ESG Intelligence – UK Banks – Q1 2021

Paragon (+58), Shawbrook (+42) and Virgin Money (+37) lead the ESG index for Q1 thanks to a focus on green products and energy-efficient mortgages. Nationwide leads the longer-term ESG index and receives praise this quarter for its commitment against fossil fuel financing.

HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest and Standard Chartered collectively generate 65% of the share of voice but average an ESG score of -40, far below the sector average. This reflects the natural disadvantage of limited adaptability when compared to less established competitors, while themes such as branch closures and global governance issues – particularly involving China – stem from a combination of large scale and a rapidly changing banking landscape.

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