Download the full report
United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
We were commissioned by the UNEP FI to develop a Guide assist Malaysian banks in helping Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to embed sustainability / ESG practices as business-as-usual. The Guide was developed through findings from a desk-based review and interviews with 13 Malaysian and international banks.
The Guide includes a Framework for action that banks can take in supporting SMEs in the sustainable recovery from the covid pandemic including 19 key suggestions on bank wide approach and supporting SMEs as well as a step-by-step guide for product development. The suggested actions in the Framework are applicable to all banks, not just those in Malaysia.
The Guide highlighted that banks are uniquely positioned to support SMEs in taking action on sustainability, both through finance related activities (such as developing sustainability products) and broader activities (such as capacity building), illustrated with various case studies. As we recover from the covid pandemic, momentum is building amongst Malaysian banks to further support SMEs on their sustainability journey.
The Guide concluded that responsibility for assisting SMEs on sustainability should not lie with banks alone and support is also required from government and other industry players to incentivise action.
Would you like to support our work?
The Global Ethical Finance Initiative is committed to delivering positive change to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
This is a collective effort.
We work with a coalition of government, the finance sector and civil society to convene, consider and curate content that impacts change in the financial sector.
If you would like to join us in this work, please get in touch, join our newsletter or connect through our social media channels.
Download the full Guide for Malaysian Banks supporting SMEs in the sustainable recovery from Covid-19
We require your email to verify attendance. We will use your email only to communicate with you about this summit and topics of relevance to the subject matter. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.