Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Hengfeng Bank attaches great importance to stakeholder communication, has actively expanded communication channels, and fully listens to the opinions and suggestions from its stakeholders. The bank’s major stakeholders include governments and regulators, shareholders and investors, customers and employees, suppliers and partners, the environment, and society. In response to different stakeholder expectations and demands, Hengfeng Bank has effective communication channels, so as to provide timely response and measures.

During the 2024 reporting period, Hengfeng Bank’s stakeholder communication initiatives could be summarized as follows:

With the government and regulatory agencies: Hengfeng Bank maintains close communication with the government and regulatory agencies through daily approval and supervision, regular statistical reporting, and the release of regular reports and information announcements. This ensures that the bank remains aligned with regulatory requirements and can respond promptly to any changes in the regulatory environment. In support of national strategies and regional development, Hengfeng Bank actively studies and implements work instructions and, Internally, implements regulatory policies and supports the formulation of industry policies. Hengfeng Bank continues to strengthen internal control and compliance management, implement comprehensive risk management, and reinforce anti-corruption and anti- money laundering measures. These initiatives mentioned above help ensure stability and integrity in the bank’s operations.

With shareholders and investors: Hengfeng Bank is dedicated to providing timely, accurate, and comprehensive information disclosures. The bank maintains good relations with investors and protect shareholders’ rights and interests through different activities, including shareholder meetings, roadshows, and investor exchanges. These efforts ensure that shareholders and investors remain well-informed and engaged in the bank’s operations. At the same time, Hengfeng Bank during the 2024 reporting period continued to promote sound operations and improve its corporate governance system, also strengthening information disclosure to meet investor demand and maintain good relations. By doing so, Hengfeng Bank has ensured transparency and has built trust with its stakeholders, contributing to long-term stability and growth.

Customers: Hengfeng Bank maintains close contact with customers through a variety of channels, which include daily service communication, customer satisfaction surveys, the 95395-customer service platform, offline customer theme activities, and a customer complaint handling mechanism. The bank actively communicates with customers and consumers, proceeding with green financial product and mode innovation. Hengfeng Bank seeks to provide agile and efficient services, improve service capabilities through innovative products, and protect consumer rights at the same time. Additionally, it has focused on the needs of special groups such as private enterprises and the elderly, and improved the customer service experience and safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of customers by strengthening the standardization of outlets, improving the level of intelligent services at outlets, creating “Hengai Home,” and optimizing online services such as remote banking services.

Employees: Hengfeng Bank effectively engages its employees through various channels such as staff congresses, regular training sessions, cultural and sports events, brainstorming platforms, and support systems for those in need. The bank has prioritized employees’ needs by protecting their legitimate rights and interests, strengthening talent development programs, establishing a fair promotion process, and paying close attention to their work, life, and physical and mental well-being. Additionally, Hengfeng Bank actively promotes a green office culture by encouraging employees to voluntarily conserve resources like food, paper, electricity, and water, thus reducing energy use and waste. These efforts have cultivated a strong environment of energy conservation and carbon reduction within the organization. Key initiatives include optimizing energy management, adopting paperless digital workflows, promoting waste sorting and recycling, advocating food-saving practices, and ensuring environmentally friendly management of official vehicles.

Supplier management: Hengfeng Bank fosters strong collaboration with its suppliers and partners through business cooperation, industry seminars, supply-and-demand matchmaking discussions, and bidding and tendering activities. Additionally, the bank has established a fair, transparent, and open procurement process to ensure procurement activities are conducted with integrity. Hengfeng Bank is committed to continuously improving its procurement system and strengthening supplier management. Regarding green and low-carbon initiatives, the bank’s “Procurement Management Measures” and “Supplier Management Measures” explicitly promote the concept of green procurement. Hengfeng Bank encourages the sourcing of domestic products and prioritizes purchasing environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and sustainable products, provided they meet the necessary performance and quality standards.

Environment: Hengfeng Bank recognizes the importance of addressing environmental needs and fulfilling corporate responsibilities by focusing on climate change, advancing green finance, practicing sustainable operations, and supporting the national development of a green, low-carbon economy. To achieve these goals, the banks employs a dual approach in both external and internal communications. Externally, Hengfeng Bank engages stakeholders through environmental information disclosure, strategic business pricing, green public welfare initiatives, and promotion of green finance. The bank also actively participates in relevant meetings and forums to foster dialogue and collaboration. Internally, Hengfeng Bank has strengthened ESG management, expanded green financial products and services, implemented green office practices and sustainable operations, and elevated green finance to a strategic priority to support the growth of green industries.

Community: Hengfeng Bank actively engages with the community through participation in community development projects, public welfare, charitable activities, volunteer services, and financial literacy initiatives. The bank regularly organizes financial education campaigns, volunteer events, and other activities aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, enhancing people’s livelihoods and welfare, and fostering strong community relations with all stakeholders.

Hengfeng Bank recognizes the importance of maintaining open communication with its stakeholders. Using various channels and methods, the bank actively listens to and addresses their expectations and needs. Hengfeng Ban’s goal is to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are fully considered in its ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) efforts, thereby supporting sustainable development.

