Development of ESG Banking in Russia

Abstract

Aim. The presented study aims to assess the current state of the banking sector of the economy and its potential for the development of ESG banking and implementation of ESG standards.

Tasks. The authors analyze the current level of ESG standards implementation and the banks’ readiness to further implement ESG standards.

Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to analyze the problems and obstacles that arise during ESG standards implementation in banking practice.

Results. The banking community’s participation in the funding of sustainable development projects is selective rather than overarching, with banks choosing individual banking products. Reports marginally trace their participation in lending to business projects related to the circular economy of various industries.

Conclusions. The special place of the banking sector in the national economy and its interaction with the real sector of the economy offer great potential for the development of ESG standards, making it possible to introduce ESG technologies both in banking activities and in their active promotion to other sectors of the economy through customers, thereby accelerating the transition towards a circular economy in Russia. The strength of the Russian banking system has been tested in recent years, and it embraces the formation of new rules of economic behavior. By overcoming existing obstacles, banks will be able to switch to ESG standards in the coming years, thus becoming pioneers in doing business based on the principles of environmental, social, and managerial responsibility.