The role of sustainable finance in the green transition

Many Financial Institutions are committed to achieving net-zero in both their operations and financing and are ideally placed to help their clients do the same. This requires new skills but will unlock new revenue streams.

Why sustainable finance?

Leading financial services firms have committed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from both their operations and the assets they finance. However, turning ESG commitments into action is proving challenging. Embracing sustainability not only unlocks new revenue potential, but also reduces risk and costs, safeguards the industry's future, and contributes to a greener world.

41%

of banks are off track to achieve net zero by 2050 and are still growing emissions.

2.6x

Companies with consistently high ESG performance tended to score 2.6 times higher on total shareholder return (TSR) than medium ESG performers do.

74%

of CEOs are launching new product & and service offerings for sustainability.

How sustainable finance is changing

There’s profit in funding a fair net-zero future

The financial services sector is at a pivotal moment where sustainability has shifted from being a cost to a strategic investment. Financial Institutions see significant opportunities in funding the transition to net zero and embedding sustainability into their strategies and business models, products, services and reporting.

To achieve net zero, it’s critical to fully integrate sustainability into your corporate strategy and operating models. That will also make sustainability a driver of growth.

73%

of financial services CEOs are upskilling or reskilling their workforce for the future labor market.

It will become even more important for Financial Institutions to differentiate themselves with sustainability-centered products and services as public sentiment, behavior and market dynamics continue to change.

74%

of financial services CEOs are launching new product and service offerings for sustainability. Only 63% of CEOs in other industries are doing so.

Transform your operating model to align with your sustainability purpose and the UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Build a sustainable culture and infrastructure across your organization—from procurement to operations, IT and beyond.

75%

of financial services CEOs are digitizing their business processes.

Without data, there can be no action. Because the ESG data landscape is evolving so rapidly, it’s critical to build robust, scalable data solutions that offer data control framework, analytics and stress tests to facilitate reporting and disclosure.

55%

of C-suite leaders are enhancing sustainability data collection across their value chains.

Harness sustainability as a driver of growth. Create a sustainability culture by training and educating your employees about climate change and ESG. Build extensive skills and upgrade information systems in support of this agenda.

61%

of financial services CEOs are investing in developing sustainability skills in their organization.

What you’ll achieve

A corporate strategy with sustainability embedded

A comprehensive, integrated sustainability strategy enables Financial Institutions to support the transition to a low-carbon, nature-positive and fairer future for themselves, their clients and society.

An intelligent approach to the ESG challenge

Automated know-your-client processes and robust ESG information architecture provide reliable data to manage customers’ transitions to net zero and compliance with regulations.

Lending products designed for sustainability

To develop green financing products and enable quicker and smarter credit decisions, banks can improve data management and integrate controls and decision-making frameworks.

Sustainability-infused operations

An operating model fully aligned with the Financial Institution's ESG goals should encompass not only technology, data, processes and skills but also the right infrastructure, partners and culture.

Sustainable decision frameworks

Appropriate controls and data requirements provide insights that help Financial Institutions act decisively and with confidence to improve lending portfolios and enable portfolio decarbonization.

What’s trending in sustainable finance

Research Report

ESG reporting: From compliance to competitive advantage

Companies now face a rapidly evolving ESG regulatory landscape. We have identified nine capabilities that can move organizations beyond mere compliance and help accelerate their sustainability journey for competitive advantage.

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Research Report

Only 16% of companies are on track for net zero. Is yours?

Uncover insights and actions to accelerate your journey to net zero.

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Case Study

Sustainable banking: Leading the circular economy

An innovative offering rooted in sustainability.

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Case Study

Financial firm leans into a sustainable future

Financial services organizations face a growing imperative to be more sustainable. Learn how this global financial institution seized the opportunity for broader change.

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Research Report

Rising to the challenge of net zero banking

Banks can grow their businesses while taking a lead in the transition to a net zero future.

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Research Report

Accelerating Sustainability Transformation

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Accelerate your journey

The Accenture profitable decarbonization portfolio tool

Determine how to decarbonize your financial organizations’ portfolio in the most profitable manner.

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Green cloud advisor - sustainable IT advisor

Measure the carbon footprint of your organization’s entire IT landscape.

Climate map

Get high-level climate -scenario analysis to identify risks and opportunities with this tool aligned to Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) reporting criteria.