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Bank fintech and corporate green transformation quality improvement: based on greenwashing governance perspective

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  • Qian, Shuitu
  • Yang, Zhenyu
  • Fang, Xia

Abstract

Identifying and preventing greenwashing is a key pathway to enhancing the quality of corporate green transformation. This study examines the impact and mechanisms of bank fintech on corporate green transformation quality from the greenwashing governance perspective. By identifying the fintech patents of banks and the ESG performance of enterprises, we construct bank fintech and greenwashing indices. Using Chinese listed companies as samples from 2010 to 2022, we find that bank fintech can effectively inhibit corporate greenwashing, and the inhibitory effects are stronger for underlying technology-based bank fintech and nationwide bank fintech. Mechanism analysis reveals that bank fintech reduces corporate greenwashing by exerting resource allocation effects, behavioral supervision effects, and information screening effects, thereby reducing greenwashing from the perspectives of resource incentives and behavioral norms. Further analysis reveals that bank fintech has a stronger inhibitory effect on greenwashing in non-heavy polluting firms, firms with high levels of digitalization, and firms located in regions with strong digital economy and environmental protection policies. These findings provide valuable insights for promoting the digital transformation of commercial banks, assisting in greenwashing governance, and enhancing the quality of corporate green transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Qian, Shuitu & Yang, Zhenyu & Fang, Xia, 2025. "Bank fintech and corporate green transformation quality improvement: based on greenwashing governance perspective," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 401-423.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:87:y:2025:i:c:p:401-423
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2025.06.017
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    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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