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Digital finance and corporate ESG

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  • Mu, Weiwei
  • Liu, Kefu
  • Tao, Yunqing
  • Ye, Yongwei

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of digital finance on corporate environment, social and governance (ESG). Using a large sample of Chinese listed firms over the period 2011–2020, we find that digital finance positively affects corporate ESG performance, which remains robust after a series of robustness checks. We also find that digital finance enhances the ESG by mitigating corporate financial constraints. In addition, the positive effect of digital finance on corporate ESG performance is more pronounced in non-state-owned firms, small-sized firms, firms with lower level of marketization, and firms located in the central and western regions of China. Overall, we provide a timely assessment of the social value of digital finance in emerging countries like China from the new perspective of ESG.

Suggested Citation

  • Mu, Weiwei & Liu, Kefu & Tao, Yunqing & Ye, Yongwei, 2023. "Digital finance and corporate ESG," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:51:y:2023:i:c:s1544612322006031
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2022.103426
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Kudryashov, Alexander, 2023. "ESG Transformation: A Roadmap for Russia’s Sustainable Development /– Tallinn : OPEN EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF PUBLIC SCIENCES OÜ, 2023," OSF Preprints 6j8ux, Center for Open Science.
    3. Zheng, Siyu & Zhang, Qihao & Zhang, Pengdong, 2023. "Can customer concentration affect corporate ESG performance?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 58(PB).
    4. Shan Wu & Ying Li, 2023. "A Study on the Impact of Digital Transformation on Corporate ESG Performance: The Mediating Role of Green Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-17, April.
    5. Ren, Xiaohang & Zeng, Gudian & Zhao, Yang, 2023. "Digital finance and corporate ESG performance: Empirical evidence from listed companies in China," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    6. Huang, Jun & Han, Feifei & Li, Yun, 2023. "Government as major customer: The effects of government procurement on corporate environmental, social, and governance performance," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    7. Wei, Xiahai & Jiang, Feng & Chen, Yu & Hua, Wenhui, 2024. "Towards green development: The role of intelligent manufacturing in promoting corporate environmental performance," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    8. Yunfu Zhu & Haoling Yang & Ma Zhong, 2023. "Do ESG Ratings of Chinese Firms Converge or Diverge? A Comparative Analysis Based on Multiple Domestic and International Ratings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-17, August.
    9. Lipeng Sun & Nur Ashikin Mohd Saat, 2023. "How Does Intelligent Manufacturing Affect the ESG Performance of Manufacturing Firms? Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-20, February.

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