How did Hengfeng Bank identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2024 PRB Reporting and Self-Assessment Template Hengfeng Bank reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

At the strategic level, Hengfeng Bank actively embraces the directives of the Central Financial Work Conference. The bank has integrated green finance into its overall development strategy and developed the “Implementation Plan for the High-Quality Development of Green Finance.” This plan outlines Hengfeng Bank’s development roadmap for the next five years, including specific goals and measures to achieve them. In response to shifts in the macroeconomic environment, the push toward carbon neutrality, and increasing customer demand for diversified low-carbon services, the bank continuously refined its green finance management structure. This dynamic optimization ensures that Hengfeng Bank remains agile and capable of effectively addressing emerging challenges and opportunities within the green finance sector.

During the reporting period, Hengfeng Bank implemented an intelligent green credit identification system, improving the efficiency of recognizing green businesses and strengthening the overall capacity of green financial services. Capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the growth of the national carbon trading market, the bank concentrated on carbon trading activities and offered financing products tied to carbon emissions, carbon trading, or energy efficiency. Additionally, Hengfeng Bank introduced carbon finance solutions to promote and steer the targeted allocation of limited resources toward green and low-carbon sectors.

Regarding product innovation, Hengfeng Bank consistently pursued advancements in green and sustainable finance. For instance, during the reporting period, the bank facilitated the country’s first water-saving loan linked to intellectual property and launched the inaugural green financial project loan for charging stations. Additionally, Hengfeng Bank developed the “Hengrong E” series of digital supply chain financial products and supported a high-quality state-owned enterprise in Shenzhen in successfully issuing the first green offshore bond listed on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

While emphasizing green finance, Hengfeng Bank also capitalized on opportunities in blue finance by establishing a “blue finance” engine to promote the transformation of “green shipping.” In 2024, the bank’s Fuzhou Branch issued a US$20.72 million guarantee to Xiamen Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. for green shipping projects. This initiative created new integration channels for Hengfeng Bank’s corporate clients in both domestic and international shipbuilding sectors and offered distinctive financing options for the domestic equipment manufacturing industry to expand globally. Additionally, the bank actively engaged in the coordinated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao region. Hengfeng Bank continued to increase resource allocation and provide tailored policy support to foster high-quality growth in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Through bond investments, Hengfeng Bank’s Shenzhen Branch assisted Maoming Port Group Co., Ltd. in successfully issuing the 2024 offshore RMB bonds—marking the first corporate offshore blue bond in Guangdong Province and the first offshore RMB green bond in Maoming City. The proceeds are primarily designated for port infrastructure development and will support the high-quality advancement of clean energy and green transportation.

Finally, at the private sector level, Hengfeng Bank introduced the “Hengyin E-Chain” supply chain financial product. This innovative solution allows supply chain enterprises to access financing easily without requiring mortgages or guarantees. The process, from online and intelligent financing applications to credit approval and disbursement, is designed to be seamless and efficient. During the reporting period, Hengfeng Bank extended financing to 3,895 private enterprises, totaling 6.7 billion yuan. This initiative has effectively supported the growth of private businesses by offering them accessible and streamlined financial services.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Hengfeng Bank, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://hfbank.com.cn/upload/attach/Hengfeng Bank Reporting and Self-Assessment for Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) in 2024.pdf

Note to Hengfeng Bank: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Fidelity Bank is dedicated to maintaining strong stakeholder engagement as a fundamental element of its sustainability strategy and the application of the principles. Fidelity Bank identifies and prioritizes stakeholders according to their relevance to its operations, the extent to which the bank’s activities may affect them, and their level of interest in sustainability issues. Fidelity Bank’s engagement approach is rooted in inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. The insights gained from these interactions help the bank conduct materiality assessments, inform policy development, and drive ongoing enhancements to its sustainability initiatives.

Key stakeholder groups and engagement methods include:

• Customers: Engaged through feedback surveys, social media, focus groups, customer service channels, relationship managers, and complaints management systems to understand their needs and expectations.
• Employees: Engaged via the intranet, staff meetings, newsletters, training sessions, surveys, performance appraisals, employee resource groups, and whistleblowing channels to foster alignment with the bank’s goals and promote a responsible workplace.
• Investors and Shareholders: Consulted through Annual General Meetings, investor presentations, sustainability reports, investor relations platforms, and analyst calls to share performance updates and strategic insights.
• Regulators: Interacted with through regulatory submissions, consultations, formal meetings, and participation in industry working groups to ensure compliance and contribute to sector policy development.
• Suppliers: Managed through audits, contractual agreements, workshops, and review meetings to promote responsible sourcing and alignment with Fidelity Bank’s ethical standards.
• Communities: Engaged via town hall meetings, collaborations with local organizations, social investment programs, and grievance mechanisms to support local development and address community concerns.
• NGOs and Civil Society: Collaborated on specific environmental and social projects and through participation in multi-stakeholder initiatives promoting sustainable development.
• Media: Engaged through press releases, briefings, interviews, and social media to ensure transparency and communicate important updates.
• Government: Interacted with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies through meetings, conferences, and joint initiatives, especially on regulatory and policy issues.
• Industry Peers: Participated in industry associations, benchmarking activities, and collaborative platforms to share knowledge and advance collective sustainability efforts.

