Under Kuijpers, DWS Group is embedding environmental, social and governance principles in the work of asset managers across all classes.

Nandita Bakhshi, CEO of Bank of the West, has pushed the bank's environmental commitments further, including $1 billion in clean energy financing over the next five years.

In response to rising concern about the environment, American Express has redesigned its classic Green Card to contain recycled plastic gathered from the ocean.

The prevalence of payment cards, against the growing awareness of climate change, is driving some card issuers and manufacturers to revisit the way they use plastic.

Bruce Cahan, a lecturer at Stanford University who teaches ethics, explains the link between ethical principles and profitability for financial services firms.

CEO Nandita Bakhshi explains how the bank is investing in renewable energy, female entrepreneurs and underserved consumers.

Rural Alaskans, including Native Americans living in the mountains, may not have access to traditional banks. But they aren't exactly living off the grid.

ESG goes mainstream

Financial institutions are beginning to get on board with the global fight against climate change, but they are still trailing pension funds and insurance companies in putting these concerns into action.

With all the attention around more women running for office, women's marches, and the #MeToo movement, there is growing demand for investment options that support women too, says Veris' Luisamarie Ruiz Carlile.

Do impact investments — which are made with the intention of fostering social or environmental benefits — underperform? Those involved in the sector answer with a resounding "no."

The firm built a product to match the current moment, which is political, says CEO Hardeep Walia.

Activists are pressuring banks involved in financing the controversial Dakota Access pipeline to abandon the project. If banks remain committed, they risk alienating customers, but divestment could set a bad precedent.