Responsible Business Practices

Buy Now, Pay Forever? The Shadowy Underbelly of BNPL The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sector has exploded in popularity, hailed as a convenient and accessible financial tool. Yet, beneath the hype lies a troubling reality: BNPL may be fostering a generation of debt-burdened millennials and Gen Zers. This article, BIS analysis of BNPL , delves into the hidden risks of BNPL, exposing its predatory practices and challenging the "fintech for good" narrative. Hidden Costs and Risks: 1/ Debt Trap for the Vulnerable: BNPL targets younger demographics, often with limited financial literacy and stable income. Easy access to credit without thorough underwriting creates a perfect storm for overspending and debt accumulation. 2/ Invisible Burden: Unlike traditional loans, BNPL purchases often escape credit bureau reporting, creating a hidden debt burden that can negatively impact future borrowing. 3/ Subsidized by Everyone: Merchants absorb high BNPL fees, ultimately inflating prices for all consumers, regardless of payment method. Regulatory Blindspot: The rapid growth of BNPL has outpaced regulation, allowing loopholes and lax oversight. This lack of control has fueled predatory practices and irresponsible lending. Time for Accountability: Regulators are finally waking up to the dangers of BNPL. It's crucial to implement stricter regulations to protect consumers, promote responsible lending, and ensure greater transparency within the industry. Moving Forward: BNPL needs a fundamental shift. Instead of prioritizing profit and VC inflows, the focus must be on consumer protection, financial literacy, and responsible lending practices. Only then can BNPL truly live up to its purported image of being "fintech for good." The BNPL boom isn't just about delayed payments, it's about financial vulnerability and predatory lending. We must move beyond the hype and hold this industry accountable to ensure financial empowerment, not exploitation, for the next generation. Spread the word: Share this article with your network and raise awareness about the hidden risks of BNPL. Did you know about the hidden risks before you clicked on “Yes” to use pay later on your favourite digital platforms while buying something (big or small). Leave a comment and let us all learn together. #buynowpaylater #Fintech #DigitalPayments #BNPL #lending

The Business Case for Sustainability 🌎 Global economic and environmental conditions are reshaping the way businesses operate. Regulatory frameworks are becoming more stringent, consumer preferences are shifting toward responsible brands, and investors increasingly assess companies based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. These factors have made sustainability a strategic priority rather than a compliance obligation. Companies that proactively integrate sustainability into their core operations enhance resilience, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and position themselves for long-term success. One of the most immediate advantages of sustainability is operational efficiency. Reducing waste, optimizing energy consumption, and improving supply chain management lead to significant cost savings. Regulatory agility further supports financial stability, ensuring compliance with evolving policies while mitigating legal and reputational risks. Businesses that stay ahead of regulatory trends maintain a competitive advantage and avoid disruptions linked to non-compliance. Market differentiation is another key benefit. Companies with strong sustainability commitments attract consumers who prioritize ethical and environmentally responsible products. Verified sustainability credentials build trust and enhance brand reputation, opening new revenue streams and fostering customer loyalty. Investors also recognize sustainability as a marker of strong governance and long-term value creation, improving access to capital and financial performance. Sustainability drives innovation by encouraging the development of new products, services, and business models that align with emerging trends. In an increasingly complex and uncertain global landscape, sustainability is a critical factor in future-proofing business operations. Climate risks, resource scarcity, and shifting stakeholder expectations require a forward-looking approach. Organizations that embed sustainability into strategic planning not only mitigate risks but also unlock new opportunities, ensuring adaptability and sustained growth in a rapidly evolving economy. This post is part of The Stakeholder Engagement Playbook, a bi-weekly series launched in partnership with The Sustainability Circle. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #ROI

