A comparison of three mega bank groups’ strategies towards a low carbon economy focusing on activities of their securities companies

Kasai, Katsuya (2012): A comparison of three mega bank groups’ strategies towards a low carbon economy focusing on activities of their securities companies.

Abstract

This paper analysed Japan’s top three mega bank groups’ activities towards a low carbon economy by focusing on their securities companies. The three groups, namely MUFG, SMFG and MHFG, have enormously influenced, not only in Japan’s economy, but the global economy owing to their sizes. Overall, this paper confirmed that the three mega bank groups have been trying to promote environmental business through their services as leading financial institutions. Moreover, they have utilized not only financial products, but other various environmental activities as well. When comparing their comprehensive activities, their activities are similar but this paper revealed clear differences among their strategies. The defining characteristic of each group’s strategy is: MUFG is likely to focus heavily on the project development and emission trading business; SMBC seems to focus on eco funds; and MHFG might not work on climate change issue very hard owing to their system troubles. In this paper, various promising activities have been identified, all of which should be appreciated equally with SRI. The three mega bank groups surely have powers that can change the social systems. It would be beneficial for both the three groups and society to continue to expand their activities for a low carbon economy by pursuing their own strategy. Looking back at history, humankind has improved quality of life by making innovation happen, such as the industrial and green revolutions. Hence, it is hoped that three groups will provide their companies with enough funds to promptly and efficiently stipulate the development of clean projects and/or the invention of innovative technologies. In some sense, inducing innovation is thought of as the most important key for clearing up the root of the climate change issue.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: CSR, SRI, low carbon economy, mega banks, CDM
• Subjects: M - Business Administration and Business Economics ; Marketing ; Accounting ; Personnel Economics > M1 - Business Administration > M14 - Corporate Culture ; Diversity ; Social Responsibility; M - Business Administration and Business Economics ; Marketing ; Accounting ; Personnel Economics > M4 - Accounting and Auditing > M48 - Government Policy and Regulation; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q5 - Environmental Economics > Q54 - Climate ; Natural Disasters and Their Management ; Global Warming

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