NCBJ earns JCC ESG Award for enterprise-wide impact

National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) recently received the Carreras ESG Award during the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce's 41st Annual Awards and Dinner, earning recognition for embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its business strategy and operations.

The award recognises organisations that demonstrate leadership in sustainable business practices and long-term value creation. 

NCBJ’s submission, entitled ‘Driving Jamaican Resilience Through People, Planet & Protection’, highlighted the Bank’s deliberate efforts to integrate ESG considerations into the way it conducts business. NCBJ was honoured for integrating financial and social inclusion into its business model, expanding access to financial services for unbanked Jamaicans, supporting underserved entrepreneurs and creating more accessible banking experiences for persons with disabilities.

"This recognition highlights the way we conduct business matters and not just the results we achieve," said Dave Garcia, group general counsel and chief administrative officer, NCB Financial Group Limited. "At NCB, ESG is not a standalone initiative. We are embedding it in how we create opportunities, support our customers, strengthen communities and deliver long-term value. We remain committed to creating value responsibly through sound governance, meaningful social investment and sustainable business practices."

The award recognises the organisation's ability to translate ESG principles into measurable outcomes through products, services and initiatives that deliver both commercial value and positive social impact. Among the areas highlighted were the Lynk digital wallet, accessible banking infrastructure, workplace inclusion practices, support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through grant funding, and a growing portfolio of products designed to address social and environmental challenges.

The judges also recognised NCBJ's continued commitment to strengthening its ESG framework, including the appointment of dedicated ESG leadership, completion of a Double Materiality Assessment, enhancement of ESG governance structures and investments in renewable energy. The organisation’s efforts to build climate resilience through strengthened governance, climate risk capability building, renewable energy investments and global sustainability initiatives such as GFANZ (Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero) were also recognised as evidence of a deliberate and structured approach to ESG integration.

The NCB's response to national crises, including support provided following hurricanes Beryl and Melissa, was also cited as evidence of its commitment to building resilience and supporting recovery efforts. Combined, the NCB Group’s recovery initiatives mobilised more than J$959 million in support for affected communities.

NCBJ's workforce diversity was also highlighted. Women currently represent 65 per cent of employees and 57 per cent of executives, reflecting the Bank’s efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace while creating opportunities for women in leadership.

According to Garcia, the award is both a recognition of progress and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with NCB’s role in Jamaica’s development. 

“Our ambition is to continue doing well while doing good, using our scale, capabilities and partnerships to help expand opportunities and support sustainable national development as we continue building a better, more resilient Jamaica.”