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2023-03-17 00:00:00
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Banking on Thin Ice: Two years in the heat
2022-11-17 00:00:00
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Home › Banks ›
Bank
Commonwealth BankAustralia

Active

This profile is actively maintained
Last update: 2023-03-17 12:47:13
Commonwealth Bank's head office in Sydney. Photo: Google Earth/Streetview

Active

This profile is actively maintained
Last update: 2023-03-17 12:47:13
About
Website http://www.commbank.com.au
Headquarters
11 Harbour Street
NSW 2000 Sydney
Australia
CEO/chair Matt Comyn
CEO
Supervisor
Reserve Bank of Australia
Ownership
listed on Australian Securities Exchange

Commonwealth Bank's shareholder structure can be accessed here.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (commonly referred to as the CommBank), was founded in 1911 by the Australian government, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1991, and fully privatised in 1996. The Commonwealth Bank is on of the "big four" Australian banks. The bank has brands including BankWest, Colonial First State Investments, ASB Bank (New Zealand), Commonwealth Securities and Commonwealth Insurance.

Sustainability
Commitments
Policies
Voluntary standards

Commonwealth Bank's most important sustainability commitments can be found at the website sections listed below

Links

Corporate responsibility

Policies and practices

2022-08-18 00:00:00

Code of conduct

Bank policy
2022-08-18 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2022-08-10 00:00:00

Climate report 2022

Bank policy
2022-08-10 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2021-09-08 00:00:00

Supplier code of conduct

Bank policy
2021-09-08 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2021-08-10 00:00:00

Environmental & social framework

Bank policy
2021-08-10 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2021-06-30 00:00:00

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Bank policy
2021-06-30 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2021-05-03 00:00:00

Group Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

Bank policy
2021-05-03 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2020-08-11 00:00:00

Approach to climate change

Bank policy
2020-08-11 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2019-11-07 00:00:00

Reconciliation action plan

Bank policy
2019-11-07 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2019-03-19 00:00:00

Group environment policy

Bank policy
2019-03-19 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2019-03-19 00:00:00

ESG lending commitments

Bank policy
2019-03-19 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2018-04-24 00:00:00

Anti-money Laundering and Counter-terrorism Financing Disclosure Statement

Bank policy
2018-04-24 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2017-08-14 00:00:00

Climate Policy Position Statement

Bank policy
2017-08-14 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2015-12-16 00:00:00

Our approach to tax

Bank policy
2015-12-16 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2015-11-05 00:00:00

Human Rights Position Statement

Bank policy
2015-11-05 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2015-04-11 00:00:00

Responsible Investing Framework

Bank policy
2015-04-11 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
Commonwealth Bank has committed itself to the following voluntary standards:
Carbon Disclosure ProjectTags: carbon | climate change | greenhouse gas emissions
Dow Jones Sustainability IndicesTags: sustainable development | transparency
Equator PrinciplesTags: Equator Principles | project finance | corporate social responsibility | sustainable development
Global Reporting InitiativeTags: sustainable development | human rights
Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB)Tags: climate change | corporate social responsibility | finance | sustainable development | United Nations | Voluntary Standards
Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)Tags: corporate social responsibility | sustainable development | United Nations
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)Tags: corporate social responsibility | finance
UNEP Finance InitiativeTags: United Nations | sustainable development
United Nations Global CompactTags: United Nations | human rights
Dodgy Deals

Commonwealth Bank is linked to a number of companies and projects that BankTrack considers controversial (so called Dodgy Deals), e.g. as a current or past financier or through an expression of interest. The profiles below provide more details on the nature of Commonwealth Bank's link to these deals.

Campaigns

Banks and Climate

The 2022 Banking on Climate Chaos report showed that Commonwealth Bank provided US$ 7.57 Billion in financing to the fossil fuel industry between 2016 and 2021. Find further details on Commonwealth Bank fossil fuel portfolio and how it compares to other large banks globally on Fossil Banks No Thanks and in the Banking on Climate Chaos report.

 

Reclaim Finance tracks the coal, oil and gas policies of financial institutions, including banks, in the Coal Policy Tracker and Oil and Gas Policy Tool. Find further details on their assessment of Commonwealth Bank fossil fuel policy below.

