Chinese banks are growing so rapidly that they have attracted the attention of various organizations and institutions worldwide. Aside from their growth rate, Chinese banks are famous for their comparatively high asset values and for the backstory of a rising nation that is beginning to exert significant influence on the global economy.
Recently, some social investing network and member groups such as BankTrak and Friends of the Earth have initiated campaigns focusing on the social aspects of these banks.
We believe that very little research addressing the relationship between the financial performance and social responsibility or corporate citizenship of these banks has been conducted to date.
We recently completed five summary reports covering the financial and social performance of the top five banks in China. We note that:
* Bank of China has launched an equity fund which specializes in socially responsible investment.
* Bank of Communication has made loans to small enterprises and to national projects of strategic importance (such as the Three Gorges Dam project, freeway constructions, etc.)
* The other three banks, China Construction Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and China Merchants Bank, have been active in making contributions to the local community as well. Socially responsible investments made by these banks include loans for poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and other sustainable development projects.
* One bank has been called "the most socially responsible corporation in China" by the Red Cross of China.
Comments and questions are welcome.
Recently, some social investing network and member groups such as BankTrak and Friends of the Earth have initiated campaigns focusing on the social aspects of these banks.
We believe that very little research addressing the relationship between the financial performance and social responsibility or corporate citizenship of these banks has been conducted to date.
We recently completed five summary reports covering the financial and social performance of the top five banks in China. We note that:
* Bank of China has launched an equity fund which specializes in socially responsible investment.
* Bank of Communication has made loans to small enterprises and to national projects of strategic importance (such as the Three Gorges Dam project, freeway constructions, etc.)
* The other three banks, China Construction Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and China Merchants Bank, have been active in making contributions to the local community as well. Socially responsible investments made by these banks include loans for poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and other sustainable development projects.
* One bank has been called "the most socially responsible corporation in China" by the Red Cross of China.
Comments and questions are welcome.