Deputy CEO András Puskás tells the Budapest Business Journal that the lender sees safeguarding ecosystems as an environmental and a business imperative, with projects ranging from large-scale forest restoration to species protection.

BBJ: How does the Biodiversity Program fit into MBH Bank’s broader “Sustainable Future Bank” strategy, and why was biodiversity chosen as a key focus area alongside other ESG priorities?

András Puskás: Sustainability challenges, including habitat loss, biodiversity decline and climate change, cannot be ignored by the financial sector. At MBH Bank, we believe that our business activities must be shaped in a way that reflects these challenges. By joining the UN Principles for Responsible Banking and conducting an impact assessment, it became clear to us that preserving biodiversity and healthy ecosystems must be a strategic priority.

This is why, alongside decarbonization and the expansion of green financing, biodiversity has become one of the key pillars of our “Sustainable Future Bank” program. As one of Hungary’s largest universal banks, serving nearly 2.5 million clients, we see it as our responsibility to lead by example when it comes to protecting nature. In cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Hungary’s 10 national parks, as well as with the Budakeszi Arboretum and Ipoly Forest, we are launching initiatives that support the protection of natural habitats, safeguard endangered species, and raise public awareness. For us, biodiversity is not just an environmental issue, but a strategic priority that aligns with our ESG goals and reinforces MBH Bank’s role as a responsible leader in the Hungarian financial sector.

BBJ: Several initiatives under the program, such as forest planting and habitat restoration, go beyond traditional banking activities. How does MBH Bank measure the tangible impact of these projects on the environment and the community?

AP: We monitor the tangible impact of our biodiversity initiatives through environmental and social metrics. Forest restoration projects in the Nyírjesi Parkerdő and Szokolyai Börzsöny have resulted in nearly 57,000 trees planted since 2022. At the Budakeszi Arboretum, our contributions included planting 200 trees and 10,000 bulbs, directly enriching the local ecosystem and supporting greater species diversity. In wildlife-focused projects, such as at Hortobágyi National Park, we track the recovery of the little tern population, which has grown from fewer than 20 pairs to 60–70 pairs, supported by GPS tracking and conservation measures. We also place a strong emphasis on employee engagement, with hundreds of colleagues participating in activities such as tree planting and trail restoration. Together, these efforts allow MBH Bank to demonstrate not only ecological restoration but also meaningful community involvement – showing the tangible value we can create beyond traditional banking operations.

BBJ: Involving employees and customers in sustainability efforts is highlighted as a key element. What has been the response so far, and how do you plan to engage stakeholders in these initiatives further?

AP: Over the past two years, employee and customer engagement in MBH Bank’s ESG initiatives has been strong. Our employees have enthusiastically participated in projects such as tree planting in Balassagyarmat and Szokolya, as well as trail restoration in the Bükki National Park, contributing hundreds of volunteer hours to biodiversity efforts. Our bank also supports initiatives like adopting trails so that staff can see the tangible impact of their work. Customers participate through green financial products, ranging from green loans to sustainability-linked services. Looking ahead, we plan to offer more volunteer opportunities and introduce new ways for stakeholders to get involved. We also aim to expand our green product offerings, enabling both employees and customers to play an even more active role in sustainability initiatives while deepening their connection to Hungary’s natural heritage.

BBJ: The financial sector is increasingly expected to contribute to long-term environmental and social resilience. What unique role do you believe a bank like MBH can play in supporting biodiversity compared with other industries?

AP: As a Hungarian-owned bank, MBH recognizes its responsibility to support the country’s climate goals and to encourage clients to adopt environmentally conscious practices. Unlike sectors focused only on production or services, a bank has a unique ability to influence both capital allocation and societal behavior. By integrating ESG criteria into lending, offering green financial products, and partnering with governmental and civil organizations, MBH Bank can support biodiversity across multiple levels: preserving habitats, funding conservation projects, and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices. This approach shows the distinctive role banks can play in creating positive environmental and social outcomes beyond their traditional financial activities.

BBJ: What are the next milestones or flagship projects within the Biodiversity Program, and how do you see them shaping MBH Bank’s position as a leader in sustainable finance in Hungary?

AP: Our next milestones include long-term projects across all 10 national parks, with strategic plans extending to 2028. Our upcoming initiatives focus on further restoring forest and wetland habitats, expanding employee volunteer programs, and developing methodological indicators to measure the environmental impact of each project. We also plan to continue growing our green loan portfolio and implement science-based targets to achieve verified carbon reduction. In addition, we will put a strong emphasis on irrigation and water management projects, supporting innovative solutions like the solar-powered water replenishment system in Kiskunság National Park, for example, which helps restore drying wetlands and strengthens ecosystem resilience.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of September 5, 2025.