Standardization of ESG reporting in Poland: Survey module on ESG BIK Platform now available

We are pleased to inform you about the next stage of our joint initiative to build sustainable financing standards. The Credit Information Bureau (BIK), in cooperation with POLSIF and the Association of Polish Banks (ZBP), has implemented a survey module on the ESG BIK Platform enabling the collection of non-financial data from clients of the banking sector.

This is a direct continuation of the work announced by the organization and partners, aimed at unifying ESG data collection processes across the banking sector in Poland.

One survey, many benefits

The introduction of standardised survey models is the answer to one of the most serious barriers to ESG risk assessment — the lack of reliable and comparable data from non-financial entities. The new solution onESG BIK platform allows entrepreneurs to fill in data once, which can then be used in relations with various financial institutions.

The surveys were prepared in two versions toprecisely answer the regulatory requirements:

• Survey in accordance with CSRD standards It is intended for larger entities.
• Simplified survey based on the VSME standard — tailored to the needs of the SME sector.

This implementation is consistent with the European Banking Authority's (EBA) guidelines on ESG risk management.

Voice of industry leaders

This project was created thanks to the intensive involvement of experts associated with POLSIF, BIK and ZBP.

“In line with POLSIF's mission, which focuses on establishing standards for sustainable financing in Poland, we are proud to announce the result of the intensive work of the Association of experts from the largest financial institutions in Poland. It is thanks to their commitment and unique knowledge that we have developed a common, comprehensive material layer of the ESG risk survey. The solution provides a solid foundation for thorough ESG risk assessment and management. This initiative is the best proof that through dialogue and industry cooperation, we are realistically shaping the responsible future of the Polish financial market” — he emphasizes JoannaAłasa, President of the Management Board of the POLSIF Association.

The joint position of the partners also underlines the practical and regulatory dimension of this project. Dr Mariusz Cholewa, President of BIK, indicates the priority of data reliability:

“We aim to ensure that entrepreneurs can securely complete the survey in one place and use the collected data in contacts with multiple financial institutions. Our priority is practicality and consistency, because reliable data is the basis for financing sustainable investments.”.

In turn Mr Tadeusz Białek, President of the Association of Polish Banks, draws attention to the removal of barriers to access to capital:

“The solution proposed by BIK is crucial and unique in that, on the one hand, it enables banks to obtain the standardised data necessary to fulfil their ESG risk management obligations and, on the other hand, it seeks to minimise the burden for entrepreneurs related to the provision of this data. The overarching goal of this initiative is to remove potential barriers to financing Polish enterprises and investments.”.

We invite you to use the new tools

As POLSIF, we encourage all financial institutions andentrepreneurs to familiarize themselves with the prepared patterns. The developed standard not only facilitates the implementation of reporting obligations, such as calculating the GAR ratio in banks, but above all it builds the transparency of the Polish market.

Sample surveys and detailed technical information about registration on the platform are available at the following addresses:

• Survey patterns: Available on the POLSIF website.
• ESG BIK Platform: www.bik.pl/esg.

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