Abstract
This paper aims at contributing to the debate on the relationships between the European financial sector and sustainable development. Using a non-financial disclosure analysis of 262 European banks, the research sought, first, to investigate the “scope” of the contribution of European banks to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and, second, to explore the factors that seem to differentiate the SDGs approach among banks. The results show that country of origin, legal system, and adoption of an integrated report seem to differentiate banks in terms of contribution to the SDGs. The business model and stock exchange listing, conversely, do not seem to represent discriminatory factor in the contribution of banks toward the SDGs. The study can be useful for managers and decision makers to develop policies to support organizations in contributing to the SDGs.
Highlights
This paper aims at contributing to the debate on the relationships between the European financial sector and sustainable development
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) introduced by the 2030 Agenda represent a new challenge within the corporate strategic process and at the same time an issue that has not yet been examined in detail by literature
On the basis of the commitment required from the financial sector and the role played by the banks, this paper aims at contributing to the debate on the relationships between the European financial sector and sustainable development by attempting to understand if and how European banks are advancing along the path of the strategic orientation toward the SDGs
Summary
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) introduced by the 2030 Agenda represent a new challenge within the corporate strategic process and at the same time an issue that has not yet been examined in detail by literature. The EU has played a determining role in defining the 2030 Global Agenda, which is consistent with the objectives of Europe In this path, banks are called upon to perform a leading role in virtue of their capacity to direct the conduct of companies, administrations, and families toward the priority goals. Banks are called upon to perform a leading role in virtue of their capacity to direct the conduct of companies, administrations, and families toward the priority goals This aspect is connected to the specific activities of credit and financial intermediation, such as screening, monitoring, enforcement, and the possible consideration of ethical, social, and environmental factors in funding provision and investment activities. The Action Plan on Financing Sustainable Growth places a particular emphasis on the systemic importance of the financial sector in enabling the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
