Sustainable development in the Chilean banking system - Executive summary

This document presents the results of a study conducted by UNEP FI and CAF on the integration of sustainable development practices within Chile’s banking sector, covering institutions representing about 70% of the national market. It reports that 36% of surveyed banks have comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance systems, while the remainder apply partial initiatives, with 91% adhering to external codes of conduct and 73% offering green financial products. The findings highlight strong market readiness, with 100% of banks recognizing opportunities for climate-related financing and 92% expressing interest in specialized training. However, challenges persist, including gender inequities in leadership, limited capacity building, and insufficient regulatory guidance. Compared to regional peers, Chilean banks lead in product development but lag in embedding environmental and social factors into risk analysis.