On March 26, 2025, Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) was honored with the Sustainability Program of the Year 2024 award at the Capital Markets Forum (CMF), organized by the Saudi Stock Exchange Group (Tadawul). This recognition marks SAB as the first bank in the Kingdom to receive such an accolade, acknowledging its significant role in advancing environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) practices in the Saudi economy and market.
The winners were chosen by independent committees of sector experts selected by the CFA Society Saudi Arabia and the Middle East Investor Relations Association. Competitors were assessed based on strict criteria to ensure excellence in their respective fields.
Tony Cripps, Managing Director & CEO of SAB, commented, “This prestigious award reflects our commitment to adopting best practices and reinforces our focus on responsible banking. Our sustainability strategy is central to our operations, and we are dedicated to contributing to the continued progress and development of Saudi Vision 2030.” He added, “This recognition further strengthens our position in the banking sector, and we will continue to enhance the environmental and social impact of sustainability, solidifying our role in achieving related national goals.”
SAB continues its leadership as the first bank in Saudi Arabia to implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy, with goals to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2035 and net-zero financed emissions by 2060. The bank has also committed SR 34 billion to sustainable financing by 2025, aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative.
Additionally, SAB chairs the Advisory Committee on Sustainable Banking (EBAC), overseen by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), further establishing its leadership in sustainable finance.
One of the largest banks in the Kingdom, SAB has been an active partner in Saudi Arabia's economic growth and social development for over 90 years. It is a leading corporate and institutional bank with strong capabilities in trade finance, foreign exchange, debt wholesale banking, digital innovation, and ESG, driving transformation and excellence. Following its merger with Alawwal Bank in 2021, SAB operates under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank and partners with the HSBC Group.