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Unveiling how efficiently sustainability transforms into intangible assets of financial institutions

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  • Lapinskaitė, Indrė
  • Stasytytė, Viktorija
  • Skvarciany, Viktorija

Abstract

This research delves into the relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and the financial value of intangible assets within financial institutions, building upon prior research that focuses on sustainable development aspects and their impact on P/E ratios. While the earlier study revealed that there is no effective transformation of E, S, and G scores into P/E ratio, this research shifts the focus to the intangible value of financial institutions. The rationale is rooted in recognising that sustainable practices contribute not only to tangible assets and profitability but also to the increasingly crucial intangible value for long-term stakeholder appreciation. The study aims to assess the efficiency of translating sustainable development outcomes, measured through ESG scores, into the valuation of intangible assets using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The paper emphasises the strategic importance of intangibles and the need to understand how ESG practices influence their financial value. After applying three different evaluation models, the results found effective transformation of the selected variables in 7 of 53 financial institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Lapinskaitė, Indrė & Stasytytė, Viktorija & Skvarciany, Viktorija, 2025. "Unveiling how efficiently sustainability transforms into intangible assets of financial institutions," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:riibaf:v:76:y:2025:i:c:s0275531925000911
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2025.102835
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    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies

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