branches located in unbanked rural centers, exceeding the mandated 25%.
In addition to its financial achievements, AU SFB has invested ₹43 crore in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, benefiting over 2.72 lakh individuals through flagship programs such as AU Ignite, AU Udyogini, and AU Bano Champion. The bank has also achieved an Employee Happiness Index of 86%, delivered 2.09 million training hours, and maintained an average of 32 training hours per employee per year, reflecting its focus on human capital and well-being.
The report has been prepared in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (SEBI BRSR) framework. It captures the bank’s performance for the financial year 2024-25 and has been independently assured by Intertek India.
AU SFB has also secured an AA (Leader) ESG rating by MSCI, with a Low-Risk score of 17.1 by Sustainalytics, reinforcing its position as a responsible financial institution. The bank has partnered with IFC on Climate Risk Advisory, integrating physical and transition risks and financed emissions into credit and risk models, aligned with global best practices and RBI guidelines.
The bank’s Chairman, H R Khan, and Founder, MD & CEO, Sanjay Agarwal, have emphasized the importance of sustainability and the bank’s commitment to creating a future that is inclusive, resilient, and enduring. As AU SFB prepares to transition to a Universal Bank, it recognizes that greater scale means greater responsibility to its stakeholders, society, and the planet.
Overall, the report highlights AU SFB’s progress in integrating sustainability into its business strategy and operations, and its commitment to creating long-term value for its stakeholders while contributing to the well-being of the environment and society. With a strong foundation in place, AU SFB is well-positioned to achieve its goal of becoming a Universal Bank while maintaining its focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
The bank’s sustainability report is a testament to its commitment to transparency and accountability, and its efforts to create a positive impact on the environment and society. As the bank continues to grow and expand its operations, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in promoting sustainable development and financial inclusion in India.
In conclusion, AU SFB’s fourth Sustainability Report is a comprehensive document that showcases the bank’s progress in various areas of sustainability, including climate action, financial inclusion, and governance excellence. The report demonstrates the bank’s commitment to creating a sustainable future and its efforts to integrate sustainability into its business strategy and operations.