The Impact of ESG Scores on Corporate Performance - A-Share Banks and Securities Firms

Abstract

Globally, companies are increasingly paying attention to the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESGs) on corporate performance. The objective of the study is to the impact of ESG scores of third-party institutions on the performance of Banks and Securities Firms. Based on the data of A-share banks and securities firms with complete ESG scores from Bloomberg 2011-2021, 19 listed banks and securities firms were selected. A linear regression of their return on assets, E, S, G, and ESG scores, and corporate performance is conducted to analyze which specific factor scores have the most direct impact on the corporate performance of securities firms, and thus help them to better implement ESG strategies. The results of the study revealed that the scores of G factors have the most direct impact on the corporate performance of banks and securities firms, and that securities firms need to improve the scores of G factors faster to achieve higher corporate performance. Therefore, information disclosure, as a part of corporate governance, should also be on the agenda when it is in line with the excess returns of securities firms.