Principles for Responsible Banking

Banking, Climate Change, PRB Guidance, Principles for Responsible Banking, Publications | 20 November 2025

A Guide to Transition Plans for Banks: The path from targets to implementation

Transition planning is not only a regulatory or market-driven requirement—it is a core enabler of a bank’s portfolio composition, client engagement, and stakeholder and partnership strategies. In addition, transitioning planning helps banks respond to their climate, nature, human rights and healthy and inclusive economies commitments under the PRB. This report equips banks with the tools to embed sustainability into their core business models, enhance internal coordination, and proactively support the real economy’s transformation—delivering long-term value for both society and shareholders.

Report Cover: A guide to transition plans for banks; Image: Silhouette of bridge under clear sky; Parque das Nações, Lisbon, Portugal

Banking, News, Principles for Responsible Banking | 18 November 2025

How are banks translating sustainability commitments into measurable financial and operational advantages

On 6 November 2025, UNEP FI and MSCI Institute convened at the PRI in Person event in São Paulo. Joined by leaders from Harvard, Amundi, and Itaú, the panel discussion drew on MSCI’s analysis of PRB member banks, exploring the financial implications of sustainability commitments. The session presented a deep dive into how responsible banking correlates with stronger ESG performance and lower cost of capital, with broader relevance across sectors and investment strategies. In conclusion, responsible banking practices, when embedded and rigorous, were shown to deliver not just positive societal impact but tangible business value.

Banking, News, Principles for Responsible Banking | 15 October 2025

PRB Progress Report shows sustainability can deliver financial advantage to banks

The 3rd PRB Progress Report highlights how PRB signatories are increasingly moving from commitment to action, embedding sustainability into core business strategies, governance, and client relationships to manage risk, meet stakeholder expectations, to remain competitive in an evolving economy challenged by climate change and where over 50% of global GDP is dependent on nature.

Banking, Nature, Principles for Responsible Banking, Publications | 19 August 2025

Nature Impact Target Setting for Banks

Co-authored by UNEP FI and the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), the new “Nature Impact Target Setting for Banks” discussion paper proposes an approach for banks to set impact targets for nature – targets that aim to achieve an improvement in the state of nature through a set reduction of pressures across a bank’s lending, investing, and underwriting activities.