BNPL in India is heading toward a credit bubble and data frome July 2025 confirms it. The Buy Now, Pay Later market was projected to hit $21.95B in 2025. It did. But the warning signs are catching up just as fast: - Delinquency rates are rising: Globally, 41% of BNPL users reported late payments this year. India isn’t immune. From Klarna to small-ticket fintechs here, defaults are spiking. Micro and small businesses are clocking 8.2% NPAs on informal BNPL and consumer-level defaults are quietly catching up. - BNPL is slowly leading to a debt cycle major reason being it's easy access. No credit checks. No real-time bureau reporting. Just a few taps, and you can buy that ₹6,999 ring light, a Zara top, and cover your rent too. But what happens when you stack five BNPL loans at once? You lose track. You default. You pay late fees. Your CIBIL tanks and it wasn’t even reported in the first place. - Credit layering is spiralling: We’re seeing BNPL coexist with credit cards. Especially among millennials and Gen Zs who are already defaulting on cards at alarming rates, per RBI reports. That’s two unsecured loans running parallel, often with no consolidated visibility. And while RBI has tried to tighten the screws by pushing BNPL towards prepaid instruments but most regulation is reactive, not predictive. We're still in an early innings regulatory sandbox while credit risk is compounding like unpaid EMIs. So here’s my take: "BNPL in India isn’t just a fintech innovation anymore. It’s a psychological product that’s normalised delayed pain in exchange for immediate pleasure." And if we’re not careful, we’re going to end up with a new class of financially overleveraged 20-somethings, not because they borrowed recklessly, but because the system told them it was okay.

Looking beyond profit In a world where businesses are more than just profit-driven entities, social responsibility is the heart of sustainable growth. Small businesses, in particular, hold immense potential to champion positive change within their communities and beyond. Here’s how: Community Engagement: Small businesses are woven into the fabric of their local communities. Engaging in community-centric initiatives like supporting local causes, sponsoring events, or initiating volunteer programs not only builds goodwill but also nurtures a stronger bond with customers and neighbours. Sustainability Practices: Implementing eco-friendly practices, reducing waste, and opting for sustainable sourcing can significantly impact the environment. Simple steps like reducing plastic usage or adopting energy-efficient measures can make a substantial difference and set an inspiring example. Ethical Business Practices: Upholding ethical standards in business operations is key. Fair wages, ethical sourcing, and transparent dealings not only build trust but also contribute to overall social well-being. Giving Back Initiatives: Introducing philanthropic efforts such as donating a percentage of profits to charitable causes or creating products/services that directly support a social cause can channel business success into meaningful impact. Employee Well-being: Prioritizing employee well-being through fair wages, a supportive work environment, and growth opportunities not only fosters a positive workplace culture but also contributes to the broader social fabric. Small businesses wield the power to be catalysts for change, driving impactful social initiatives that resonate with their core values and resonate with their audience. The beauty lies in the ripple effect; a small action can inspire larger movements and shape a better tomorrow. How do you champion social responsibility in your small business? Share your thoughts and initiatives! Let's inspire each other to make a positive difference. #SocialResponsibility #SmallBusinessImpact #CommunityEngagement

Debt is the most aggressively marketed product in Pakistan . . . During a financial wellbeing workshop conversation a participant shared that he uses Buy-Now-Pay-Later /Buys things on installments and thinks that it is a really good saving product. While there is many layers to unpack there in terms of how wrong that is I reflected on why he would think like that. In the last 2 years when inflation and interest rates were high, in Pakistan we’ve seen countless BNPL propositions emerge. There is significant advertising from these players as well. There are some things everyone should understand about BNPLs: - Its a debt/loan (not a saving product) - It is much more likely for you to buy things impulsively when you are only paying a fraction of it at the time of purchase and end up with multiple installments to pay. - Your personal debt level would increase because you will feel that there is flexibility of spreading out payments. Then there are other issues, because there is no central repository (if there is please enlighten me), an individual may go on accumulating BNPL installments with no monitoring in place which would lead to household debt levels in Pakistan increasing without anyone realizing it. When companies copy and paste business models from other markets, regulators and consumer protection agencies are responsible to see what negative effects (if any) have these models created in other markets. It is not necessary that what’s good for business is also good for consumer’s financial wellbeing and the later should be of supreme priority especially in a country like Pakistan where financial literacy levels are a meager 19%. In the UK - More than £1 in every £7 spent online uses Buy Now, Pay Later scheme - Half of 18-34 year olds were unaware that they could get into debt with BNPL - More than half of those who used BNPL were charged fees During our workshops, I advocate for staying away from short-term debt because it is the number 1 killer of your ability to build any personal wealth, specially when I talk to the next generation of financial services/products consumers. Do Not Buy anything that you don’t have the ability to Pay for Today. #bnpl #debt #pakistan #consumerprotection   

