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ESG controversies and profitability in the European banking sector

Author

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  • Agnese, Paolo
  • Cerciello, Massimiliano
  • Oriani, Raffaele
  • Taddeo, Simone

Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Controversies and bank profitability. We analyze an unbalanced panel sample of European banks between 2015 and 2022, implementing the GMM-SYS version of the Arellano-Bond estimator for dynamic panels. The study results indicate that banks featuring more ESG controversies perform better in terms of Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Net Interest Margin. This sheds light on the potentially opportunistic behavior of credit institutions, which appear to prioritize profitability over ESG Controversies.

Suggested Citation

  • Agnese, Paolo & Cerciello, Massimiliano & Oriani, Raffaele & Taddeo, Simone, 2024. "ESG controversies and profitability in the European banking sector," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:61:y:2024:i:c:s1544612324000722
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.105042
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance

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