KMF Bank Wins Silver at the SDG Champions 2026 Awards
KMF Bank JSC has received the Silver Award in the Large Business category at the SDG Champions 2026 Awards. The competition is organized by the UN Global Compact Network Central Asia. The initiative aims to recognize companies’ contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote the principles of transparency, de-carbonization, responsible investment and ethical labour practices across the region. In 2026, companies were assessed based on their achievements in 2025-2026. Applications were reviewed by an independent international jury.
The Bank submitted its approach to sustainable development, which is embedded in its strategy and core business operations. Four SDGs remain key priorities for KMF: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 5 – Gender Equality, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
One of the Bank’s key areas of positive impact is financial inclusion. Through its 17 branches and 123 sales outlets, KMF serves customers in more than 4,000 settlements, with 65% of its customer base living in rural areas. To help bridge the digital divide, the Bank is gradually connecting its remote rural offices to Starlink satellite internet.
KMF places particular emphasis on supporting women’s entrepreneurship: women entrepreneurs account for approximately 53% of the Bank’s portfolio. In 2026, the Bank joined the Women’s Entrepreneurship Finance Code (WE Finance Code) and, together with KMF-Demeu Fund, continues to implement the Isker Hanymy Business Awards. The Bank’s and the fund’s financial literacy programs have reached approximately 187,000 people since 2013.
The Bank has been a participant in the UN Global Compact since March 2025 and integrates the Ten Principles into its policies, corporate governance framework and public reporting.
“Our main objective is to ensure that financial services are accessible where they are hardest to reach: in rural areas, small towns, and for women entrepreneurs and microbusinesses. The SDG Champions award confirms that the approach we have taken – from financial literacy to digital accessibility – is delivering results. We will continue contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals under our Strategy through 2028. We thank the UN Global Compact Network Central Asia for this recognition,” said Oxana Bukhtiyarova, Strategic Development and ESG Unit Manager.
The Sustainable Development Goals remain a key reference point for KMF Bank’s Strategy through 2028: the Bank will continue to expand financial inclusion, support women’s entrepreneurship and develop educational programs for customers and communities across the regions of Kazakhstan.