During our time with John, Katie, Paul at Allied Irish Bank and Goodbody Clearstream, it quickly became apparent to me that AIB is operating at a level of CSR far above American banks, and even above the requirements of Irish regulations and standards.

My perception of the banking industry is one completely detached from CSR. To my mind, sustainability, social responsibility, and economic morality are of little interest to the vast majority of banks; They are there to exist as closely to a monopoly as they legally can and simply do their job of financing and money lending.

AIB is one shining example against the bleak grey background that is the global banking industry. As an institution that has fought the pressure of staying the hyper-capitalistic route and instead, taken the uphill challenge of not just mindlessly complying but committing to newer EU sustainability regulations, upholding fervent commitment, and cutting no corners AIB has set a bar for banks everywhere to reach.

As John mentioned, Unfortunately, due to the competitiveness of American banking as regulations are nonexistent or otherwise weakly enforced there, increased difficulty and pressure has threatened AIB’s stance and heightened the challenge but they have no plans of wavering.

The bringing on of Goodbody Clearstream to serve as expert guidance and strategizing for their environmental efforts is commendable, providing clear reassurance of their commitment and care. With the goal of being net zero for carbon emissions in 5 short years, the bank has their work cut out for them but they are hopeful and driven. In fact, since 2021, AIB has cut their emissions by 82.5%. A staggering figure and stand-up effort.

All in all, what I was most moved by was not only the transparent commitment to the cause, but the resounding authenticity of these efforts. Given the aforementioned atmosphere of the finance industry, taking on such a responsibility and overachieving in what is required is something no bank is doing without pushback. There is every incentive to achieve nothing more than a passing grade or keep heads buried in the sand but instead, AIB choses, even when challenged, to do what is right. Such will can only be achieved when the cause is valued at the very root and true identity of the institution; As true to the values they stand on as any other founding principle, and that is what I find most admirable about AIB’s plans for sustainability and the lasting impression that was left.