BANKS AND THEIR ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE - A CASE STUDY APPROACH

Supply chain finance is a technique that provides working capital to suppliers in the global value chains, under favourable conditions. The key idea behind this financing solution is that suppliers can benefit from the buyer’s stronger credit rating. In addition, it supports the integration of smaller suppliers into the global value chains. Its development is correlated with the growth of open-account transactions. Against this background, the purpose of this paper is to offer some insights into how sustainability issues are integrated into supply chain finance. The paper highlights the role that banks play in promoting this innovative financial solution. Offering supply chain finance programs where suppliers are evaluated based on compliance with sustainability standards is one way banks can contribute to promoting sustainable development. The paper contributes to the existing literature by presenting some case studies that illustrate various perspectives on how sustainable supply chain finance is implemented in practice in various countries and sectors. The findings suggest that banks can play a crucial role in fostering responsible global value chains.