NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Thursday, October 31, 2019

By James Peter Rubin

British financial services giant Barclays has joined a host of global banking rivals ramping up efforts to find companies that will generate hefty returns by solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Barclays launched a Sustainable and Impact Banking unit that will identify “new, high-growth clients” focused on “environmental and social challenges,” and also advise “existing clients on sustainable growth strategy and finance.” Barclays veteran Brian Reilly, the company’s global head of equity capital markets, will lead the new unit, which is part of the investment banking division.

“Companies with a stated mission of addressing the world’s most pressing societal and environmental challenges are continually emerging in every sector,” Reilly said in a statement.

Photo courtesy of John Twohig.