DUBAI — S&P Global Ratings has been recognized as the best credit rating agency for integrating sustainability and corporate governance factors by the Independent Research in Responsible Investment (IRRI) Survey 2019. This is the first time the IRRI survey has included a ranking for credit rating agencies.

The IRRI is an annual survey published by Extel and SRI-CONNECT on the economics and dynamics in sustainable investment and corporate governance. This year’s survey is based on 954 responses from corporate governance and investment professionals, IR and CSR managers from listed companies.

Hadi Melki, S&P Global Ratings’ Managing Director and Regional Head Middle East commented, “Responsible investment has grown significantly in importance for investors. S&P Global Ratings has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable investment and corporate governance. Tools like our recently launched ESG Evaluation provide companies with detailed insight on how factors relating to environmental, social and governance influence a company’s stakeholders and can potentially impact financial performance.”

Launched in April 2019, S&P Global Ratings’ ESG Evaluation is a forward-looking, qualitative, and data-driven assessment of an entity's ESG performance and preparedness for future risks and opportunities, which leverages company engagement and analysts' expertise. — SG