The Insider's Perspective on Sustainable Finance

Abstract: Finance solutions have the potential to play a key role in the transition to sustainable societies. The financial sector has struggled with multiple parallel definitions and standards for sustainable finance. In 2018, the European Union launched an ambitious regulatory effort to standardize sustainable finance and provide increased transparency for investors. This study investigates perceptions of the expanding EU regulations among finance professionals and motivations for the financial sector to engage in meaningful sustainability work. Data is gathered through semi-structured interviews. The study finds positive attitudes to the fundamental idea behind the regulatory effort but more critical views on its practical implementation. Profit-maximizing incentives are part of the key motivations for financial entities to engage in sustainability work. This provides both challenges and opportunities for policy makers to achieve sustainability impacts through regulation.