Have you heard about the the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)? 📱 I personally welcome it with open arms! EPR is a policy that holds manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal. The goal is to reduce waste and environmental impact by encouraging companies to create products that are easier to recycle, reuse, or dispose of responsibly. Compliance to EPR means tracking, reporting, and covering the costs of waste management 🚮 Our legal team here at Datamaran has created an insightful graphic of where countries are in adopting legislation; in the EU, Germany, France, Belgium and Austria are leading the charge. In contrast, the US has a fragmented approach, with states like California setting the standard (perhaps not a surprise there?) ⭐ Globally, regions like India, Africa, and China are developing their own frameworks, and businesses need to stay ahead of these evolving policies. Transparency in reporting and consumer engagement will also play a key role in building trust and ensuring program success, as EPR regulations continue to grow and evolve, businesses must stay proactive, flexible, and ready to adapt for a more sustainable future 🌍 Great work as always Atrayee De Francisca Costaguta and Tania Maliarciuc 🤩 #EPR #ESGregulation #sustainability #sustainabilityregulation #ESG

Can a company truly drive growth through social impact? Absolutely. I've seen it firsthand. Years ago, our firm embarked on a mission beyond profits. We aimed to create a genuine social impact. We wanted to make a difference, not just in our industry, but in the world. Here's what we learned: → People are drawn to purpose. When employees see their work contributing to a greater good, their engagement skyrockets. They become more invested, more productive, and more innovative. They don't just work for a paycheck; they work for a cause. → Clients notice. In a crowded market, clients look for companies that stand for something. They want to align with businesses that share their values. When we started focusing on sustainability and community development, our client base grew. They saw us as partners in their own mission to create a better world. → Innovation blossoms. Focusing on social impact forces you to think outside the box. We developed new, sustainable technologies. We found better ways to integrate security with environmental responsibility. We didn't just grow; we evolved. → Community support matters. When you give back, the community gives back to you. Our involvement in local projects built trust and loyalty. People want to support businesses that support them. Lately, sustainability in cloud computing has been a key focus for us to drive social impact. By leveraging eco-friendly cloud solutions, we are reducing our carbon footprint and promoting greener practices in the tech industry. This not only aligns with our values but also resonates deeply with our clients and community. Purpose driven growth isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It's about creating a legacy. It's about making a difference. It's about being proud of what you do and why you do it. So, to all the business leaders out there—embrace the power of purpose. Find your cause. Integrate it into your strategy. Watch your company transform. What's your company's purpose? Let's discuss in the comments.

When people question why I spend a lot on my employees, "I invest in my employees because they are the heart and soul of our organization. Their well-being, growth, and job satisfaction are not only ethical priorities but also strategic decisions. Immensity Logistics LLC Here's why: 1. Employee Well-Being: Prioritizing our employees' well-being is fundamental. When our team members are healthy, motivated, and happy, they are more productive and engaged, which directly benefits our bottom line. 2. Talent Attraction and Retention: A workplace that values its employees becomes an attractive destination for top talent. By investing in our team, we not only retain our existing talent but also draw in new, high-caliber individuals who want to be part of a thriving and supportive work environment. 3. Increased Productivity: Engaged and motivated employees are more productive. They are willing to go the extra mile and take ownership of their roles, ultimately contributing to the organization's growth and success. 4. Innovation and Creativity: A supportive workplace culture encourages employees to think creatively and innovatively. This leads to new ideas, improved processes, and a competitive edge in our industry. 5. Reduced Turnover Costs: High turnover is costly in terms of recruitment, training, and lost productivity. By investing in our employees' development and well-being, we reduce turnover and the associated expenses. 6. Positive Workplace Culture: A supportive work environment fosters a positive workplace culture. This, in turn, leads to improved teamwork, better collaboration, and a more cohesive and efficient organization. 7. Ethical and Legal Responsibility: We have ethical and legal obligations to provide a safe and healthy workplace. Neglecting our employees' well-being can result in legal liabilities and harm our organization's reputation. 8. Long-Term Success: By nurturing our employees, we are investing in the long-term success and sustainability of our organization. They are the driving force behind our growth and the custodians of our mission and values. 9. Community Impact: As a responsible corporate citizen, we have a duty to contribute positively to our community. Investing in our employees not only benefits our organization but also strengthens our community as a whole. In short, investing in our employees isn't just a compassionate choice; it's a smart business decision that contributes to our company's growth, stability, and sustainability."

