Local Financial Agglomeration and Corporate Green Innovation*

Abstract

Using a large sample of publicly listed firms in China, we examine the relation between local financial agglomeration and corporate green innovation. We document that local financial agglomeration positively affects corporate green innovation output. This positive effect is more pronounced when firms have better environmental performance, when the market-level sentiment for corporate environmental responsibility is higher, or prior to the implementation of a green credit policy in China. Further analysis reveals that local financial agglomeration enhances corporate green investments and the quality of green innovation. Collectively, our findings reveal the real and environmental effects of local financial agglomeration.