HSBC Offers Fee Discounts to Certified B Corp SMEs

A new programme from HSBC UK could give fee discounts to B Corp-certified businesses as part of a broader sustainable finance target.

According to Rob King, Head of Sustainable Finance & Transition at HSBC UK, the company's Business Impact Initiative (BII) could support the country's 2,700 B Corp-certified companies.

Small and medium-sized enterprises require funding access to maintain growth trajectories, with HSBC saying that the bank has committed to providing and facilitating between US$750bn and US$1tn of sustainable finance and investment by 2030.

HSBC UK is now offering upfront fee discounts to eligible B Corp-certified SMEs to advance this goal. The bank says this could support British businesses that meet verified standards of social and environmental performance.

Banking products for certified businesses

Through the Business Impact Initiative, businesses can access discounted fees on loans and trade products for facilities starting at £300,000 (US$400,000). The products are available for any corporate purpose.

"We are delighted to launch the HSBC Business Impact Initiative to help incentivise businesses that are increasingly expected by their customers, employees and society at large to be having a positive impact in their community and incorporate sustainability into their working practices, all while driving growth and building their own long-term resilience," says Rob.

"B Corp certification verified by B Lab UK is a signal that a business is committed to its standards of social and environmental performance."

Rob explains that sustainable finance can be a critical enabler of this transition because it connects capital with sustainability outcomes – helping businesses fund decarbonisation, improve resource efficiency and build climate resilience.

He adds that the approach could help turn sustainability ambition into reality. "Done well, it can help turn sustainability ambition into reality: reducing risk, improving operational efficiency and opening new markets and customer opportunities as the economy shifts."

B Corp certification standards

Certified B Corporations are companies with verified social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Certification is administered by the non-profit B Lab, which sets the relevant standards and policies.

According to B Lab UK, the UK hosts the largest B Corp community in the world with more than 2,700 certified businesses. Over the past year, UK B Corps saw a 20% increase in turnover, nearly seven times higher than that of other SMEs.

Employee numbers at B Corp SMEs rose by 11%, compared to a 2% increase among other SMEs. In the past decade, UK B Corps received an average of £1.5m (US$2m) in growth funding, 18% above the national average.

Rosalind Holley Director at B Lab UK, says: "By recognising businesses that meet verified standards of social and environmental practices, HSBC UK's Business Impact Initiative sends an important signal about the role finance can play in accelerating a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable economy," says Rosalind.

"As the challenges facing people and the planet become increasingly complex, collaboration between businesses, financial institutions and policymakers will be essential."

Rosalind says the organisation welcomes initiatives that reward companies taking action. "We welcome initiatives that reward companies taking meaningful action and helping make responsible business practices the norm rather than the exception."

Capital deployment for climate goals

HSBC's 2025 financial results show how the bank is deploying capital across its markets to advance climate targets through sustainable finance and investments. According to HSBC, it has invested more than US$100bn in sustainable finance and investment.

The company serves around 41 million customers across 57 markets. The bank continues to support businesses through sustainable finance initiatives that connect capital with environmental and social outcomes.