 


Banks and Human Rights

BankTrack assessed Commonwealth Bank in its 2022 Global Human Rights Benchmark, where it achieved 5 points out of 14 and was ranked as a follower. In addition, Commonwealth Bank scored 0 out of 3 on how it responds to alleged human rights violations linked to its finance, which were raised by civil society organisations.  More information is detailed in the "Accountability" section of this profile.

Global Human Rights Benchmark 2022

BankLast update
Country
Score
Ranking
Details
Commonwealth Bank
AUS
5
Follower
0
Australia
Score
Follower
5
Explanation

Commonwealth Bank's human rights policies, processes and reporting were assessed as part of the BankTrack Global Human Rights Benchmark 2022. The bank is assessed as a Follower, with a total score of 5 out of 14.

Policy: 2.5/3
Due dilligence: 1/5
Reporting: 1.5/3
Remedy: 0/3


Response Tracking:
The bank was also assessed on its responses to instances of alleged human rights violations linked to its finance, raised by civil society organisations, for which it received an average score of 0/3. See the Response Tracking section of this profile for more details.

Explanation
Laggard
Follower
Front runner
Leader
0 - 3 points
3.5 - 6.5 points
7 - 10 points
10.5 - 14 points
For more details see this page.

Banks and Nature

Commonwealth Bank’s policies for forest-risk sectors (beef, soy, palm oil, pulp and paper, rubber and timber) have been assessed by the Forests & Finance coalition, achieving an overall score of 2.2 out of 10 and ranking it as a follower. Commonwealth Bank achieved a score of 0 out of 10 specifically for its policies related to the beef sector and 2.2 out of 10 for its policies related to the palm oil sector. Between 2016 and 2022, Commonwealth Bank provided USD 513 million in credit to companies operating in these forest-risk sectors. For more information, see the links below.

Forest & Finance Policy Assessment 2022: Overall scores

BankLast update
Country
Score
Ranking
Details
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
2022-09-21
AUS
2.2
Follower
0
Australia
Profile
Score
Follower
2.2
20220921
Last update: 2022-09-21
Explanation

The policy assessment covers the main forest-risk commodity sectors (Beef, Palm Oil, Soy, Timber, Pulp and Paper, and Rubber). Weighted scores are based on the scope of Commonwealth Bank of Australia's relevant policies, taking into account different types of financing and the sectors in which the bank is active. Details about the scores per sector policy can be found on Commonwealth Bank of Australia's profile.

Explanation

A bank can obtain a total of 10 points for the quality of its policies. The total score is based on their scores per sector, weighted against their financing and investment for each sector. For further details on this see here. Based on their overall score, banks are then classified as Laggards, Followers, Front runners or Leaders, as follows:

Laggard
Follower
Front runner
Leader
0 - 1 points
1 - 4 points
4 - 7 points
7 - 10 points
For more details see this page.

Forest & Finance Policy Assessment 2022: Beef

BankLast update
Country
Score
Ranking
Details
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
2022-09-21
AUS
0
Laggard
0
Australia
Profile
Score
Laggard
0
20220921
Last update: 2022-09-21
Explanation

The policy assessment covers the bank's policies related to beef. Weighted scores are based on the scope of ABN AMRO's relevant policies, taking into account what types and how much finance the bank provides to companies active in the beef industry. Details of the criteria used to assess the policies and scores for other forest-risk commodity sectors can be found on Commonwealth Bank of Australia's profile.

Explanation

A bank can obtain a total of 10 points for the quality of its beef policy. The total score is based on their scores per sector, weighted against their financing and investment for each sector. For further details on this see here. Based on their overall score, banks are then classified as Laggards, Followers, Front runners or Leaders, as follows:

Laggard
Follower
Front runner
Leader
0 - 1 points
1 - 4 points
4 - 7 points
7 - 10 points
For more details see this page.

Forest & Finance Policy Assessment 2022: Palm Oil

BankLast update
Country
Score
Ranking
Details
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
2022-09-21
AUS
2.2
Follower
0
Australia
Profile
Score
Follower
2.2
20220921
Last update: 2022-09-21
Explanation

The policy assessment covers the bank's policies related to palm oil. Weighted scores are based on the scope of ABN AMRO's relevant policies, taking into account what types and how much finance the bank provides to companies active in the palm oil industry. Details of the criteria used to assess the policies and scores for other forest-risk commodity sectors can be found on Commonwealth Bank of Australia's profile.

