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Public savings banks as transformative agents for an eco-social future? Towards a sustainable savings and investment union

Author

Listed:
  • Klüh, Ulrich
  • Naji, Ilia
  • Ötsch, Silke

Abstract

The paper explores whether and how public savings banks can be transformed into meaningful agents of change for a more sustainable financial system. It outlines concrete elements of an ambitious transition program. We take as context the efforts to further integrate European financial markets within the framework of the so-called Savings and Investment Union (SIU). The paper highlights the (potentially productive) tensions between a strategy for sustainable finance that relies on capital markets and an approach that emphasizes the role of organizations, in particular (public) banks and related institutions (regulation). It identifies potential complementarities between the two approaches and emphasizes the role of civil society and unions in reinforcing sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Klüh, Ulrich & Naji, Ilia & Ötsch, Silke, 2026. "Public savings banks as transformative agents for an eco-social future? Towards a sustainable savings and investment union," ZNWU Discussion Papers 16, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Darmstadt Business School, Center for Sustainable Economic and Corporate Policy (SECP).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:znwudp:342498
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • G2 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism
    • H81 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Governmental Loans; Loan Guarantees; Credits; Grants; Bailouts
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q5 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics

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