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“Glossy green” banks: the disconnect between environmental disclosures and lending activities

Author

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  • Giannetti, Mariassunta
  • Jasova, Martina
  • Loumioti, Maria
  • Mendicino, Caterina

Abstract

Using confidential information on banks’ portfolios, inaccessible to market participants, we show that banks that emphasize the environment in their disclosures extend a higher volume of credit to brown borrowers, without charging higher interest rates or shortening debt maturity. These results cannot be attributed to the financing of borrowers’ transition towards greener technologies and are robust to controlling for banks’ climate risk discussions. Examining the mechanisms behind the strategic disclosure choices, we highlight that banks are hesitant to sever ties with existing brown borrowers, especially if they exhibit financial underperformance. JEL Classification: G11, G15, G21

Suggested Citation

  • Giannetti, Mariassunta & Jasova, Martina & Loumioti, Maria & Mendicino, Caterina, 2023. "“Glossy green” banks: the disconnect between environmental disclosures and lending activities," Working Paper Series 2882, European Central Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbwps:20232882
    Note: 1774743
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    2. Allen N. Berger & Cristina Ortega & Matias Ossandon Busch & Raluca Roman, 2024. "Banking on Deforestation: The Cost of Nonenforcement," Working Papers 24-21, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    credit exposure; financial institutions; strategic disclosure; sustainability reporting; zombie lending;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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