Explanation

A bank can obtain a total of 10 points for the quality of its palm oil policy. The total score is based on their scores per sector, weighted against their financing and investment for each sector. For further details on this see here. Based on their overall score, banks are then classified as Laggards, Followers, Front runners or Leaders, as follows:

Laggard
Follower
Front runner
Leader
0 - 1 points
1 - 4 points
4 - 7 points
7 - 10 points
For more details see this page.

Tracking the Net Zero Banking Alliance

Commonwealth Bank is a member of the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) and has therefore committed to reduce its financed emissions to net zero by 2050; within 18 months of joining the alliance set interim targets for 2030 (or sooner) for high emission priority sectors, and within 36 months set further sector targets; set new intermediary targets every 5 years from 2030 onwards; annually publish data on emissions and progress against a transition strategy including climate-related sectoral policies; and take a robust approach to the role of offsets in transition plans. BankTrack track's implementation of these commitments in the NZBA compliance tracker.

 

News
BankTrack
Partners
Blog
External
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

New human rights assessment of banks shows slow progress and lack of action to address key gaps on reporting and remedy

BankTrack’s 2022 Global Human Rights Benchmark finds reporting at a standstill, remedy still lacking and no clear leaders
2022-11-17 | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Santos announces refinancing of syndicated debt facilities

Santos announced it had executed documentation to amend and extend its two syndicated bank loan facilities totalling US$1.25 billion.
2022-08-30 | Santos
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

New report: Despite ‘net zero’ rhetoric, world’s biggest banks continued to pour billions into fossil fuel expansion in 2021

Annual Banking on Climate Chaos report follows the money and details massive bank support for the world’s worst climate-destroying corporations
2022-03-30 | San Francisco, Bemidji, Nijmegen, Oakland, Paris, Sassenberg, Washington DC | BankTrack, Indigenous Environmental Network, Oil Change International, Rainforest Action Network, Reclaim Finance, Sierra Club, Urgewald
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banks failing to address severe human rights impacts transparently, finds BankTrack research

Findings reinforce the need for regulators to ensure access to effective remedy for people affected by bank finance
2021-12-14 | Nijmegen | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Australian court opens CBA records to answer greenwashing concerns

2021-11-11 | Reuters
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Meet the banks funding the owners of the Cambo oil field

New research shines a spotlight on the banks backing Shell and Siccar Point Energy
2021-10-29 | #StopCambo
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Equator Banks involved in financing at least 200 fossil fuel projects since Paris

BankTrack research sheds new light on finance for fossil fuels by Equator banks
2021-10-26 | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Fossil Banks No Thanks demands banks commit to end fossil fuel finance before Glasgow Climate Summit

210+ groups support urgent call to action
2021-09-23 | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Australia's Commonwealth Bank taken to court over oil and gas financing policies

2021-09-02 | Reuters
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banking on Climate Chaos 2021: World’s 60 largest banks have poured USD 3.8 trillion into fossil fuels since Paris Agreement

Even amidst the global economic downturn, fossil fuel financing numbers were higher in 2020 than 2016
2021-03-24 | Nijmegen | BankTrack, Indigenous Environmental Network, Oil Change International, Rainforest Action Network, Reclaim Finance, Sierra Club
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Equator Banks fail communities on consultation and grievance mechanisms, new study finds

BankTrack research into nine projects financed ‘under Equator’ finds routine failures to conduct proper community consultation and a lack of effective project-level grievance mechanisms
2020-11-24 | Nijmegen | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

New BankTrack Equator Principles reporting tracking tool launched

2020-09-21 | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

4 out of 5 banks failing on human rights, new BankTrack Human Rights Benchmark shows

Lloyds, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and Société Générale among the poorest performers in BankTrack ranking, alongside Canadian and Chinese banks
2019-11-26 | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Too little, too late

National Australia Bank’s new climate policy an exercise in greenwash
2019-11-15 | Market Forces
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

NAB, ANZ and Westpac hit with climate risk shareholder resolutions

2019-10-10 | Melbourne, Australia | Market Forces
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Big Australian banks face shareholder vote on coal lending

2019-10-10 | The Australian Financial Review
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Commonwealth Bank of Australia out of thermal coal by 2030

New fossil fuel projects must prove carbon compliance
2019-08-07 | Melbourne, Australia | Market Forces
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

