Some good news out of the financial sector indicates that sustainable finance may be making a comeback. German financial giant Deutsche Bank announced in its annual results that sustainable finance and ESG investing saw their largest volume since 2021. Bank leadership cites renewed demand as the driver behind the surge. ESG Today reports:
“Deutsche Bank’s annual results indicated that the bank saw higher sustainable finance and ESG investment volumes across each of its businesses in 2025, compared with the prior year, with its Investment Banking business as the strongest contributor, recording €67 billion in sustainable finance volume for the year, up from €57 billion in 2024, and €39 billion in 2023. In its Corporate Bank business, Deutsche Bank reported sustainable finance volumes of €20.2 billion, up from €17.2 billion in 2024, while in its Private Bank unit, the bank reported that sustainable finance volumes reached €11.6 billion, up from €8.9 billion in the prior year.”
The financial services sector has long been a major driver of ESG and sustainability. Seeing these promising numbers from Deutsche Bank raises the possibility of ESG gaining greater importance among investors. While we’ve seen global slowdown and pullback on ESG over the past several years, sustainability issues present persistent risks and opportunities. The results from Deutsche Bank may indicate a renewed interest as the ESG pendulum continues to swing.
Our members can learn more about sustainable finance here.
If you’re not already a member, sign up now and take advantage of our no-risk “100-Day Promise” – during the first 100 days as an activated member, you may cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. But it will probably pay for itself before then. Members also save hours of research and reading time each week by using our filtered and curated library of ESG/sustainability resources covering over 100 sustainability subject areas – updated daily with practical and credible information compiled without the use of AI.
Practical Guidance for Companies, Curated for Clarity.