These stakeholder engagement efforts have been vital in shaping Fidelity Bank’s sustainability strategy, enhancing transparency, and strengthening its social license to operate.

How did Fidelity Bank identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2024 PRB Progress Report Fidelity Bank reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

Fidelity Bank is unlocking new strategic business opportunities through the expansion of its sustainable finance offerings, aligning with the dual objectives of enhancing positive impacts and minimizing negative ones across its portfolio. In 2024, the bank made significant progress in inclusive finance by increasing access and strengthening engagement with underserved groups, including women, youth, MSMEs, and rural communities. Over 7,000 student accounts were opened via campus activations, while rural women received financial education and were onboarded as POS agents. The Agency Banking network expanded to over 35,000 agents with more than 7,000 POS terminals, improving financial access nationwide. Additionally, more than 6,000 women received digital skills training, empowering female-led enterprises.

To facilitate a just and low-carbon transition, Fidelity Bank increased its green finance portfolio. In 2024, the bank completed 482 transactions under green initiatives such as the Fidelity Easy Asset Lease Scheme (Solar Power) and Green Energy Financing, totaling ₦509.01 million. Fidelity Bank also provides funding to businesses implementing green initiatives across various sectors and is developing the Fidelity Green App, a digital platform that connects green product providers and consumers with embedded financing options. Further sustainable finance solutions are in development to meet rising demand.

Fidelity Bank’s sustainable finance efforts contribute to multiple SDGs, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Noteworthy initiatives include donating a solar-powered water facility serving 8,000 people, launching Fidelity Send to lower remittance costs and improve financial inclusion, and establishing a new SME Hub to foster innovation and collaboration.

The bank also plays a leading role in promoting financial literacy at the national level. As Chair and Secretariat of the Financial Literacy and Public Enlightenment Subcommittee of the Bankers’ Committee, Fidelity Bank contributes to shaping Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy through awareness campaigns, educational programs, and stakeholder engagement.

All sustainability-related activities are guided by internal frameworks and aligned with international standards and taxonomies. Fidelity Bank’s definition of green finance is comprehensive, incorporating criteria such as alignment with designated use of proceeds in investor offer letters, adherence to international standards like the ICMA Green Bond Principles, and compliance with green taxonomies of development banks. These efforts aim to foster long-term value creation, inclusive economic growth, and climate resilience across clients and communities.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Fidelity Bank, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.fidelitybank.ng/documents/Fidelity-Bank-Sustainability-And-Climate-Report-2024.pdf

Note to Fidelity Bank: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Fidelity Bank remains dedicated to meaningful stakeholder engagement as a fundamental part of its sustainability approach and the application of its principles. The bank identifies and prioritizes stakeholders based on their relevance to its operations, the potential impact of its activities on them, and their interest in sustainability matters. Fidelity Bank’s engagement practices are guided by the principles of inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. Insights gained from these interactions inform the bank’s materiality assessments, influence policy decisions, and support the ongoing enhancement of its sustainability initiatives.

Key stakeholder groups and engagement methods include:

• Customers: Connected through feedback surveys, social media, focus groups, customer service channels, relationship managers, and complaints management systems to understand their needs and expectations.
• Employees: Engaged via the intranet, staff meetings, newsletters, training sessions, surveys, performance appraisals, employee resource groups, and whistleblowing channels to foster alignment with the bank’s objectives and promote a responsible workplace.
• Investors and Shareholders: Consulted during Annual General Meetings, investor presentations, sustainability reports, investor relations platforms, and analyst calls to share performance updates and strategic insights.
• Regulators: Interacted with through regulatory submissions, consultations, formal meetings, and participation in industry working groups to ensure compliance and contribute to sector policy development.
• Suppliers: Managed through audits, contractual agreements, workshops, and review meetings to promote responsible sourcing and uphold ethical standards.
• Communities: Engaged via town hall meetings, collaborations with local organizations, social investment programs, and grievance mechanisms to support local development and address community concerns.
• NGOs and Civil Society: Collaborated on specific environmental and social projects and participated in multi-stakeholder initiatives promoting sustainable development.
• Media: Engaged through press releases, briefings, interviews, and social media to ensure transparency and communicate important updates.
• Government: Interacted with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies through meetings, conferences, and joint initiatives, especially on regulatory and policy issues.
• Industry Peers: Participated in industry associations, benchmarking activities, and collaborative platforms to share knowledge and advance collective sustainability efforts.

These stakeholder engagement efforts have been vital in shaping Fidelity Bank’s sustainability strategy, enhancing transparency, and strengthening its social license to operate.

How did Fidelity Bank work with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities?

In its 2024 PRB Progress Report Fidelity Bank reports that it works with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities as follows:

Fidelity Bank actively engages clients and customers to promote sustainable practices and facilitate the transition toward a more inclusive and low-carbon economy. The bank’s engagement strategy integrates product innovation, awareness campaigns, policy enforcement, and ongoing client support.