BankTrack 2019 Human Rights Benchmark: criteria and scope announced

2019-06-25 | Nijmegen | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority demands banks, insurers act on climate risk

2019-03-20 | Financial Review
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Our Future: Clean energy a test for banks’ rehabilitation

2019-02-04 | The Advocate
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banks massively financing fossil fuels unclear about future of ... fossil fuels

Few banks acknowledge relation between fossil fuels and climate breakdown
2018-12-20 | Nijmegen
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Behind banks' smokescreen

What banks aren't telling you about their 'climate ambition'
2018-12-13
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Australian inquiry slams greedy banks and regulator for rampant misconduct

2018-09-28 | Reuters
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Big four banks quit coal only to invest in other fossil fuels, research finds

2018-05-31 | The Guardian
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Big four banks quit coal only to invest in other fossil fuels, research finds

2018-05-31 | The Guardian
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

New research: Australian banks 2ºC scorecard 2018

2018-05-31 | Melbourne | Market Forces
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Report finds major banks ramped up fossil fuel financing to $115 billion in 2017

Despite 2017 being the costliest year on record for weather disasters, new report reveals that banks increased extreme fossil fuel financing last year, led by a more than doubling in lending to tar sands companies and pipelines.
2018-03-28 | Nijmegen, the Netherlands | BankTrack, Honor the Earth, Indigenous Environmental Network, Oil Change International, Rainforest Action Network, Sierra Club
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Commonwealth Bank says its lending for coal will continue to decline

2017-11-16 | The Guardian
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

New report: Towards responsible and inclusive financing of the palm oil sector

2017-11-15 | Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Profundo
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Abbot Point coal terminal: Westpac may not refinance Adani loan

2017-10-12 | The Guardian
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Shareholders move to force Commbank to manage climate risk

2017-08-28 | Market Forces
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Campaign group promises climate change resolution at Commonwealth Bank

Market Forces responds to beleaguered bank’s first climate statement
2017-08-14 | Responsible Investor
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Analysis: CommBank's 2017 Climate Policy Update

2017-08-14 | Market Forces
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

CBA to face shareholder resolution on climate commitment

2017-08-14 | Environmental Finance
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Commonwealth Bank's first climate policy attacked by environmental groups

Market Forces says it will lodge shareholder resolution to force bank to implement stated commitment to Paris agreement
2017-08-14 | The Guardian
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Carmichael coalmine: Commonwealth Bank indicates it will not lend to Adani

2017-08-11 | The Guardian
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Analysis: Commonwealth Bank rejects shareholder legal case over climate change risks

Legal case is the latest development in a years-long process
2017-08-08 | Responsible Investor
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Shareholders lodge climate change case against Commonwealth Bank

2017-08-08 | Environmental Justice Australia
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Commonwealth Bank shareholders sue over 'inadequate' disclosure of climate change risks

2017-08-08 | The Guardian
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

'Big four' Australian banks slammed for fossil fuel backing

2017-07-25 | Environmental Finance
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Public backlash highlights CommBank’s toxic fossil fuel problem

2017-06-23 | PR Wire
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banks provide billions for Dirty Diesel traders while failing to act on human rights, says new briefing

- Oil traders Trafigura and Vitol received over $100 billion in loans since 2012
- Of 26 banks contacted, not one has pressured companies over toxic fuel exports to Africa
2017-05-23 | Nijmegen | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Commonwealth Bank indicates it will not lend to Adani's Carmichael coalmine

2017 | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banks' climate change talk not yet matched by action

BankTrack quoted
2016-11-22 | The Sydney Morning Herald
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Financing of coal industry expansion by top banks undermining Paris Agreement

2016-11-14 | Marrakech, Morocco | BankTrack, Friends of the Earth France, Market Forces, Rainforest Action Network, urgewald
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

New polling shows half of customers prepared to change banks over fossil fuels – as prominent Australians demand climate action

2016-09-15 | Melbourne | Market Forces
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

New poll: Australians draw the line at badly behaving banks

Oxfam Australia release "Still Banking on Land Grabs"
2016-02-15 | Melbourne | Oxfam Australia
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

No excuse: How Australia’s big four banks can better respond to land grabs

2015-08-07 | Oxfam Australia
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Commonwealth pulls out of Carmichael mega-mine

2015-08-06 | Market Forces
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Australian banks: New Report highlights gulf between renewable and fossil fuel financing

