Sustainable Banking and The Circular Economy Transition: A Framework for SME Financing

This book offers a timely and authoritative examination of how financial systems can support the transition from linear “take–make–dispose” models to regenerative, inclusive, and resilient economic pathways. It positions banks and financial institutions as central actors in advancing circular economy transitions, particularly through their role in financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that underpin innovation, employment, and local development across diverse economic contexts.

Integrating conceptual foundations with applied financial and sectoral perspectives, the volume analyzes a range of financing instruments and institutional mechanisms, including green lending, impact-oriented investment, ESG-based frameworks, fintech and blockchain applications, and Islamic finance models. It also examines the regulatory and policy environments required to align financial markets with global sustainability priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals and evolving circular economy strategies.

With its global scope and strong policy orientation, this book serves as a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, banking professionals, development practitioners, and entrepreneurs seeking evidence-based and ethically grounded approaches to sustainable finance. It bridges financial innovation and environmental responsibility by offering a structured framework for building banking systems that manage risk and return while generating long-term social and ecological value.

Dr. Ibrahim Nandom Yakubu is a Lecturer at the School of Business, University for Development Studies (UDS), and holds a PhD in Banking and Finance. His research interests span inclusive finance, financial markets, corporate governance, sustainability, and financial technology (FinTech). With a strong quantitative orientation, he has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to numerous academic books in the field of finance. He also serves as editor of several scholarly volumes on topics such as fintech and financial inclusion, green finance, and regulatory innovation, contributing to ongoing academic discourse on contemporary issues in finance and development. Dr. Yakubu is a recipient of the prestigious 2022 Emerald Literati Award for Outstanding Paper, recognizing his impactful scholarly work. Beyond academia, he is an experienced consultant with expertise in institutional capacity assessments and applied research for civil society organizations and development partners in Ghana. He is a member of the African Accounting and Finance Association (AAFA) and serves as an associate editor for the Review of Business Management (RBGN) and the Cureus Journal of Business and Economics.