Fidelity Bank maintains regular communication through calls, emails, various media platforms, and other channels to raise sustainability awareness, encourage responsible business conduct, and share pertinent information, including updates on regulatory expectations and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices. As part of its lending procedures, environmental and social (E&S) conditions are incorporated into offer letters for borrowing clients. Based on the E&S risk classification of their businesses, clients are required to submit quarterly compliance reports. The bank also conducts site visits to verify compliance and provide guidance where necessary.

To enable sustainable economic activities, Fidelity Bank offers customized green financing solutions. In 2024, the bank facilitated 482 transactions through its green products, including the Fidelity Easy Asset Lease Scheme (Solar Power) and Green Energy Financing, totalling ₦509,006,379. Additionally, the bank is developing new sustainable offerings, such as the Fidelity Green App—a digital platform designed to connect providers and consumers of green products and services. Further green products are under consideration to assist clients in adopting sustainable business models.

These initiatives not only strengthen client relationships but also reinforce Fidelity Bank’s commitment to responsible banking and contribute to broader environmental and social outcomes.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Fidelity Bank, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.fidelitybank.ng/documents/Fidelity-Bank-Sustainability-And-Climate-Report-2024.pdf

Note to Fidelity Bank: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Nordea is dedicated to fostering and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with its stakeholders. The bank actively seeks insights into their expectations and responds promptly with appropriate actions and engagement. Nordea has identified six primary stakeholder groups: customers, employees, investors, suppliers, supervisory authorities, and the broader society.

The bank maintains ongoing dialogue with all key stakeholder groups, with a particular focus on customers and investee companies, to understand the sustainability challenges and opportunities they encounter in their respective environments. This approach enables Nordea to address material sustainability issues effectively and to translate its sustainability commitments into tangible actions. Nordea’s strategy emphasizes dialogue over disengagement. Key engagement metrics include customer preferences (such as post-advisory surveys), active ownership activities (voting and engagement with investee companies), climate-related customer engagement (LC&I clients), ESG ratings, employee engagement (via People Pulse), and supplier sustainability assessments.

Additionally, Nordea undertakes specific initiatives to support vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, through information sessions to address questions and gather feedback. Nordea also provides dedicated senior customer service lines in Norway and Finland to assist older clients. Furthermore, the bank engages with customers on debt management by communicating clearly across multiple channels and monitoring feedback to reduce risks and improve their financial well-being.

How did Nordea identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2024 PRB Responsible Banking Progress Statement Nordea reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

As the leading financial services group in the Nordics, Nordea has the potential to make a substantial impact through the advice, products, and support provided to customers to facilitate sustainability-focused investment decisions. In DMA, Nordea identified key opportunities related to climate change and offers several sustainability-related products to support these efforts.

Nordea Sustainable Selection is Nordea’s fund offering that incorporates enhanced sustainability criteria. It was created to assist Nordic clients in navigating the wide range of products with varying sustainability features and levels of ambition available in the market. The framework for Nordea Sustainable Selection requires both the product and its provider to meet a set of established sustainability criteria. The offering includes both Article 8 and Article 9 products as defined by the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). As the market evolves and customer demands increase, Nordea’s sustainable product range will continue to expand and develop. In 2024, Nordea introduced a new product category called Sustainable Selection Improve, which emphasizes active ownership with specific, measurable engagement targets aimed at enhancing the sustainability profile of portfolio companies. Nordea set a target for gross flows into Nordea Sustainable Selection funds to reach 33% of total flows by 2025, supporting the Group’s climate objectives to reduce emissions in the investment portfolio by 40-50% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. By the end of 2024, the share of gross flows into Nordea Sustainable Selection funds had reached 23%.

Nordea’s sustainable and sustainability-linked finance products play a key role in integrating sustainability into the bank’s funding and liquidity strategies by offering sustainable investment options to pension funds and other bond investors. The Nordea Green Funding Framework and the Sustainability-Linked Loan Funding Framework mark significant progress toward embedding ESG and sustainability considerations into core operations, by establishing clear assessment criteria and management practices for proceeds. In 2024, Nordea issued over EUR 3.6 billion in sustainable funding across four currencies, bringing the total outstanding sustainable issuance to more than EUR 14 billion. Green bonds generally offer lower yields and enjoy stronger investor demand compared to conventional bonds. The cost of fund benefit or “greenium” that Nordea receives for green bonds is passed on to business units and ultimately to customers on a quarterly basis.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Nordea, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.nordea.com/en/doc/nordea-principles-for-responsible-banking-2024.pdf

Note to Nordea: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Zenith Bank’s stakeholders are defined as groups or individuals with an interest in the bank and who are affected by its activities, products, or services. Zenith Bank’s stakeholders include investors, employees, customers, suppliers, communities, industry peers, local and national government agencies, media, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international institutions. Through a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and management process, all these groups are considered in the bank’s responsible business decision-making.

