Från en rapporteringsstrategi till en hållbarhetsstrategi : En fallstudie av ESG-anpassning i affärsstrategin hos en liten nordisk bank

In response to the growing regulatory demands of corporate sustainability reporting, this study investigates how financial institutions can strategically align sustainability reporting with business objectives. Focusing on a case study of a small Nordic bank, the research addresses the challenges and opportunities arising from the evolving European sustainability framework, particularly the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the proposed Omnibus amendments. The objective of the study is to explore how sustainability reporting can move beyond compliance to become a driver of long-term value creation. A qualitative methodology was adopted, combining a literature review, benchmarking against industry peers, and thematic analysis of nine semi-structured stakeholder interviews. This approach enabled a comprehensive understanding of how sustainability considerations can be integrated into core business strategy within a financial institution focused on SME lending. The key findings identify three material areas where sustainability and strategy intersect: robust governance and regulatory compliance, financial inclusion through SME lending, and attracting and retaining talent. The study demonstrates that proactive engagement with sustainability reporting frameworks – despite regulatory uncertainty – can enhance both financial performance and societal impact. Furthermore, the integration of sustainability into governance, risk management, and corporate culture emerges as critical for maintaining competitiveness and stakeholder trust. The research highlights that the future success of sustainability initiatives will depend not solely on regulatory compliance but on companies' ability to embed sustainability within their strategic and operational frameworks. These insights offer practical guidance for financial institutions navigating the transition from reporting obligations to meaningful sustainability management.