Exposure to the ESG risk of the Polish banking sector

Abstract

The main aim of the article is to explore changes taking place in ESG risk management in the Polish banking sector. The following research methods were used: in-depth literature studies, desk research methods, questionnaire survey methods, case study analyses, and observation and synthesis methods. The article verified the adopted research hypothesis, stating that knowledge and awareness of the importance of ESG risk in commercial banks in Poland increased, which is reflected in practical activities related to their bank risk management systems. The research that was conducted showed that Polish banks are increasingly aware of the ESG risk and the need for their inclusion in risk management processes. This inclusion takes place through various channels. However, an important aspect of this system is the assessment of banks' exposure to ESG risk. Commercial banks in Poland use mainly qualitative methods, although they also recognise quantitative ones to measure the scale of ESG risk taken.