India’s Yes Bank, which is barely two years old, actively evaluates the social and environmental risks and benefits in every loan it considers, part of its commitment to what it considers “responsible banking” in the country’s rapidly growing economy.

“Banks have a role to play as catalysts in socio-economic development,” says Viraal Balsari, the bank’s head of sustainability and corporate responsibility. He says the intention is to make sustainability part of the bank’s core banking criteria.