October 20 - November 3, 2024
The Alliance for Responsible Capitalism presents a new case competition focused on the challenges and opportunities around ESG in the banking sector
The Challenge
Join a new case competition co-sponsored by the Erb Institute and Business+Impact at the University of Michigan, designed by the Alliance for Responsible Capitalism.
The Dilemma
How do banks move towards a net zero financial sector while navigating political tensions around ESG?
Banks recognize the material risks of climate change to business, and their customers demand investing options informed by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. However, they face diverging political pressures: calls to accelerate action and new regulatory requirements for transparency on the one hand, and backlash against ESG investing strategies on the other.
But the situation is far from intractable. Rather, it challenges us to explore more deeply the aligned interests and values among banks and their stakeholders to identify paths forward. It may even drive us to reevaluate the social contract among business, government, and society in service of a common goal: ensuring opportunities to flourish and prosper for generations to come.
Your Challenge
Design a roadmap for banks to accelerate a sustainable market transformation while effectively managing their stakeholders.
You and your team have been hired as consultants to the CEO of a commercial bank with operations across the US and Europe. You have been tasked with developing a strategy for how the bank might use its influence – in the private sector, on public policy, and with its full range of stakeholders – to create a business landscape that motivates sustainable behavior. You will develop a holistic vision for this market transformation and a robust change management plan that accounts for the risks and opportunities facing banks today.
Timeline
In the initial round, student teams of 4 will develop written proposals based on the case materials, which include pre-recorded interviews with experts and stakeholders to ESG in banking, as well as independent research.
The top 8-10 teams will then be invited to join the final in-person round in Ann Arbor on Saturday, February 1. These teams will also receive feedback from panelists on their proposals, which they will update and present live before a panel of judges.
Prizes
All members of the finalist teams will be invited to a networking reception and dinner with the event judges in conjunction with the final round on Saturday, February 1.
Get Involved
Want to take on the challenge?
Want to help shape the competition by performing banking stakeholder interviews?
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