The Rise of Sustainable Finance: Green Fintech Solutions 

Although the global pandemic presented challenges, it also forced several technological advancements on us that have served us well moving forward. Notably, many financial services that emerged during that period encouraged stakeholders to consider greener fintech solutions. Changing policies, regulations, market forces, and consumer demand have helped push the cause further into the spotlight.  

For example, the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)—a subset of the Principles for Responsible Banking—forms a pact between financial institutions that have pledged to align their lending and investment portfolios with net-zero emissions by 2050. Launched in April 2021 by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the NZBA aims to support the global transition to a low-carbon economy by setting science-based targets and taking decisive actions to reduce carbon footprints.  

In forming this niche alliance, member banks are committed to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, including limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This grouping of like-minded, eco-conscious institutions promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing among banks to develop best practices and strategies, with the unified institutions representing over 40% of global banking assets.  

As global awareness of environmental challenges intensifies, integrating financial technology with sustainability paves the way for innovative financial products and services prioritizing environmental impacts and economic returns. Green fintech leverages cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, AI, and big data to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in sustainable investments.  

By facilitating green bonds, carbon credits, and eco-friendly banking, green fintech solutions aim to address climate change and cultivate a more sustainable future, demonstrating that profitability and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.  

Reasons to Go Green 

By going green, fintech companies can contribute to environmental sustainability and gain a strategic advantage in an increasingly eco-conscious market. There are several compelling reasons for the fintech sector to embrace green initiatives in our eco-savvy world.  

It Protects the Bottom Line  

The upfront expenses can seem daunting. However, seeking greener alternatives can drive long-term profits for banks. An article published by ScienceDirect in 2023 discussed the role of fintech in promoting green finance. The authors reviewed the relationship between fintech adoption and bank profitability using a comprehensive sample of European banks between 2011 and 2021. The results proved positive for the bond between fintech investments and green lending and showed a direct correlation between fintech investments and risk-adjusted returns on capital.  

Plus, sustainability advances opportunity. Embracing green practices can spur innovation, leading to new technologies and business models. This positions fintech firms as industry leaders and enhances their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.  

Benefits of green financing include:  

• Cost savings (i.e., lowered operational or overhead costs) 
• Expanded product bases and new revenue streams 
• Innovation and access to new markets, clientele, or investors 
• Enhanced reputation and brand value 
• Regulatory incentives and risk management 
• Improved employee morale and productivity 
• Lower economic capital 
• Long-term viability  

The authors emphasized the importance of the financial industry guiding the economy toward a sustainable future and fintech encouraging investor and consumer involvement. In 2020, interest in sustainable assets was 34%, with millennial investor interest nearly double that percentage at 61%. Millennials are still the biggest game changers when it comes to creating a more sustainable earth, with many willing to pay more for products or pledge their support to businesses that strive to lessen the negative impact on our environment.  

Synergistic cooperation toward sustainable efforts could yield significant payoffs, with the article stating that a global shift toward sustainable economic models “could generate $12 trillion in annual economic opportunities by 2030.” 

Current Regulation Supports a More Sustainable Future 

Regulations that promote corporate sustainability often incentivize financial institutions to comply with the directives and adopt green practices. These incentives doled out in exchange for environmentally responsible behaviors are typically given as tangible monetary benefits, further driving profitability and long-term viability. 

Examples include:  

• EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) 
• Principles for Responsible Banking 
• Net-Zero Banking Alliance  
• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
• Paris Agreement 
• Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 

IRS Foundation to Take Over Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) 

Established in 2015 by the Financial Stability Board (FSB), the TCFD was an initiative focused on developing consistent climate-related financial risk disclosures for companies, banks, and investors to provide information to stakeholders. These disclosures enabled investors, lenders, and insurance underwriters to assess and price climate-related risks and opportunities.  

The framework encouraged companies to disclose information in four key areas: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets. The goal was to support the transition to a more sustainable, resilient financial system and help mitigate the economic impacts of climate change by promoting transparency and standardization in climate-related financial reporting.  

However, as of October 12, 2023, the TCFD disbanded following the release of its 2023 status report. The ISSB Standards now incorporate TCFD recommendations and preclude the need for further involvement by the Task Force. In its place, the IRS Foundation will continue monitoring the progress of companies’ climate-related disclosures.  

It’s the Right Thing to Do 

According to Harvard instructor and ESG Architect Graham Sinclair, “The future of finance is stakeholder capitalism,” meaning shareholders can’t be the only priority. Sinclair asserts, « …employees, communities, customers, regulators, and the planet itself all require their ‘voices’ to be heard.” This involves decision-making integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.  

The Harvard professional explained that even though every business relies on biodiversity and natural ecosystems to thrive, population sizes of many species have decreased drastically, showing an average 68% decline since 1970, which could negatively impact businesses and livelihoods. This percentage will continue to rise without a shift in priorities and an intentional effort to drive green initiatives, especially in business.  

According to NASA, there is more than a 95% likelihood that human activity is causing climate change because of the heavy reliance on the planet and its resources. If nothing changes, by 2050, we will produce 27 billion tons of solid waste, per Environmental Sustainability, owing to constant production and consumption that caters to our fast-paced world.  