ANZ confirmed as Australia’s biggest fossil fuel lender
2015-06-18 | Melbourne | Market Forces
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Australian banks 'favour fossil fuel projects over renewables by $6 to $1'

2015-06-17 | The Guardian
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Commonwealth Bank under pressure to rule out Galilee coal support

2015-05-21 | Tree Alert
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Chartered and CommBank pull out of massive Carmichael coal mine

2015 | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Hundreds publicly close bank accounts over fossil fuel investments

2014-10-20 | Melboune | Market Forces
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Australian advocacy group sues Commonwealth Bank over climate change shareholder resolution

2014-10-14 | Responsible Investor
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Australian banks face more pressure over support for coal projects

2014-07-09 | The Sydney Morning Herald
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Adani arm to raise  $1.5 bn in overseas debt in 2014

2014-05-08 | India | Live Mint
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Big Four Australian banks lose customers over fossil fuel gamble

2014-05-03 | Melbourne | Market Forces
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Customers switch banks in day of divestment

2014-05-03 | The Age
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Bank accounts closed in fossil fuels protest

2014-05-02 | The Sydney Morning Herald
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Australian banks backing companies accused of land grabs

2014-04-28 | Sydney | Oxfam Australia
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Australian and French banks target of protests on both sides of the world for investing in Australian coal projects

2014-02-26 | Melbourne and Paris | Market Forces and Les Amis de la Terre
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Commonwealth Bank customers across Australia divest!

2013-11-05 | Adelaide | Market Forces
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Reality check for Aussie debt

2013-11-02 | IFR Asia
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Stranded assets, anyone? Testing times for the fossil fuel market

2013-10-17 | Renew Economy
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Adani Abbot Point Terminal Plans $1.2 Billion Debt Issue

2013-10-15 | The Wall Street Journal
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Sixty prominent Australians call on ‘big four’ banks to end fossil fuel investment

2013-06-28 | Melbourne | Market Forces
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

ANZ biggest gambler on dirty coal and gas exports

2013-05-31 | Melbourne | Market Forces
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Report triggers campaign to prevent Australian fossil fuel investment

2013-05-02 | Brisbane | Market Forces
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Big banks 'no' to coal plant

2011-05-21 | The Age
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banks being urged to lend 'green'

2010-10-02 | Sydney, Australia | The Syndey morning herald
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banks under scrutiny over coal funding

BankTrack quoted
2010-10-02 | Sydney, Australia | The Sydney morning herald
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

BankTrack calls upon banks to Close the Gap on investment policies

New report evaluates quality of investment policies of 49 banks; more policies in place, overall quality below what is required
2010-04-27 | Nijmegen, the Netherlands | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

World's major banks rule out financing Gunns' Pulp Mill

Advert in Financial Times warns banks to stay out
2009-04-29 | Tasmania, Australia | The Wilderness Society
Resources
Documents
Links
2023-03-17 00:00:00

Annual report 2022

Annual report
2023-03-17 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2023-01-27 00:00:00

Background briefing: Just 7% of global banks' energy financing goes to renewables, new data shows

BankTrack publication
2023-01-27 00:00:00 | Profundo for Sierra Club, Fair Finance International, BankTrack, Rainforest Action Network
2022-11-17 00:00:00

BankTrack Global Human Rights Benchmark 2022

BankTrack publication
2022-11-17 00:00:00 | BankTrack
2022-08-18 00:00:00

Code of conduct

Bank policy
2022-08-18 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2022-08-10 00:00:00

Climate report 2022

Bank policy
2022-08-10 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2022-07-13 00:00:00

Letter from BankTrack and Mars se Drine to Commonwealth Bank on Rio Tinto Jadar Lithium Mine

Correspondence
2022-07-13 00:00:00 | BankTrack and Mars se Drine
2022-03-30 00:00:00

Banking on Climate Chaos 2022

Despite ‘net zero’ rhetoric, world’s biggest banks continued to pour billions into fossil fuel expansion in 2021
BankTrack publication
2022-03-30 00:00:00 | Rainforest Action Network, BankTrack, Indigenous Environmental Network, Oil Change International, Reclaim Finance, Sierra Club, urgewald
2022-03-14 00:00:00

Annual report 2021

Annual report
2022-03-14 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2022-02-09 00:00:00

