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ESG controversies and governance: Evidence from the banking industry

Author

Listed:
  • Agnese, Paolo
  • Battaglia, Francesca
  • Busato, Francesco
  • Taddeo, Simone

Abstract

This study empirically investigates the relationship between the Governance pillar of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) dynamics and ESG Controversies. We include the three sub-pillars of ESG Governance (ESG Management, ESG Shareholders, and ESG CSR Strategy). Applying the generalized method of moments (GMM) system version of the Arellano-Bond estimator, we analyse a panel dataset of 567 listed banks from United States and Europe, over the period 2016–2021. The findings show a positive and statistically significant relationship between ESG Governance and ESG Controversies scores. Furthermore, we find that these results are confirmed by all three sub-pillars of ESG Governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Agnese, Paolo & Battaglia, Francesca & Busato, Francesco & Taddeo, Simone, 2023. "ESG controversies and governance: Evidence from the banking industry," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:53:y:2023:i:c:s1544612322005748
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2022.103397
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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