Some of the key concerns raised by Zenith Bank’s stakeholder groups include:

• Employees: health and safety, compensation and benefits, training and development, work-life balance, and employee volunteering.
• Investors: financial performance, return on investments, investor relations, sustainable finance, and transparent communication.
• Customers: information security awareness, processing time for electronic transactions, claims and dispute resolution, transaction fees and charges, updates and offers on products and services, incentives, and access to cash.
• Suppliers: policy reviews, payment cycles, adherence to signed Service Level Agreements (SLAs), complaint resolution, Environmental & Social (E&S) risk considerations, information security and privacy awareness, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Government: foreign exchange rate practices, regulatory compliance, banking reforms, effective risk management and systemic risk prevention, lending to the real sector—particularly SMEs—anti-corruption initiatives, anti-money laundering efforts, and financial inclusion.

How did Zenith Bank identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2024 PRB Reporting and Self-Assessment Template Zenith Bank reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

Climate Action — Zenith Bank’s Climate Risk Management approach enables it to effectively evaluate its climate risk exposures across its operations, credit activities, and investments. This helps the bank to identify and implement actions aimed at further reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, Zenith Bank continues to engage stakeholders and conduct training sessions, including employee training, to explore opportunities in climate risk management for its customers.

Food Security — Projects under the 100for100 Policy on Production and Productivity (PPP) are designed to significantly boost domestic production and productivity, reduce reliance on imports, increase non-oil exports, and enhance the foreign exchange generating capacity. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, focusing on both microeconomic and macroeconomic impacts, such as contributions to GDP and job creation.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Zenith Bank, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://digital.zenithbank.com/sustainability_report/UNEPFI-PRB-Reporting-and-Self-Assessment-2024.pdf

Note to Zenith Bank: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

ICBC’s Basic Rules for Corporate Social Responsibility (ESG and Sustainable Finance) define social responsibility as the Group’s commitment to promoting high-quality development. This includes maintaining a steadfast dedication to a civilized development path that supports advanced production methods, prosperous living standards, and a healthy ecological environment. The bank aims to provide effective financial support and services to foster the sustainable development of the Chinese nation and to ensure the sharing of benefits with shareholders, customers, employees, society, and other stakeholders.

ICBC places significant emphasis on stakeholder communication. By establishing mechanisms for both immediate and regular dialogue, as well as coordinating communication on specific topics and engaging in international exchanges, the bank ensures continuous and meaningful interactions with key stakeholders. It actively encourages participation from relevant parties by leveraging new media platforms. To protect the rights and interests of investors and other stakeholders—particularly minority shareholders— ICBC strictly complies with domestic and international regulations regarding information disclosure. During the reporting period, the bank continuously enhanced its proactive information disclosure system within its periodic reporting framework and actively addressed investor concerns through its voluntary disclosure channels, making its information sharing more proactive and effective.

ICBC actively promotes the green, low-carbon, and sustainable development of its suppliers. Its centralized procurement process strictly complies with national regulations and upholds the principles of openness, fairness, justice, and integrity. The Administrative Measures for Centralized Procurement Suppliers have been revised to better specify management requirements for addressing significant risks and illegal activities related to environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance among suppliers.

ICBC values its people, cares for its employees, and continuously improves its employee incentive mechanisms and training systems. It leverages the role of the employee representative assembly, emphasizes the protection of employees’ legitimate rights and interests, and promotes equality in employment and career development opportunities for female employees.

ICBC actively promoted consumer protection education and awareness. In 2024, it designated the year as the “Year of Consumer Protection Education Promotion Deepening” nationwide and launched a themed campaign titled “Deepening Consumer Protection Education Promotion.” During the reporting period, the bank organized over 202,600 financial education activities, reaching more than 1.856 billion individuals.

Additionally, 15,000 bank outlets established “ICBC Sharing Stations.” Utilizing the “ICBC Sharing Station” service platform, the bank enhanced collaboration with volunteer service organizations, offering volunteer services, assistance, and other public welfare initiatives to the community, thereby creating a “warm home” of volunteering, care, and support.

Furthermore, ICBC harnessed the Group’s social donation functions to assist the poor and vulnerable populations. It encouraged and guided employees to participate in volunteer activities, expanded community service channels, and supported social charity efforts.

How did ICBC identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2024 Sustainability Report ICBC reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

Aligned with national strategic priorities, ICBC intensified its financial support for emerging high-quality productive forces. It continued to deepen, implement, and refine the “Five Priorities,” while innovating across sectors such as green finance, inclusive finance, technology finance, pension finance, and digital finance. By providing higher-quality financial services, ICBC advanced sustainable economic and social development and fulfilled its role and responsibilities as a major state-owned bank.

ICBC established a comprehensive green finance system that integrates strategic planning, policy guidance, product innovation, and research collaboration to promote the comprehensive green and low-carbon transformation of the economy and society. Building on its extensive experience, the bank further promoted its green finance brand, “ICBC Green Bank+.” It continuously enhanced its green credit management system, refined guidance for industry credit policies, and incorporated green development indicators as key criteria. ICBC also developed binding environmental credit policies and integrated environmental, social, and climate-related risks into the entire credit management process. As of the end of the reporting period, the balance of green loans under the NFRA criteria surpassed RMB 6 trillion.