Commonwealth Bank signs up to the Net-Zero Banking Alliance

CBA has joined more than 100 global banks as part of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, (NZBA) underpinning its commitment to support the responsible global transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
Bank document
2022-02-09 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2021-12-14 00:00:00

Actions speak louder: Assessing bank responses to human rights violations

BankTrack publication
2021-12-14 00:00:00 | BankTrack
2021-12-12 00:00:00

Letter from BankTrack to Commonwealth Bank of Australia on lithium mining in Serbia’s Jadar Valley

Correspondence
2021-12-12 00:00:00 | BankTrack
2021-09-08 00:00:00

Supplier code of conduct

Bank policy
2021-09-08 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2021-08-10 00:00:00

Environmental & social framework

Bank policy
2021-08-10 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2021-06-30 00:00:00

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Bank policy
2021-06-30 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2021-05-03 00:00:00

Group Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

Bank policy
2021-05-03 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2021-02-02 00:00:00

Annual integrated report 2020

Annual report
2021-02-02 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2020-11-24 00:00:00

"Trust Us, We're Equator Banks": Part II

BankTrack publication
2020-11-24 00:00:00 | BankTrack
2020-08-11 00:00:00

Approach to climate change

Bank policy
2020-08-11 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2019-12-10 00:00:00

Letter from BankTrack to Commonwealth Bank on the bank's progress on its fossil fuel finance since COP24

Correspondence
2019-12-10 00:00:00 | BankTrack
2019-11-07 00:00:00

Reconciliation action plan

Bank policy
2019-11-07 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2019-08-06 00:00:00

Annual Integrated Report 2019

Annual report
2019-08-06 00:00:00 | Commonwealth bank of Australia
2019-03-19 00:00:00

Annual integrated report 2018

Annual report
2019-03-19 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2019-03-19 00:00:00

Group environment policy

Bank policy
2019-03-19 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2019-03-19 00:00:00

ESG lending commitments

Bank policy
2019-03-19 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2019-02-01 00:00:00

Final Report Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry-1

Other document
2019-02-01 00:00:00 | Royal Commission
2019-02-01 00:00:00

Final Report Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry-2

Other document
2019-02-01 00:00:00 | Royal Commission
2019-02-01 00:00:00

Final Report Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry-3

Other document
2019-02-01 00:00:00 | Royal Commission
2018-11-26 00:00:00

Bankrolling the climate crisis

Aotearoa’s financial ties to the fossil fuel industry
NGO document
2018-11-26 00:00:00 | 350.org New Zealand
2018-10-16 00:00:00

Letter from BankTrack and 120 organisations to Commonwealth Bank on Demands FBNT campaign

Correspondence
2018-10-16 00:00:00 | BankTrack and 120 organisations
2018-05-31 00:00:00

2° Scorecard - Are Australia's big four banks living up to their climate commitments?

NGO document
2018-05-31 00:00:00 | Market Forces
2018-04-24 00:00:00

Anti-money Laundering and Counter-terrorism Financing Disclosure Statement

Bank policy
2018-04-24 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2017-10-30 00:00:00

Equator Principles III Reporting – FY17

Bank document
2017-10-30 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank Australia
2017-08-14 00:00:00

Annual report 2017

Annual report
2017-08-14 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2017-08-14 00:00:00

CSR report 2017

Annual report
2017-08-14 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2017-08-14 00:00:00

Climate Policy Position Statement

Bank policy
2017-08-14 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2017-08-14 00:00:00

Assessed emissions report FY2016

Bank document
2017-08-14 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2017-08-08 00:00:00

Concise Statement of climate change case against Commonwealth Bank

NGO document
2017-08-08 00:00:00 | Environmental Justice Australia
2017-08-08 00:00:00

CBA Response regarding reporting climate change risk

Bank document
2017-08-08 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2016-11-07 00:00:00

Protecting the Leuser Ecosystem

A Shared Responsibility
NGO document
2016-11-07 00:00:00 | Rainforest Action Network
2016-07-07 00:00:00

Sustainability Report 2015

Annual report
2016-07-07 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2016-07-07 00:00:00

Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Lending Commitments

Implementation and Reporting
Bank document
2016-07-07 00:00:00 | Commonwealth bank
2016-05-23 00:00:00

Annual Report 2015

Annual report
2016-05-23 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2015-12-16 00:00:00

