Biodiversity disclosure in the European finance sector

Abstract

As the significant environmental, social, and economic consequences of biodiversity loss become more clearly recognized, biodiversity management has become an increasingly important issue for the financial sector. According to the Global Risk Report 2023, biodiversity loss will be the fourth most significant risk worldwide over the next ten years. The financial sector plays a crucial role in supporting and financing business activities that impact biodiversity. Financial institutions can help ensure that biodiversity is protected as they strongly influence management activities and practices in the economy through capital allocation.

Based on institutional theory, this study aims to illuminate a disclosure level on biodiversity (risks) in the financial sector. Using content analysis, we empirically investigate non-financial reports by the European financial industry. To evaluate drivers, we present and compare specific disclosure standards and regulations concerning biodiversity. Overall, the disclosure quality differs in scope and level across the sampled companies. The results show the relevance of evolving disclosure frameworks like the EU taxonomy, Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. This study contributes to improving biodiversity management and disclosure by presenting a better understanding of biodiversity activities and risks within the financial sector as a mediating agent.