Sustainability Commitments

Separate and apart from industry alliances, there are several different commitments that financial services organizations can make in support of sustainable development goals.  These include:

UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)

The UN Principles for Responsible Investment, developed by investors for investors, offer a number of possible actions for incorporating ESG issues into investment practices.  To-date, three are nearly 4000 signatories (who pay annual fees based on total assets under management). 

PRI signatories have access to investor tools, guidance, case studies, collaborative engagement opportunities, a Collaboration Platform, and a Data Portal.  PRI also provides resources for specific sectors, such as Fixed Income, Listed Equity, and Private Markets (including Infrastructure/Real Assets and Private Equity).

The six Principles for Responsible Investment are:

  1. Incorporating ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.

  2. Being active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.

  3. Seeking appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.

  4.  Promoting acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.

  5.  Working together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.

  6.  Reporting on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.

UN Principles for Responsible Banking

The UN Principles for Responsible Banking provide a framework for helping to assure that signatory banks’ strategies and practices align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Nearly 300 banks from around the world have signed the principles, which include:

  • Alignment: Aligning business strategy to be consistent with and contribute to individuals' needs and society's goals, as expressed in the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement and relevant national and regional frameworks.

  • Impact & Target Setting: Increasing our positive impacts while reducing the negative impacts on, and managing the risks to, people and environment resulting from our activities, products and services. To this end, we will set and publish targets where we can have the most significant impacts.

  • Clients & Customers: Working responsibly with our clients and our customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable economic activities that create shared prosperity.

  •  Stakeholders: Consulting, engaging and partnering with relevant stakeholders to achieve society's goals.

  • Governance & Culture:Implementing our commitment to these Principles through effective governance and a culture of responsible banking.

  • Transparency &Accountability: Periodically reviewing our individual and collective implementation of these Principles and being transparent about and accountable for our positive and negative impacts and our contribution to society's goals.

UN Principles for Responsible Digital Payments

The UN Better than Cash Alliance has developed nine principles for Responsible Digital Payments.  While not seeking signatories as of yet, these principles include:

  1. Treating users fairly

  2. Ensuring funds are protected and accessible

  3. Prioritizing women

  4. Safeguarding client data

  5. Designing  for individuals

  6. Being transparent, particularly on pricing

  7. Providing user choice through interoperability

  8. Making resources clear, quick and responsive

  9. Championing value chain accountability