GREEN BANKING AND ITS DEVELOPMENT IN POLAND

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work is to determine the current state and key trends in the field of green banking in Poland, drawing on the theoretical concepts and contemporary practices. DESIGN/METHOD: Using a mixed-methods approach grounded in environmental and financial theory, this study employs statistical, comparative, and qualitative analyses to assess Poland’s position on the interna- tional stage and institutional initiatives undertaken between 2018 and 2024. RESULTS/FINDINGS: The findings reveal that Polish banks are gradually integrating green banking practices into their operations. International cooperation and EU regulation have proven instrumental in enabling financial institutions to introduce new green finance products and attract additional capital. However, Po- land does not rank among the frontrunners in green banking development within the EU, underscoring the need for a more robust regulatory framework and stronger involvement from the central bank to accelerate the progress. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The value of this article lies in its focused analysis of the evolving landscape of green banking in Poland. It bridges a critical gap by combining the theory of sustainable finance and an empirical study of green initiatives of commercial banks. Furthermore, it provides new evidence on the effectiveness of international cooperation in promoting sustainability. By presenting the specific policy recommendations tailored to the Polish financial sector, the study adds significant value to both academics and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable economic growth in green finance markets. KEYWORDS: green banking, sustainable finance, sustainable bond, green mortgage, Equator Principles. JEL: G210, E580, Q5.