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Putting Responsible Finance to Work for Citi Microfinance

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  • Tzu-Kuan Chiu

Abstract

This paper develops an ethical framework for responsible finance and then applies it to Citigroup (Citi), a major financial actor in the microfinance sector, to see whether it meets with such obligations. The framework consists of two categories of responsibility. The first category is the special social responsibility of financial institutions; and the second is the fundamental principles of ethical behavior in financial services. From Citigroup’s microfinance model, scope of business, and multiple roles in the market, the company seems to be fulfilling its responsibility in inclusive finance. However, judged in term of the principles of integrity, objectivity, fairness, professionalism, and diligence, it falls short of its ethical responsibility. In view of this shortcoming, Citigroup should recall its obligation to avoid conflicts of interest, to provide responsible advice, to protect clients from over-indebtedness, and most importantly, to act with integrity. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Tzu-Kuan Chiu, 2014. "Putting Responsible Finance to Work for Citi Microfinance," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 119(2), pages 219-234, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:119:y:2014:i:2:p:219-234
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-013-1626-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Antonio Díaz & Francisco Jareño & Eliseo Navarro, 2022. "Yield curve data choice and potential moral hazard: An empirical exercise on pricing callable bonds," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 27(2), pages 2124-2145, April.
    2. Chen, Minju & Wang, Chengbin, 2024. "How business model innovation facilitates microcredit in balancing social mission with commercial performance - evidence from local commercial banks," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    3. Davide Forcella & Marek Hudon, 2016. "Green Microfinance in Europe," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 135(3), pages 445-459, May.
    4. Lauren Kleynjans & Marek Hudon, 2016. "A Study of Codes of Ethics for Mexican Microfinance Institutions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 134(3), pages 397-412, March.
    5. Tzu-Kuan Chiu, 2017. "Factors Influencing Microfinance Engagements by Formal Financial Institutions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 143(3), pages 565-587, July.
    6. Marek Hudon & Marc Labie & Patrick Reichert, 2020. "What is a Fair Level of Profit for Social Enterprise? Insights from Microfinance," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 162(3), pages 627-644, March.

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