• Sustainable finance

Understanding Sustainable Finance: the experts give their perspectives

Published on 09.10.2023

As sustainability is discussed more and more in the news, on social media, in political campaigns, and in advertisements, terms like ESG and sustainable finance are also heard more often. But what does sustainable finance mean for public authorities, businesses, and individuals in concrete terms? How exactly are financial actors like BNP Paribas crucial to the ecological transition? In the latest publication of Perspectives from BNP Paribas, experts on the topic address the big questions about what role sustainable finance will have for the future.

What role does the financial sector have in sustainability?  

Will banks merely be reacting to major shifts in the economy, or will they be drivers of change to address the most important issues related to climate change? This is the question posed by Eric Usher, Head of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) in this issue of Perspectives. To help answer the question, Usher and BNP Paribas experts explore how financial institutions collaborate - as BNP Paribas does within the United Nation's Principles for Responsible Banking initiative - to drive change even further in favor of a sustainable and just transition.  

See their analysis in the latest issue of Perspectives

Can regulation help to create a more sustainable economy? 

 Regulations to redirect capital towards the transition are multiplying, as the EU has recently introduced new standards and regulations on how companies report on their environmental and social impacts, or how banks interact with their customers on their ESG (environmental, social and governance) preferences. In concrete terms, how will this translate into sustainable investment in the near future? What are the consequences for the companies concerned? BNP Paribas’ sustainable development experts give their opinions. 

See the expert opinions in the latest Perspectives 


How does ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) transform financial products? 

How can asset managers like BNP Paribas Asset Management or insurers like BNP Paribas Cardif use environmental, social and governance criteria to create products that further the transition to a more sustainable economy? And what about for businesses, both large and small, or individuals looking to improve their savings? Experts from across BNP Paribas' varied business lines give an overview of the practical instruments behind sustainable finance--from impact  funds to  green bonds, financing for energy efficient home renovations and sustainable mobility, etc. 

See what the experts have to say in Perspectives

What technological innovations represent the future of sustainable finance? 

How can financial and technological innovation help us to achieve a positive impact? And in the face of a growing need for enormous data on ESG criteria, could AI play a key role in achieving carbon neutrality? BNP Paribas experts respond to these questions and address the bourgeoning solutions that can help accelerate the transition.  

Discover new innovations in Perspectives

Who is behind "Perspectives"? 

“Perspectives” is a quarterly publication dedicated to themes around ESG and developed by the Network of Experts in Sustainability Transitions (NEST) Coordinating Team. This internal network brings together over 500 sustainable finance experts from all BNP Paribas business lines and functions, by pooling their expertise to support the transition of Group clients. 

Find all “Perspectives” editions and our other CSR publications on our Publications page. 


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