ICBC’s inclusive lending continued to grow, further strengthening its support for financing needs. As of the end of the reporting period, the total balance of the bank’s inclusive small and micro enterprise loans reached RMB 2.89 trillion, reflecting an increase of RMB 665.563 billion or 29.9% compared to the beginning of the year. ICBC served 2,083,400 inclusive loan customers, an increase of 616,600 or over 40% from the start of the year. The bank’s inclusive financial services received recognition through 15 significant awards, including the “2024 Cases of Innovative Practices in Building a Financial Powerhouse” awarded by people.cn. Additionally, it was rated as “Class A” in the 2023 Regulatory Evaluation of Financial Services for Small and Micro Enterprises by the National Financial Regulatory Administration.

ICBC prioritized the development of technology finance by accelerating the refinement and enhancement of the “five specialized” service system for technology finance. It provided high-quality financial services to technology enterprises, supporting their pursuit of advanced technological self-reliance and innovation. As of the end of the reporting period, the total loans to strategic emerging industries surpassed RMB 3.1 trillion.

To align with national strategies, improve public well-being, and support the silver economy, ICBC developed the Action Plan for Promoting Pension Finance Development. This plan introduced the “1134 Project” framework for pension finance and outlined over 50 measures to foster the growth of pension finance.

ICBC actively implemented the national strategy to strengthen China’s cyberspace capabilities and build a digital China. It fully supported the development of the digital economy by enhancing comprehensive financial support for key areas such as new digital infrastructure construction, innovation and addressing vulnerabilities in digital technology, promoting the healthy growth of the platform economy, and advancing industry digital transformation. The bank also facilitated major project development and the innovative growth of key enterprises. Additionally, it thoroughly advanced the development of D-ICBC, leveraging “data and technology” to empower business operations, accelerating the cultivation of new high-quality productive forces, and strengthening digital driving forces to promote high-quality growth.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by ICBC, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://v.icbc.com.cn/userfiles/resources/icbcltd/download/2025/esg2024en.pdf

Note to ICBC: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

The SBI Shinsei Bank Group believes that collaboration with stakeholders, including customers, is vital, as outlined in the “Group Sustainability Management Policy.” The Group strives to enhance and strengthen its initiatives through ongoing dialogue and address environmental and social challenges through stakeholder engagement. Beyond collaborating with corporate clients, the SBI Shinsei Bank Group is also undertaking the following initiatives:

Individual Customers:

• Developed and published the “Policy on Customer-Oriented Business Conduct and Action Plan.”
• Published an impact report on the sustainability deposits’ allocated assets, which was distributed to depositors and made available on the Group’s website.

Financial Institutions:

• Implemented transition-linked loans via syndicated loans involving ten banks, including the SBI Shinsei Bank Group.

Employees:

• Conducted engagement surveys.
• Held monthly roundtable discussions between executives and employees

How did the SBI Shinsei Bank Group identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2024 PRB Report the SBI Shinsei Bank Group reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

The SBI Shinsei Bank Group believes that advancing finance aimed at addressing environmental and social challenges will enhance the Group’s positive impacts and generate new business opportunities. Consequently, the Group has set a target to originate a total of 5 trillion yen in sustainable finance by March 2031. As of March 31, 2024, the cumulative amount of such financing reaches 1.4 trillion yen, comprising projects such as:

• Green Loans for the development, construction, and operation of low-voltage solar power generation facilities
• Green Finance for purchasing older buildings, conducting energy-saving renovations, obtaining environmental certifications of a certain standard or higher, and subsequently selling the properties
• Syndicated transition-linked loans supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan’s financial assistance program to promote the transition toward carbon neutrality

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by the SBI Shinsei Bank Group, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://corp.sbishinseibank.co.jp/en/sustainability/initiative/initiative/main/07/teaserItems2/02/linkList/01/link/prbreport_e_2024.pdf

Note to the SBI Shinsei Bank Group: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Şekerbank re-evaluates its list of material issues annually in collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders, considering evolving standards and international developments in sustainability. As a dynamic process, the materiality analysis benefits from the insights of various stakeholders, regulations, standards, corporate strategies, and key global developments. In identifying its material topics, Şekerbank takes into account best practices, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Financial Services – Commercial Banking sector material topics, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and IFRS S1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-Related Financial Information) issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), which is part of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) organization. In 2024, Şekerbank re-examined its priorities, initially identified in 2023 through a “double materiality” approach, in light of current strategies, corporate commitments, and stakeholder expectations. Through this double materiality analysis, Şekerbank conducted risk and opportunity assessments for the areas it has designated as high priority.

Thus, high-priority and strategically important points were subjected to a comprehensive assessment.

Şekerbank actively participated in the activities of the “Sustainability Working Group” and the “Climate Transformation Finance Technical Sub-Working Group” established by the Banks Association of Turkey (TBB). These platforms are viewed as valuable opportunities for Şekerbank to engage with stakeholders within the banking sector and share expertise in sustainable banking. While contributing to sectoral research on Climate Transformation finance, Şekerbank also participated in the development and calculation of the Green Asset Ratio (GAR), which is one of the key performance indicators used for classifying sustainable finance.

