ESG disruptive innovation. A literature review of ESG rating, regulation, and financial institutions’ business practices

This chapter analyses the theoretical foundations of ESG criteria and their relevance for transforming the economy and finance. It examines the centrality of ESG considerations in the functioning of financial institutions’ investor and regulator adoption by reviewing the peer-reviewed studies. It argues how ESG ratings continue to provide an understanding of credit decisions and broader risk management frameworks but also highlights that greenwashing and lack of consistency in climate risk assessment mark significant challenges ahead.