RAM Sustainability assigns Gold sustainable finance rating to Bank Islam’s Sustainability Sukuk Framework

Published on 21 Apr 2026.

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RAM Sustainability has assigned a Gold Sustainable Finance Rating to Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad’s (BIMB or the Bank) Sustainability Sukuk Framework (the Framework) after completing a second-party opinion assessment.

The Gold rating is primarily driven by BIMB’s robust sustainability governance, strategy and management. In FY 2025, the Bank enhanced its sustainability governance and integrated climate transition considerations within its Three Lines of Defence. Building on its earlier Sustainability Strategy and Roadmap that concluded in FY 2025, BIMB introduced its Sustainability Strategy 2030, which remains under development. The Bank also established its Climate Transition Plan in FY 2025, informed by its financed emissions baseline and initial sectoral decarbonisation priorities, to align with its net zero emissions by 2050 commitment. BIMB maintains sound sustainability-related policies and controls including its Group Sustainability Policy and Group Climate Risk Management Framework, and has embedded climate and sustainability considerations into its Group Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Policy.

The SFR is further supported by the Framework’s strong alignment with transparency and disclosure requirements under relevant guidelines. Our assessment also considers the expected environmental and social benefits of the Framework’s range of eligible categories, and their contribution to national-level environmental and social policy objectives. In assessing the potential positive impact of the eligible categories, we have also considered the Bank’s financing portfolio in terms of business segment and sector exposure.

While specific projects have yet to be identified for immediate utilisation under the Framework, we find that the eligible green and social project categories under the Framework are aligned with BIMB’s sustainability strategies and existing financing exposures. Management has indicated that proceeds from the first tranche of the Sustainability Sukuk are expected to be directed toward the Bank’s existing financing activities deemed eligible under the Framework.

BIMB is a full-fledged Islamic banking institution that aims to champion Shariah-ESG total financial solutions with leadership in digital banking and social finance. Its sustainability approach is driven by Value-based Intermediation principles and Shariah values. The Bank plans to issue subordinated and senior Sustainability Sukuk under its existing RM10.0 bil Sukuk Murabahah programme.

 

Analytical contacts
Raz Amira Razlan 
(603) 2708 8295
raz@ram.com.my

Amirah Jamil
(603) 2708 8294
amirah@ram.com.my

Media contact
Sakinah Arifin
(603) 2708 8212
sakinah@ram.com.my

 

This external review or second opinion is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in as much as it does not comment on the security’s market price or its suitability for an investor, nor does it involve any audit by RAM Sustainability. It is also not a credit assessment on the proposed Green, Social or Sustainability Bonds/Sukuk.

About RAM Sustainability

RAM Sustainability Sdn Bhd (RAM Sustainability) is a provider of sustainability services and ESG analytics. Incorporated on 31 May 2000, RAM Sustainability is a wholly owned subsidiary of RAM Holdings Berhad (RAM Group). RAM Sustainability is the first ASEAN-based provider of ESG ratings and second opinions and has the distinction of being the first Registered Observer of ICMA’s Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, Sustainability Bond Guidelines and Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles in ASEAN. For further details, please refer to https://www.ram.com.my/sustainability.

Published by RAM Sustainability Sdn Bhd 
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