All commercial establishments, including financial institutions, can do their part to get to net zero. According to the Paris Climate Accord, businesses rallying behind global climate change could account for a 60% cut in emissions by 2030. The best part is “banks are in a unique position” to help. As one article states: “…there is a significant opportunity for the financial services industry to reposition itself as a force for collective good in the climate transition.” 

Fintech Products and Services that are “Going Green” 

The green finance revolution is driving the development of innovative fintech products that prioritize sustainability and encourage eco-conscious behavior while also protecting the bottom line. Carbon tracking provides insight into a business’s carbon footprint, letting consumers know the impact of their purchases. Carbon credits can also be traded on platforms acting as digital marketplaces to offset carbon emissions. 

Mobile banking, digital payments, and electronic signatures are helping to reduce environmental impacts by eliminating checks and paper statements. Digital wallets are rising in popularity, with over half (53%) of Americans opting to use them as their payment of choice over more traditional payment methods. Digital wallets help combat the climate crisis and are a fast and easy way for many to finalize purchases, with most people always having a cell phone on hand.  

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) offers consumers another eco-friendly and convenient payment method, with the market value forecasted to reach $3892.19 billion by 2031. That results in a significant increase from the market worth of $256.54 billion in 2022, having a CAGR of 30.5%.  

Nascent instant payments enable the near-instantaneous transfer of funds between bank accounts, typically within seconds or minutes. These real-time payment solutions are especially beneficial to businesses, improving cash flow management, reducing waiting times, and enhancing overall financial agility—all while saving the planet.  

According to Forbes, switching from a “proof-of-work” to a “proof-of-stake” protocol has drastically reduced energy consumption for leading cryptocurrency platforms like Ethereum, making them an environmentally-friendly investment option. 

Embedded finance can include payment processing, lending, insurance, and investment services embedded within retail, e-commerce, or other digital services relevant to daily life. The benefits include increased accessibility, support for the adoption of digital payment solutions, and a reduced need for physical cash and other paper forms of payment.  

This popular finance option had a market share of $82.48 billion in 2023. That value is expected to rise to $1,029 billion by 2032, yielding a 32.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2032.  

Banking as a Service (BaaS) allows non-bank entities to offer digital financial services like payments, loans, or savings accounts under their brand. This reduces the need for physical infrastructure and paper-based processes and facilitates the development of green financial products like digital loans for sustainable investment options.  

Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to environmental sustainability through smarter, more efficient, eco-conscious financial solutions. AI-driven analytics can optimize energy consumption and resource allocation within financial institutions, leading to lower carbon footprints. Machine learning algorithms can identify and mitigate fraudulent activities, reducing losses and unnecessary resource expenditures.  

AI can also drive the development of green finance products by analyzing vast datasets to identify sustainable investment opportunities and assess environmental risks. In addition, AI-powered financial services, such as robo-advisors, can provide personalized advice, encouraging consumers to invest in eco-friendly projects and adopt sustainable financial behaviors.  

Getting & Supplying Green Funds 

With many businesses vying for more sustainable (and affordable) solutions, financial institutions can play a vital role in promoting a greener planet. Loan products designed to fund corporate sustainability projects can help incentivize businesses to prioritize sustainability efforts. Green bonds and sustainability-linked loans are critical in mobilizing capital towards environmentally friendly initiatives and developments.  

Various guidelines support issuers of these bonds, loans, and other forms of sustainable financing. Organizations like the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) establish standards and frameworks for green bonds and loans to ensure funding and investments are dedicated to green planning and projects that benefit the environment. For example, the Green Bond Principles (GBP) (last updated in June 2021) are voluntary guidelines that encourage transparency and integrity when disclosing information about the green bond process. The Green Loan Principles, developed by the Loan Market Association, are similar to the GBP, requiring 100% of borrowed monies to cover “green eligible activities.” 

According to Covington & Burling, LLP, the first green bond was issued in 2008. Since then, it has grown to a billion-dollar market, with $257.5 billion in green bond issuances in 2019. These bonds often come with tax incentives or other financial benefits for both issuers and investors, making them an attractive option for businesses making green choices.  

The market for sustainability-linked loans (SLLs) increased significantly from 2018 ($36.4 billion) to 2019 ($122 billion), with Europe and the Asia Pacific regions leading the way in sustainable investments.  

Overall, the global sustainable finance market totaled $732 billion in 2020, an increase of 29% from the previous year. The pandemic was the game changer that shifted corporations’ response to environmental and social challenges.  

Challenges Getting the Greenlight 

Sustainable finance practices are more of a necessity than a luxury in today’s climate, but implementing them can be challenging. Things to consider include: 

• Initial cost (including upfront investments in infrastructure, technology, and training to integrate sustainability into their operations) 
• Measuring and verifying the impact (of sustainable financial practices) 
• Regulatory uncertainty  
• Resistance to change (OCM) 
• Data availability and quality  
• Balancing short-term financial performance with long-term sustainability goals  

Oxford Can Help 

Financial institutions must find ways to integrate sustainability into their business models without compromising their financial performance in the immediate term. It can be a difficult balance to strike, but with the right support and expertise, overcoming the challenges of achieving green finance is possible.  

Oxford Global Resources has the knowledge and expertise to help your institution start on a more sustainable path. Our future-focused services include modern enterprise, workforce mobilization, and digital transformation. Plus, our solutions are fully customizable to fit the precise needs of your business.  

The Oxford Advantage means we are with you every step of the way, saving you time and money and providing you with the right talent to promote a more sustainable future.