SASB Consumer Finance
SASB
SASB defines key financial sustainability standards.
The SASB Consumer Finance costs $0 USD. Renewal costs $0 USD every 12 months.
Key Strengths
- Industry-specific metrics tailored to consumer finance risks and opportunities
- Developed through rigorous multi-stakeholder research and public comment process
- Widely recognized by institutional investors and asset managers globally
- Integrated into IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB) framework
- Focuses on financially material ESG topics relevant to capital markets
- Free to access and implement — no licensing fees for reporters
Ideal For
This standard is best suited for companies operating in the consumer finance sector — including banks, credit card issuers, mortgage lenders, and personal loan providers — that need to report material sustainability information to investors. It is particularly valuable for ESG reporting teams, investor relations professionals, and sustainability officers seeking a rigorous, industry-specific disclosure framework.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Scope
Overview
The SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) Consumer Finance standards guide companies in reporting sustainability-related risks and opportunities. Established in 2011, SASB develops industry-specific standards to help businesses disclose financially material information to investors. The Consumer Finance sector, which includes banks, credit card companies, and personal loan providers, benefits from these standards by promoting transparency in areas like data security, customer privacy, and responsible lending.
The standards have been adopted by several major organizations, including top financial institutions. SASB's framework allows companies to align their sustainability disclosures with investor needs, aiding in better decision-making. To achieve certification, businesses must adhere to specific reporting guidelines built on robust data and research. This benefits both the companies, by improving performance, and investors, by providing clear, actionable information.
Overall, SASB standards enhance trust and accountability in the Consumer Finance sector, fostering a more transparent and responsible financial system.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Companies self-report against SASB's Consumer Finance sector metrics, which cover topics such as data security, customer privacy, responsible lending, and financial inclusion. Reporters are expected to disclose quantitative metrics and qualitative discussion aligned to the standard's accounting metrics and activity metrics. No third-party audit is mandated by SASB itself, though many companies choose to have disclosures externally assured.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no formal exam or audit process for SASB standards adoption. Companies self-select the relevant industry standard (Consumer Finance) and report against its defined accounting metrics and activity metrics in their sustainability or annual reports. SASB provides a free online Navigator tool to help companies identify applicable metrics. External assurance is optional and conducted by third-party auditors of the company's choosing.
Renewal & Compliance
SASB standards do not have a formal renewal or recertification cycle. Companies are encouraged to report annually in alignment with their financial reporting calendar. SASB periodically updates its standards through a public consultation process; reporters should monitor for standard revisions and update their disclosures accordingly.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Organizations outside the consumer finance sector will find limited applicability, as the standards are narrowly scoped to that industry. Companies seeking a broad ESG management or certification framework (rather than investor-focused disclosure guidance) may be better served by GRI, ISO 26000, or B Corp certification.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2011