“…In particular, since stakeholder engagement in sustainable development pushes banks to behave ethically and responsibly (ben Abdallah et al, 2020; Galletta, Mazzù, Naciti, et al, 2021; Khattak & Saiti, 2021; Raut et al, 2017; Scholtens, 2009), banks' compliance with ESG criteria should match their actions against commitments to reduce ESG controversies. Therefore, if a scandal occurs, the bank involved is penalized, and this affects its overall ESG score and grading.…”