ESG ratings & benchmarks | RBS

In 2019, RBS continued in its commitment to proactively respond to a number of key ESG sustainability surveys, achieving above the industry average in a number of benchmarks.

We maintained our ESG score of BBB with MSCI (a major ESG ratings provider), which we have continued to work closely with to understand how we can improve our ESG performance.

Although our score in the 2019 SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment and the CDP (Climate Change) survey both fell compared to our 2018 performance, the industry averages also fell, meaning we continue to outscore a number of other companies in our sector. 

We have been upgraded to Prime status by Institutional Shareholder Services ESG (ISS ESG), a world leading provider of corporate governance and responsible investment solutions. Prime status is awarded to companies that meet specific minimum requirements in Corporate Ratings and achieve the best ESG scores among their sector peers. In our sector, Financials/Commercial Banks & Capital Markets, 14% were awarded Prime (May 29, 2019).

Note: The ESG ratings are to a great extent based on public information and are subject to the assessment and interpretation by the ESG rating agencies. Moreover, the ESG ratings are unsolicited and in many instances RBS may not have the ability to influence the outcome of such ESG ratings.

We continue to respond to the UN Global Compact (UNGC) annually, which signals our support for the universal principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. A copy of our latest UNGC Compact Communication on Progress is available here.