Socially responsible lending in times of crisis

This paper provides an exploratory study of how socially responsible Australasian banking corporations are and if recent events, such as the global financial crisis, have enabled them to learn lessons in regards to responsible lending practice. Evidence was gained primarily through an analysis of corporate disclosures of two major Australasian banking corporations operating in New Zealand. The data were analysed to see if a change in lending practice occurred to be more in line with corporate social responsibility (CSR). The findings suggest a strong verbal commitment to CSR by the banking corporations, even through tough economic times. However, only when specific goals, achievements and their relation to the overall sustainability agenda are disclosed in a consistent and continuous manner, will real social and responsible banking practice occur. This paper adds to the limited literature of CSR reporting in the financial sector, informing from a public policy perspective on disclosure of banking corporations’ lending practices, thus contributing to a global dialogue on CSR within the financial industry.