Comparative Analysis of ESG-Focused DeFi Protocols and Traditional ESG Funds: Financial Performance, Transparency, and Impact Assessment

Abstract

The intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing and decentralized finance (DeFi) introduces innovative pathways for integrating sustainability into financial markets. This study conducts a comparative analysis of ESG-focused DeFi protocols, such as KlimaDAO and Regen Network, and traditional ESG investment funds, including the Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF and BlackRock Sustainable Advantage Large Cap Core Fund. Using data from March 2021 to March 2023 and quantitative methods such as ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, the study evaluates financial performance, transparency, and impact assessment. Results indicate that ESG-focused DeFi protocols provide enhanced transparency and potential for higher returns but are hindered by greater volatility and regulatory uncertainty. Conversely, traditional ESG funds offer stability and robust governance frameworks but lack the real-time transparency inherent to DeFi platforms. The findings underscore the need for standardized ESG reporting and offer actionable insights for investors aiming to align sustainability goals with financial performance