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This study, conducted on behalf of the European Commission, explores the integration of ESG factors into banks’ risk management processes, business strategies and investment policies, as well as into prudential supervision.
It provides a comprehensive overview of current practices and identifies a range of best practices for the integration of ESG risks within banks’ risk management processes and prudential supervision. It outlines challenges and enabling factors associated with the development of a well-functioning EU market for green finance and sustainable investment.
The study is based on the collection and aggregation of information from a wide range of representative stakeholders, in order to reflect a full spectrum of views. Findings show that ESG integration is at an early stage, and the pace of implementation needs to be accelerated in order to achieve effective ESG integration into banks’ risk management and business strategies, as well as prudential supervision.
To support this acceleration, enhancements are particularly required on ESG definitions, measurement methodologies, and associated quantitative indicators. A lack of adequate data and common standards remain key challenges to be overcome to drive ESG integration. Cross-stakeholder collaboration, as well as supervisory initiatives and guidance, will be critical in tackling this global and pervasive topic.