You're a new relationship manager at a business bank. You applied for the role on the basis of the organisation’s clear ESG focus and strong commitment to supporting growing businesses in the renewables and electric vehicle space. One of your new clients - a growing electric vehicle manufacturer - is seeking a loan to expand its operations so that electric vehicles may be more widely available in Australia.
However, upon seeing the details of the expansion plan, you realise that the client intends to source a large fraction of the rare metals and materials required for electric car battery manufacture from several mines in countries with very little environmental regulation. From what you know, the materials extracted are done so throughan environmentally destructive process.
What would you do?
- What ethical considerations would help drive your decision?
We challenge you to create a healthy discussion with your colleagues and post a comment below. You could even encourage them to consider taking The Banking and Financial Services Oath! If you would like to submit an ethical dilemma to feature in an upcoming weekly challenge please email: dilemma@bfso.org.
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