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆: 𝗔 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 The journey toward carbon neutrality is an environmental imperative as well as economic and social responsibility. As nations commit to ambitious decarbonization goals, solar energy emerges as a cornerstone of this transition. Within this context, solar manufacturing plays a pivotal role, particularly for a country like India, which is both an emerging solar powerhouse and one of the world's largest energy consumers. India's current reliance on imported solar components, covering nearly 80% of its demand, highlights the urgency to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Building a robust local supply chain not only addresses dependency but also aids to develop resilience against global market fluctuations. Initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme reflect the government’s proactive approach, aiming to establish a 20 GW manufacturing capacity for solar cells and modules by 2025. These steps are encouraging, but the road ahead demands even greater focus on scalability and innovation. Beyond the economic benefits, the environmental impact is undeniable. Solar energy has the potential to avoid billions of tons of CO2 emissions globally. In India, the alignment of solar adoption with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reinforces its commitment to reducing carbon intensity and achieving 50% of power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. However, the role of solar manufacturing is not confined to energy generation. It extends to creating jobs across the value chain—from production to installation and maintenance. By 2030, it’s estimated that the sector will generate around one million jobs in India alone. This emphasizes the socio-economic ripple effect that renewable energy can deliver, making it a driver of both sustainability and inclusive growth. From a global perspective, India’s position is unique. While countries like China dominate solar panel production, India has the opportunity to carve its niche by combining manufacturing excellence with sustainability. Innovations such as bifacial panels and advancements in photovoltaic materials present significant opportunities for India to lead in efficiency and technology. What stands out in this journey is the need for clarity in understanding solar manufacturing's role. Solar in addition to being an energy resource is a capacity resource that provides reliability and stability to the grid. Policymakers must adopt a nuanced approach to value energy storage and manufacturing as integral to decarbonization strategies. For India, the path is clear: encouraging innovation, scaling manufacturing, and aligning national and global priorities will ensure that solar energy becomes not just a solution but a legacy for future generations. #solarmanufacturing #madeinindia #decarbonise

🔋🌏 Nickel, EVs, and Supply Chain Responsibility — What links Indonesia, China, and Germany? A new study from Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (nice name) and PowerShift e.V. explores the growing importance of Indonesian nickel in powering Europe's electric vehicles, and the complex, often hidden risks embedded in that supply chain. Key figures on Indonesian nickel production: 🟪 In 2023, Indonesia produced 1.8 million tons of nickel, accounting for 50% of global output 🟪 329 mining companies operate across 836,000 hectares 🟪MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate) production for batteries is projected to reach 294,000 tons in 2024 Despite claims from many automakers that they do not directly source nickel from Indonesia, the report finds that indirect sourcing is common through a network of refiners, traders, and battery suppliers. ⚠️ However, the upstream and midstream stages of this supply chain come with high ESG risks, including: 🟪 Land use conflicts and displacement of local communities 🟪 Deforestation and water pollution 🟪 Labor rights violations and unsafe working conditions The report urges German automakers, and OEMs more broadly, to take greater responsibility: 🟪 Assess and prevent environmental and social risks in their nickel supply chains 🟪 Ensure sourcing avoids ecologically sensitive areas 🟪 Enforce labor rights protections and safety standards 🟪 Improve transparency by publishing human rights and environmental risk assessments 📜 Compliance with due diligence laws like Germany’s SCDDA, the EU CSDDD, and BATT2 regulation will be essential to align operations with both legal and ethical expectations. ✅ Some companies are beginning to take action. Notably, Tesla's NEST (Nickel Efforts for Sustainable Transition) initiative — launched in 2024 in Morowali, Sulawesi — invests in biodiversity conservation, reforestation, and community development to address the impacts of nickel extraction. Sustainability starts at the source. If we want the EV transition to be truly green, then transparent, responsible, and locally engaged supply chains must become the standard. #EVs #Nickel #Sustainability #SupplyChain #Indonesia #Germany #China #ResponsibleSourcing #HumanRights #EnvironmentalImpact #DueDiligence #BatteryMaterials #JustTransition #ESG #Mobility