The 10th Sustainable Finance Forum, organized by BCSD Turkey since 2013 and supported by Şekerbank, was held at Borsa Istanbul in collaboration with Global Compact Turkey. During the Forum, Şekerbank’s Executive Vice President Fatma Nur Çetinel delivered a speech titled “Impact Investments: Sustainable Finance Strategies Shaping the Future” as part of the panel discussion.

Şekerbank continued to provide products and services to its customers while engaging with stakeholders through various collaborations. The bank signed a protocol with İhracatı Geliştirme A.Ş. (İGE) to support female SME exporters and exporters with a female employee ratio of over 50%, and empowered women to take a more active role in business life by increasing their participation in the workforce and enhancing their competitiveness.

The Empowerment and Access to Employment of Disaster-Affected Software Developer Youth Project enhances the role of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, fostering economic growth and social benefits. Şekerbank is implementing a project in collaboration with SistersLab to facilitate employment opportunities for women affected by disasters.

To support renewable energy investments, Şekerbank provided financing support to customers receiving solar energy system (SPP) installation services through its partnership with İklimsa. In collaboration with Schneider Electric, the bank aimed to offer technical and financial assistance to projects focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and decarbonization.

How did Şekerbank identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2025 PRB Impact Report Şekerbank reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

Şekerbank has established long-term relationships with development-oriented international financial institutions since its inception. Its extensive expertise in SME and agricultural banking, along with its ability to reach rural populations, is highly valued by these institutions. With a strong focus on SME, tradesmen, and small business banking—core areas of its operations—Şekerbank continues to serve as a bridge bank to facilitate access to rural areas, earning recognition from development-oriented international financial institutions. In addition to participating in the Foreign Trade Guarantee Programs of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank, Şekerbank utilizes long-term foreign funds obtained through its sustained relationships with international financial institutions to support sustainable development in Turkey.

In 2024, Şekerbank signed a significant international cooperation agreement that highlights the global importance of its inclusive social and environmental banking approach, which it implements as a local bank serving all of Turkey. Led by the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and involving six international development organizations, Şekerbank secured a syndicated loan of approximately USD 160 million with a 5-year maturity. In addition to FMO, the partnership includes Proparco, a subsidiary of the French Development Agency (AFD), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and six other international financial institutions such as the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE), Blue Orchard Microfinancing Fund (BOMF), and ILX Fund (ILX). These funds are dedicated to environmental and social development initiatives and have been established with contributions from numerous governments and institutional investors worldwide. With EUR 25 million in financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Şekerbank continues to develop funds supporting projects that enhance energy efficiency and promote the sustainable use of agricultural land. In 2024, within the scope of the USD 100 million loan obtained from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for the development of the region affected by the earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, Şekerbank continued to support micro, small enterprises, and SMEs in maintaining production and employment. Şekerbank provided over TL 8 billion in financing to SMEs in the earthquake-affected provinces, as well as to women-owned businesses, small businesses, and SMEs across Turkey through the DFC loan. The number of loans extended exceeded 23,000. Şekerbank remains committed to responsible lending practices in collaboration with international financial institutions and continues to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The table detailing the Sustainable Development Goals contributed to by Şekerbank, prepared based on its activities and key focus areas, is available in Şekerbank’s Integrated Annual Report.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Şekerbank, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.sekerbank.com.tr/uploads/291/PRB Rapor_En_2025_Linkleme_Rev3.pdf

Note to Şekerbank: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Stakeholder Identification and Consultation
As part of its impact analysis process, IDLC follows the regulatory instructions from respective authorities and regularly consults with them regarding challenges, priorities, and future developments. IDLC’s regulatory stakeholders include Bangladesh Bank, the Department of Financial Institutions and Markets (DFIM), the Department of Environment (DoE), and others. Additionally, IDLC maintains close interactions with the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), whose expertise in sustainability is considered a valuable asset.

Since IDLC’s corporate clients are primarily concentrated in the Textile & RMG sector, IDLC actively engages with various associations and forums such as BGMEA, BKMEA, IFC-PACT, among others, to address industry-specific issues. Through stakeholder engagement, IDLC gains insights into current and anticipated future trends across different sectors, which helps in shaping and aligning its sustainability strategies.

Furthermore, IDLC recognizes the importance of civil society as a key stakeholder and periodically engages with civil society organizations by participating in community events and providing grants, non-profit sponsorships, scholarships, and donations to support sustainability initiatives and foster social inclusion. These efforts reflect IDLC’s commitment to SDGs 4, 5, and 6.

How did IDLC identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2025 PRB Responsible Banking Progress Statement IDLC reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

Based on its impact analysis and additional studies, IDLC identified that its corporate clients, involved in various factories and industries, are particularly interested in concessional financing solutions to support their transition and sustainability initiatives. Accordingly, IDLC engages with Bangladesh Bank to avail their refinancing schemes that promote lower GHG emissions, energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management, and green industry practices for its customers. IDLC also provides guidance to its clients to ensure compliance with the requirements of these refinance schemes. IDLC’s portfolio information for 2024 is outlined below:

2024	Green Finance	Sustainable Finance
Total disbursement	BDT 5,855.46 million (USD 48.79 million)	BDT 22,366.71 million (USD 186.39 million
YoY disbursement growth	(12.36%)	16.23%
Portfolio size	BDT 12,479.79 million (USD 103.99 million)	BDT 39,874.50 million (USD 332.29 million)
YoY Portfolio growth	32.11%	(6.02%)

