Principles for Responsible Banking

Creating value for clients, shareholders and society

The UN and banks from all world regions have jointly set out a vision for what a global responsible banking sector looks like. Responsible banks measure and manage the impact of their financing on people, society, the planet.

Over 350 banks – representing approximately 50% of global banking assets – are stepping up to implement the UN Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB). Recognized as leaders for accelerating sustainable banking progress, PRB signatories are well-positioned to drive innovation, create commercial value for clients, inspire sector norms, and enable real economy transition to a more sustainable future.

What is Responsible Banking?

Increasing operational resilience, ensuring institutional future-proofing, and realising commercial growth, the Principles for Responsible Banking help banks navigate risks, opportunities and impacts across four interconnected priorities — climate, nature, human rights and healthy & inclusive economies. Guiding at the level of the individual institution, as well as fostering broader systemic change, the Principles provide a sustainable banking framework that enables banks to take action and make progress towards the global and local goals for a sustainable future.

The Principles

Bringing purpose, vision and ambition to responsible banking

The Priorities

Transforming the banking sector through four inter-related sustainability priorities

The Journey

Ambitious, continuous progress that advances from foundational steps to leading practice

Getting Started

Progress Report – Responsible Banking: A Six Year Journey of Systemic Change provides bespoke data and analysis demonstrating how PRB signatories are increasingly moving from commitment to action, to manage risk, meet stakeholder expectations, and remain competitive in an evolving economy.
Join the community: learn how your bank can take action through the Principles, and embed responsible banking at the heart of your business.
PRB signatories: discover the list of banks who have committed to the Principles for Responsible Banking and the progress they have made so far.
Our journey so far: learn how the community has developed since launch in 2019, including the latest bi-annual progress report on the strides PRB banks are making as sustainability leaders.
Governance: the Principles are governed by the UNEP FI Banking Board, managed day-to-day by a secretariat, and feature a unique Civil Society Advisory Body to ensure the Principles stay relevant to society’s needs.

Achieving more, together

Inspiring the Future of Banking

“What’s Up for PRB Banks” shares how signatories can help inspire and pilot emerging practices across key sustainability topics. Our work programme lays out the guidance, tools and support for your bank to manage impacts, address risks and seize business opportunities.

Integrated Priorities, Enabling Approaches

The UN recognises climate, nature, healthy and inclusive economies and human rights as priorities that support and accelerate a positive global transition. PRB signatories are encouraged to adopt circular economy and just transition as enabling, integrated approaches to address these priority areas.

The Business Case for Sustainability

PRB signatories are well-positioned to become trusted and preferred commercial partners to clients managing their own transitions. They are also better able to respond to emerging regulation and to serve as attractive investment opportunities for investors seeking resilient, future-fit institutions.

Exploring the UN Principles for Responsible Banking

Inspiring Sustainable Banking

Targeting four key priority areas – climate, nature, human rights, and healthy and inclusive economies – the Principles set out actions for a more sustainable global banking industry.

Principle 1: Alignment

99% of PRB signatory banks have public disclosures stating their strategies work towards a positive future for people and the planet. 83% centre sustainability in their business strategy.

Principle 2: Impact & Target Setting

Setting targets and then delivering on them is crucial for responsible banking. 85% of PRB signatory banks have prioritised at least two impact areas. 89% of banks disclose the findings of their impact analysis.

Principle 3: Clients & Customers

Banks play a crucial role as economic intermediaries, engaging with their customers and clients to promote sustainable practices and support customers adapt to greener business models, technologies, and lifestyles.

Principle 4: Stakeholders

Leading responsible banks see themselves as part of a social system, embracing the requirement to consult, engage, collaborate and/or partner with relevant stakeholders.

Principle 5: Governance & Culture

Building a business culture where every employee understands their role in delivering the bank’s purpose and integrating sustainability into their work is crucial if we are to address global challenges with urgency and scale.

Principle 6: Transparency & Accountability

Public disclosure is key as it allows stakeholders to assess a bank’s contributions to society and track the progress being made. In doing so banks demonstrate their commitment to responsible banking and meaningful impact.