Sustainable Banking

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Overview

   Rosella Carè

   Abstract

   This chapter provides an overview of the structure of the book, identifying the main themes of any chapters and clarifying the main aims.

3. Chapter 2. Ethics and Finance: The Unresolved Puzzle

   Rosella Carè

   Abstract

   This chapter moves from recent critiques of mainstream finance and provides an excursus on the role of ethics in finance. By underlining how several scholars have questioned the essence of neoclassical approaches based on rational behaviors and profit maximization, the chapter focuses on the emerging role of alternative approaches and on the themes of social finance and social banking.

4. Chapter 3. Exploring the Role of Banks in Sustainable Development

   Rosella Carè

   Abstract

   This chapter highlights the contribution of financial systems to sustainable development and provides an excursus of the major changes that have occurred at the international level and that are a result of the increased attention banks have given to sustainability issues. The chapter also introduces the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in sustainability, focusing on the role of the credit risk management process and describing how sustainability issues might create value for banks.

5. Chapter 4. Emerging Practices in Sustainable Banking

   Rosella Carè

   Abstract

   Environmental concerns are pushing banks toward the development of new products, investment, and communication strategies. From the banks’ point of view, sustainable products may be seen as both a strategic and a commercial opportunity. At the same time, communicating the bank engagement in sustainable approaches may represent a pathway toward new market opportunities in terms of reputation and customer perception. This chapter gives an overview of the most important sustainable products and services developed by the banking industry and describes the role of sustainability disclosure in terms of both opportunities and risks of inactions.

6. Chapter 5. Sustainability in Banks: Emerging Trends

   Rosella Carè

   Abstract

   This chapter explores and compares the sustainability and environmental disclosure practices of European banks through a multiple case study approach. Through this exploratory analysis, six banks placed on the Global 100 Sustainability Companies list have been scrutinized to identify similarities and differences among banks’ sustainability practices that may be linked to country-specific factors. The contributions of the chapter are twofold: on the one hand, the study helps to elucidate the most relevant sustainability practices adopted by banks, and on the other hand, the study offers insights and guidance and encourages future research.

7. Chapter 6. Being a Sustainable Bank: The Case of Intesa Sanpaolo

   Rosella Carè

   Abstract

   A leading banking group, such as Intesa Sanpaolo, can have a significant impact on the society and environment in which it operates. Since 2007, social and environmental issues are increasingly integrated into business strategies. This chapter explores what it means to be a sustainable bank from the internal perspective of Intesa Sanpaolo. This case highlights the role of sustainability in banks and the relevant aspects that are considered in the bank’s strategy.

8. Chapter 7. Looking Back, Looking Forward

   Rosella Carè

   Abstract

   This chapter comments on the main topics discussed in the book. In particular, the chapter highlights the main future of sustainable banking and designs a set of themes meriting further investigation from researchers in future studies.

9. Backmatter