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| Overall Assessment |
Analysis |
Score |
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None
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IDFC First Bank presents a comprehensive ESG oversight structure—stating that it “set up a dedicated and robust governance structure, for integrating ESG and climate risk considerations into its business model” through a Board-level Stakeholders’ Relationship, ESG and Customer Service Committee, supported by an ESG Management Committee and Working Group that “monitor ESG activities and communicate the Bank’s ESG progress.” However, when it comes to influencing policy, the Bank states that “The Bank does not engage in policy advocacy but is actively involved in consultation / discussion forums with the Government and other banking industry bodies” and that “The Bank does not support political campaigns, political organizations, lobbyists or lobbying organizations and other tax-exempt groups for the purpose of influencing policy.” We found no evidence of any policy or procedure for reviewing or managing its consultation activities or trade association memberships against its climate objectives, nor any named individual or formal body tasked with overseeing the alignment of those engagements with its climate or ESG goals.
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E
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| Overall Assessment |
Analysis |
Score |
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Moderate
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IDFC FIRST Bank is generally transparent in stating that it does not carry out climate-related lobbying. The bank repeatedly notes that it “does not support political campaigns, political organizations, lobbyists or lobbying organizations for the purpose of influencing policy” and that “the Bank does not engage in policy advocacy,” clarifying that any interaction with public bodies is limited to consultation or discussion forums. This explicit declaration makes it clear that the bank has not lobbied for any specific climate policy, law or regulation, although it does not give further reasons for choosing not to lobby.
Regarding mechanisms, the disclosures list the indirect channels through which the bank could potentially engage—membership of industry groups such as the Indian Banks’ Association, Confederation of Indian Industry, FICCI, FIMMDA and FEDAI—and identify broad targets such as the Reserve Bank of India and other government agencies, but the bank emphasises that these memberships are not used for policy advocacy. Because it sets out the forums in which it participates while simultaneously explaining that it undertakes no lobbying, the description is reasonably clear even though it stops short of detailing meetings, letters or other actions.
On outcomes sought, the bank limits itself to high-level aspirations like supporting green initiatives and inclusive development and explicitly states it seeks no policy changes through lobbying; no specific legislative goals, amendments or targets are described.
Taken together, the disclosures provide a moderate level of transparency: the bank is clear and consistent about its non-engagement in climate lobbying and identifies the associations and forums in which it participates, but it does not give detailed reasons for its abstention nor does it outline any concrete policy positions or desired outcomes.
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C
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