Within IDLCC’s green finance portfolio, the following segments make significant contributions:

Segment	Portfolio Size
Energy & resource efficiency	BDT 5,287.56 million (USD 44.06 million)
Green/Environment friendly establishments	BDT 2,234.10 million (USD 18.62 million)
Renewable energy	BDT 1,087.87 million (USD 9.07 million)

(USD 1 = BDT 120 as of 1 January 2025)

IDLC is consistently committed to expanding its business in green and sustainable finance solutions. Each year, a clear target is established in line with Bangladesh Bank’s guidance and regulations. For 2025, based on the current portfolio, IDLC set a disbursement target of 5% for green finance and 40% for sustainable finance. These ambitious milestones demonstrate IDLC’s unwavering dedication to sustainability and societal well-being.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by IDLC, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://web.idlc.com/uploads/Unep-files/-352537.pdf

Note to IDLC: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

As a member-owned co-operative, Innovation FCU prioritizes engaging and collaborating with stakeholders to shape its future and the work carried out within the community. The next step for Innovation FCU is to incorporate the principles of responsible banking into these consultations and establish a formal process for engaging stakeholders in discussions and action plans related to sustainability, as outlined by the PRB. Stakeholder groups currently engaged and consulted by Innovation FCU include:

Members: Innovation FCU conducts ongoing member research and feedback surveys throughout the year. The organization’s strong community engagement, charitable giving, and opportunity creation have contributed positively to social equity in sustainability.

First Nations Leaders: Innovation FCU’s executive team and board members have been building relationships with First Nations Leaders and communities to better understand their unique challenges, including those related to remote and northern locations, community needs, perceptions of money, financial education, environmental and cultural preservation, economic development, and specific claims. These efforts aim to foster partnerships that honour the interests of ‘the next seven generations.’

Third Parties: Innovation FCU collaborates with various groups to enhance its impact, including the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network, Indigenous Wealth Financial, First Nations Carbon Summit, AFOA Canada, Saskatchewan Solar Co-Op, and many others.

CCUA: The Canadian Credit Union Association serves as a valuable partner and stakeholder, with multiple working groups dedicated to sustainability. Through these collaborations, Innovation FCU shares insights and learns from other Canadian credit unions about approaches to sustainability and evolving regulatory requirements.

Innovation FCU’s next step is to intentionally integrate discussions around its areas of impact and strategic targets with these groups.

How did Innovation FCU identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2023-2024 PRB Self-Assessment Report Innovation FCU reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

Innovation FCU’s Indigenous Connector Group employs various strategies to engage Indigenous peoples and communities. One such approach is Banking Days, during which the Innovation FCU team travels to remote communities and reservations to collaborate directly with community members on financial education and assist with establishing basic banking services. The Connector Group also cultivates direct relationships with Indigenous economic development corporations, Nations, and entrepreneurs. While other financial institutions are closing remote branches, Innovation FCU is committed to opening them in areas with limited or no access to financial services.

Specific Claims Financing offers First Nations bands the capital necessary to pursue specific claims with the federal government. These claims relate to the fulfilment of historic treaties and other agreements. This specialized financing product does not encumber the Nation, and Innovation FCU conservatively estimates that the three bands currently engaged with the program will save over $30 million compared to traditional legal routes. These savings contribute to long-term sustainability and positive impacts for the communities.

Innovation FCU has also developed a ‘no questions asked’ emergency overdraft program for remote and northern communities affected by wildfires. This initiative provides members with peace of mind as they navigate the challenges posed by these natural disasters.

Innovation FCU supports members in accessing programs such as the Energy Efficient Home Renovation Loans in collaboration with CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) and the CMHC Green Home program. These initiatives enable eligible members to receive a refund of up to 25% of the loan premium. Additionally, Innovation FCU assists members in participating in the Auto Loan for Zero-Emission Vehicles Incentive, offered through the Government of Canada, which provides incentives of up to $5,000 for qualifying zero-emission vehicles (ZEV).

Innovation FCU has partnered with NEI Investments, Canada’s leading provider of Responsible Investment (RI) solutions, to create a positive impact for investors, partners, and society at large. NEI offers Canada’s most diversified selection of actively managed RI funds, advised by top institutional money managers and overseen by NEI’s propriety Investment Management, Asset Allocation, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) teams.

Innovation FCU’s Young Farmers Financing Program supports new farmers under 40 in entering an industry that is often challenging to break into without a farming background. The program offers preferred rates and enhanced flexibility in credit access for start-up farmers with higher risk profiles and low equity. This initiative helps promote greater diversity and opportunity within the farming sector, while also contributing to food security and fostering innovation.

In addition, Innovation FCU makes direct investments in green and sustainable projects, such as the Saskatchewan Solar Co-Opp and the Water Equity Fund.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Innovation FCU, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.innovationcu.ca/content/dam/innovationcu/en/resources/2023-principles-responsible-banking-self-assessment.pdf

Note to Innovation FCU: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.