This paper addresses two key issues in Corporate Social Performance (CSP) research. First, it investigates the impact of CSP on Financial Stability (FS), and second, it examines the influence of different banking models on the relationship between CSP and FS. Using a cross-country sample of 117 financial institutions from 36 countries over an 8-year period (2013-2020) and the System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation method, it finds that banking models significantly affect the CSP-FS relationship. This is attributed to diminishing marginal benefits of economic growth beyond a certain level of financial intermediation, which increases financial risk. The results give new insights into the synergies and divergences between different banking models and the overarching goals of social performance and financial stability. This research contributes novel insights that can inform policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders in their quest for a more resilient and sustainable banking sector.

Purpose This study aims to assess the impact of banking models on the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and corporate financial performance (CFP) in determining a viable model for sustainable banking. Design/Methodology/Approach The study uses a cross-country sample of 117 financial institutions across 36 countries over an 8-year observation period between 2013 and 2020. To address heterogeneity and endogeneity issues, the authors use the System Generalised Methods of Moments (GMM) estimation models. The study also constructs a novel CSP Index as the independent variable for the research. This CSP Index comprises six indicators reflecting dimensions of financial inclusion and intermediation, serving as proxies for sustainable banking. Findings The findings reveal that the distinct banking models have a significant impact and can alter the direction of the CSP-CFP relationship. Specifically, the conventional banking (CB) model exhibits a statistically significant negative association between CSP and CFP. Conversely, the Islamic banking (IB) model emerges as a promising avenue for sustainable finance, indicating that increased corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities within Islamic banks (IBs) lead to greater profitability. This difference arises from the inherent strengths of the IB system in conducting financial intermediation and inclusion activities. This contrasts with the CB model's reliance on debt-based instruments, which exacerbates risk and detrimentally impacts financial performance. The findings also show that the social banking (SB) model has a significant effect on the CSP-CFP relationship. Originality/Value The findings give new insights into the longstanding debate on the CSP-CFP relationship by examining the impact of banking models. Introducing a novel CSP Index, characterised by its objectivity and verifiability, addresses the prevalent issue of bias inherent in the CSP indices of previous studies.