Our approach to tax

Bank policy
2015-12-16 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2015-11-05 00:00:00

Human Rights Position Statement

Bank policy
2015-11-05 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2015-04-22 00:00:00

Annual Report 2014

Annual report
2015-04-22 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2015-04-21 00:00:00

Sustainability Report 2014

Annual report
2015-04-21 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2015-04-11 00:00:00

Responsible Investing Framework

Bank policy
2015-04-11 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2015-04-11 00:00:00

Assessed Carbon Emisions of the Group's Business Lending Portfolio

Bank document
2015-04-11 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2015-02-16 00:00:00

Tycoon-controlled oil palm groups in Indonesia - Executive Summary

NGO document
2015-02-16 00:00:00 | TuK, Profundo
2014-12-31 00:00:00

Group Energy Exposures and Assessed Carbon Emissions of Project Finance Energy Sector

Bank document
2014-12-31 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2014-04-30 00:00:00

Banking on Shaky Ground

Australia's big four banks and land grabs
NGO document
2014-04-30 00:00:00 | Oxfam
2014-01-01 00:00:00

Sustainability Report 2013

Annual report
2014-01-01 00:00:00
2014-01-01 00:00:00

Annual Report 2013

Annual report
2014-01-01 00:00:00
2013-10-20 00:00:00

INVESTOR BRIEFING:

Adani Abbot Point Terminal Debt Issue
NGO document
2013-10-20 00:00:00 | Greenpeace
2013-05-02 00:00:00

Financing Reef Destruction

How banks are using our money to destroy a natural icon
NGO document
2013-05-02 00:00:00 | Market Forces
2012-10-23 00:00:00

Sustainability Report 2012

Commonwealth Bank's commitment to sustainability
Annual report
2012-10-23 00:00:00 | CAN
2012-08-15 00:00:00

Annual Report 2012

Annual report
2012-08-15 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank
2010-09-07 00:00:00

Australian banks financing coal and renewable energy

NGO document
2010-09-07 00:00:00 | Profundo for Greenpeace Australia Pacific
2010-04-27 00:00:00

Close the Gap

Benchmarking investment policies of international banks
BankTrack publication
2010-04-27 00:00:00 | BankTrack
2010-03-09 00:00:00

Reconciliation action plan 2009-2010

Bank document
2010-03-09 00:00:00 | Commonwealth Bank

Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry

Market Forces' campaign on Australian banks

Accountability
Grievances
Response tracking

Commonwealth Bank does not operate a complaints or grievances channel for individuals and communities that may be adversely affected by its finance. However, employees can make a complaint via the bank whistleblowing channel at corporateresponsibility@cba.com.au or speakup@speakuphotline.com.au whereas other stakeholders may raise complaints via the OECD National Contact Points (see OECD Watch guidance).

This page evaluates Commonwealth Bank's responses to instances of alleged human rights violations linked to its finance, raised by civil society organisations. It is not intended to be exhaustive, but covers selected impacts raised by BankTrack and other civil society partners since 2016. For the full scoring methodology, see here. For more information about BankTrack's evaluation of bank responses to human rights impacts, see the 2021 report "Actions speak louder: assessing bank responses to human rights violations".

Impacts reviewed
Responded?
Total score
Response
Action
Monitoring
Banks and Dirty Diesel: Vitol and Trafigura (May 2017)
0
0
0
0
Dodgy Deal profile
Response
0
Out of 1
Rationale for score
The bank publicly responded citing client confidentiality.
Action
0
Out of 1
Rationale for score
No information available on whether the bank engaged with its client or took appropriate action.
Monitoring
0
Out of 1
Rationale for score
No information available on whether the bank monitored progress.
More info
BankTrack Human Rights Briefing, May 2017
Rio Tinto's Jadar mine, Serbia (Letter, Dec 2021)
0
0
0
n/a
Dodgy Deal profile
Response
0
Out of 1
Rationale for score
The bank did not respond in writing, but agreed to a meeting, in which it did not confirm its relationship with the business.
Action
0
Out of 1
Rationale for score
No information available on whether the bank engaged with its client or took appropriate action.
Monitoring
n/a
Rationale for score
The impact was not raised over a year ago and therefore is not scored on monitoring progress.
More info
Letter to financiers of Rio Tinto, December 2021

Average
100%
0
0
0
0
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