Can a bank, even a subsidiary of a mutualist group like Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, reasonably favor the commitment of its customers in the transformation of a territory at the expense of the search for financial performance? ” Faced with the immense climatic and societal challenges that we must meet collectively, we are betting that the companies and institutions that know how to adapt today will be those who will be the most solvent tomorrow, explains Benjamin Dahéron, Director of Institutional Clients. Last May, our group’s adoption of mission-driven company status validated our desire to put financial and extra-financial aspects on the same level, in order to support the transformation of society on the field in a long-term vision. For the sake of transparency, the bank, which had already set up an environmental transition department specializing in renewable energy projects, called on the independent analysis agency extra -financier EthiFinance in order to assess its ESG (Environmental, Societal and Governance) policy. its commitment to green finance.
Banking solutions at the service of the transition
At the local level, at the heart of the “Plaine Images” site in Roubaix, the Arkéa Banque Entreprises et Institutionnels business center team in Hauts-de-France supports the ecological and societal change of its customers through responsible financial products. ” Depending on their needs, we offer companies, institutions and real estate players committed savings products, such as the KÉRÉA TERME CSR secure investment which dedicates a subsidized envelope of loans to sustainable investments, or the impact loan , “Arkea PACT”, which rewards the client’s ESG efforts with a rate bonus and a reduction in financial costs of up to 20% “, explains Benjamin Daheron. Launched in 2020, this impact loan, accessible from 2 million euros, has already attracted around ten clients from Hauts-de-France, including the departments of Nord and Oise as well as major local players in the transportation or supermarkets. Last July, the social landlord Partenord Habitat, the first Public Office for Housing in Hauts-de-France, was also won over by the approach by subscribing to an impact loan of 5 million euros to finance the improvement the energy performance of its portfolio and preserve the purchasing power of its tenants. After an initial independent study carried out by EthiFinance, which includes an overall rating, positioning indicators and areas for improvement, the social landlord will receive 4 other studies over 4 years, which will enable Arkéa Banque E&I to support it over time. on its ESG policy and to optimize its financial burden if the objectives are achieved…
A territorial and sectoral approach
Beyond financial products, Arkéa Banque E&I also claims a desire to act for the development of cooperation in order to create ecosystems and a responsible dynamic throughout the territory. ” Today, we are a leading bank in metropolitan areas and most major cities in Hauts-de-France and aim to be so with public and private players involved in the food industry, renewable energies , waste management, industry, urban logistics, transport or the actors of aging and inclusion; in short, all the actors who will have a positive impact for the inhabitants, concludes Benjamin Daheron. By creating synergies between them, as we have been doing for a very long time in what we commonly call “the real estate and housing chain”, we give meaning to our business. For a territory to live, it must be attractive and ensure the well-being of all. Much more than a simple evolution of our scope of activities, it is our entire banking model that pivots to trigger the changes necessary for sustainability. »