The Impact of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Factors on Financial Performance - Evidence from Licensed Banks in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: In this context, the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors has emerged as one of the critical determinants of financial performance in banking, especially in emerging markets such as Sri Lanka. The study will try to establish how ESG practices have influenced the financial performance of licensed banks in Sri Lanka, focusing on Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE).

Methodology: This study collected data from 10 licensed banks in Sri Lanka over a sample period of fifteen years, from 2009 to 2023. Using a quantitative approach, this study collected secondary data from the annual and sustainability reports of the selected banks. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors were used as the independent variables of the banks selected. Both Return on Equity and Return on Assets were used to measure the financial performance of the selected banks. Further, bank size, leverage ratio, and dividend yield were used as the control variables. A series of fixed-effects panel regression models was used in this study to analyze the data.

Findings: The results of the study revealed that there is a positive and significant impact between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and ROE and ROA, whereas all the other hypotheses were accepted. In conclusion, this study revealed that the ESG factors significantly impact the financial performance of the licensed banks in Sri Lanka.

Conclusion: The study concludes that ESG integration is no longer solely a regulatory or ethical requirement but also a strategic imperative for financial performance and competitive advantage. It is encouraged that the licensed banks in Sri Lanka adopt comprehensive ESG frameworks with a view to ensuring sustainability and profitability.