Attorney General Cameron Announces Multi-State Investigation into Six Major Banks for ESG Investment Practices (2024)

Krista Buckelkrista.buckel@ky.gov502-696-5300https://ag.ky.gov

700 Capitol Avenue, Suite 118FrankfortKY40601

FRANKFORT, Ky. (October 19, 2022)–Attorney General Cameron today announced a multi-state investigation into Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo for alleged antitrust and consumer protection law violations related to ESG (environmental, social, governance) investment practices. As members of the United Nations’ Net-Zero Banking Alliance, these banks are required to set carbon emissions reduction targets in their lending and investment portfolios to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050.

“Kentucky’s consumer protection and antitrust laws prohibit companies from engaging in coordinated practices that block certain Kentucky businesses from accessing banking services,” said Attorney General Cameron. “We joined this investigation to ensure Kentucky companies that reject the Biden Administration’s anti-fossil fuel climate agenda have the same financial freedoms as those who accept it.”

The coalition of attorneys general have issued civil investigative demands and subpoenas to Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo, asking for documents relating to the companies’ involvement with the United Nations’ Net-Zero Banking Alliance. The information requested centers on suspected financial discrimination against companies that do not align with the United Nations’ “net-zero” climate agenda.

Some of the subpoenas sent to the banks include requests to:

  • Identify the objectives and mission of theNet-Zero Banking Alliance and describe how these objectives have been incorporated into the company’s business operations.
  • Describe the extent to which the company, as a signatory to the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, has taken steps to support the elimination of fossil fuels from economic sectors.
  • Describe the extent to which the company, as a signatory to the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, has taken action to support the deployment and financing of net-zero climate policies.

Attorney General Cameron joined in the Missouri-led investigation along with attorneys general from Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Click the name of the corresponding bank to view a copy of the subpoena issued to Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo.

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Attorney General Cameron Announces Multi-State Investigation into Six Major Banks for ESG Investment Practices (2024)

FAQs

Attorney General Cameron Announces Multi-State Investigation into Six Major Banks for ESG Investment Practices? ›

(October 19, 2022) – Attorney General Cameron today announced a multi-state investigation into Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo for alleged antitrust and consumer protection law violations related to ESG (environmental, social, governance) investment practices.

What banks are being investigated for ESG? ›

Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo were served Wednesday by the states with civil investigative demands, which acts as a subpoena, for the requested information.

What banks do not participate in ESG? ›

The American banks – Citi, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo – are listed as having left the group of institutions that have signed the principles. The news was condemned by climate groups as “shocking” and “cowardly”.

Which Bank is best for ESG? ›

Barclays has been named Best Bank for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the UK by the prestigious industry publication, Euromoney. In the magazine's annual Awards for Excellence programme, the bank is recognised for how it is helping to provide green and sustainable finance to customers and clients.

What top US banks are under investigation? ›

Attorney General Paxton joined a multistate investigation into Bank of America Corporation, Wells Fargo & Company, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, JPMorgan Chase & Co., The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and Citigroup Inc.

Which banks are under investigation? ›

(October 19, 2022) – Attorney General Cameron today announced a multi-state investigation into Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo for alleged antitrust and consumer protection law violations related to ESG (environmental, social, governance) investment practices.

Who owns ESG risk? ›

There are many factors to consider in adding ESG to the company's risk infrastructure. For many boards, the audit committee is the primary owner of risk oversight. However, it is increasingly common for the audit committee to retain oversight of the company's overall risk management efforts, as well as financial risk.

Is Wells Fargo an ESG company? ›

We are focused on making an impact by supporting a sustainable and inclusive future. Access our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures below.

Why are banks pushing ESG? ›

In majority of the cases, banks and lenders drive investments and financial expertise across private and public companies. Government regulations, investor pressure and a general sentiment around climate change is pushing companies to identify opportunities and fit ESG in their business models.

Is Chase an ESG Bank? ›

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are integrated into the policies and principles that govern our business and reflect our commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth.

What is the least ethical bank? ›

Chase Bank remains the world's biggest funder of climate chaos since the Paris Agreement. Our other three least ethical banks, Citi, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, are still among the top 5 fossil financiers since 2016. Let's take a closer look at how these banks use your money.

Which bank is most ethical? ›

Here are our top nine ethical banks and building societies in 2024:
  • Triodos Bank.
  • Charity Bank.
  • Ecology Building Society.
  • The Co-operative Bank.
  • Coventry Building Society.
  • Nationwide Building Society.
  • Starling Bank.
  • Gatehouse Bank.
Apr 3, 2024

Is Bank of America an ESG company? ›

Our approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities is guided by our commitment to Responsible Growth and doing so in a sustainable manner, which helps us deliver for our clients and stakeholders and address societal issues.

What bank in America is in trouble? ›

About the FDIC:
Bank NameBankCityCityClosing DateClosing
Republic First Bank dba Republic BankPhiladelphiaApril 26, 2024
Citizens BankSac CityNovember 3, 2023
Heartland Tri-State BankElkhartJuly 28, 2023
First Republic BankSan FranciscoMay 1, 2023
54 more rows

What 6 US banks are on review? ›

Those placed on review for downgrade are giants: BNY Mellon, Northern Trust, State Street, Cullen/Frost Bankers, Truist Financial and US Bancorp. It has been five months since the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the Bay area bank well-known for its services tailored to the venture capital industry.

What is the safest bank in us? ›

Summary: Safest Banks In The U.S. Of May 2024
BankForbes Advisor RatingProducts
Chase Bank5.0Checking, Savings, CDs
Bank of America4.2Checking, Savings, CDs
Wells Fargo Bank4.0Savings, checking, money market accounts, CDs
Citi®4.0Checking, savings, CDs
1 more row
Jan 29, 2024

Is US Bank involved with ESG? ›

U.S. Bank takes an enterprise-wide approach to ESG by engaging its business line; risk and governance; corporate social responsibility; and diversity, equity and inclusion teams to drive progress.

Is Chase part of ESG? ›

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are integrated into the policies and principles that govern our business and reflect our commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth.

Is Bank of America using ESG? ›

Our approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities is guided by our commitment to Responsible Growth and doing so in a sustainable manner, which helps us deliver for our clients and stakeholders and address societal issues.

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