Mutual banks hold a unique position in the European financial landscape, rooted in principles of solidarity and democratic governance. Despite their strong local ties and social mission, they face significant challenges in sustainability, particularly in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This paper traces the historical evolution of mutual banking, analyzes the reasons behind their lag in decarbonization compared to traditional banks, and offers concrete recommendations to strengthen their climate engagement. The study highlights the sector's diverse climate performance through comparative analysis and the use of data science tools, emphasizing the need for targeted institutional reforms to accelerate the ecological transition.
Goldman et al. (Tue,) studied this question.