The Role of Green Credit in Bank Profitability and Stability: A Case Study on Green Banking in Indonesia

Abstract

Green credits are one of the alternative bank loans to the traditional sector. In addition, this green credit supports sustainability and environmental issues. This paper analyzes the influence of green credits on bank profits and stability in Indonesia. This study analyzed banks in Indonesia that provided green credits. Of 140 banks, only 35 banks disbursed green credits starting in 2019. Our study examined all banks providing green credit from 2019 to 2022 using annual data. The results of the study showed that green credits have a positive effect on profits, but green credits have no effect on bank stability. Small banks benefit from green credits in encouraging profitability. In addition, the profitability and stability of banks in Indonesia are greatly influenced by strong bank fundamentals such as capital and efficiency. This study has important implications in both theoretical and practical aspects. Because green credit supports profitability, the bank must diversify the loans in both the traditional sector as well as new sectors that are related to environmental issues and development sustainability following the theory of loan diversification. For practical implication, the Indonesian Financial Service Authority as a policymaker requires each bank to provide financing related to green credits.