Leveraging its extensive experience gained from providing consultancy services to numerous institutions in the financial sector over many years, Escarus delivers innovative services in the field of sustainable finance. These services, while diverse in nature and tailored to different segments, can be broadly categorized under three main headings, as outlined below.
1. Sustainable Finance Framework
Escarus provides comprehensive Framework Advisory services to align organizations’ sustainability strategies with their financing mechanisms. Within this process, sustainability-themed financial instruments—ranging from bank loans to bond issuances—are structured in full compliance with international standards, while the institution’s environmental and social objectives are embedded within a strategic framework.
As part of this service, documentation processes are managed in line with the Green Bond Principles (GBP), Social Bond Principles (SBP), Sustainability Bond Guidelines (SBG) and Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles (SLBP) published by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA).
Under this service area, Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) Framework Advisory is also provided. This includes the identification of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) specific to SLL structures and the development of Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs) aligned with international sectoral benchmarks. Leveraging Escarus’ extensive experience in framework advisory across various sectors, institutions’ access to capital markets and sustainable financing sources is managed in an end-to-end manner.
Escarus provides strategic consultancy services to financial institutions and companies in the field of sustainable finance.
2. Second Party Opinion (SPO)
One of the most critical steps in establishing transparency and trust in the sustainable finance market is the independent evaluation of financial frameworks. With its technical expertise and strong command of global methodologies, Escarus provides Second Party Opinion (SPO) services for the financial instruments issued by organizations and borrowing companies.
Second Party Opinion services are conducted through an independent review and verification discipline, operationally separated from consultancy processes. During these assessments, the financing mechanism is thoroughly analyzed for its compliance with the Green, Sustainable and Social Capital Market Instruments Guide of the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (CMB), as well as with the Green Bond Principles (GBP), Social Bond Principles (SBP), Sustainability Bond Guidelines (SBG) and Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles (SLBP).
Within this scope, Escarus provides Second Party Opinion services for sustainability-linked loan mechanisms and prepares Alignment Opinion Reports in accordance with the Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles (SLBP).
Second Party Opinion reports prepared by Escarus provide independent assurance to investors and financing institutions regarding the environmental and social contributions of the issued instruments or financing mechanisms. Escarus is among the signatories of the Green Bond Principles External Review Guidelines. Furthermore, Escarus is also listed among the accredited institutions authorized by the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (CMB) to provide Second Party Opinion services. Accordingly, these services are delivered with an approach aimed at maintaining the highest standards of reporting and transparency.
3. Green Asset Ratio Calculation and Compliance Processes
The Green Asset Ratio (GAR), one of the most critical regulations specific to the banking sector in the field of sustainable finance, is a key indicator that measures the alignment of financial institutions’ asset portfolios with environmental sustainability criteria. Escarus provides Green Asset Ratio (GAR) Calculation and Compliance Advisory services by addressing the technical, methodological, and governance-related needs of banks through a holistic approach.
Within the scope of this service, banks’ loan, investment, and other financial asset portfolios are analyzed in detail in line with the “Communiqué on the Calculation of the Green Asset Ratio of Banks” issued by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) and the relevant Technical Screening Criteria. Assets are classified under the categories of “eligible,” “aligned,” and “non-eligible.” Beyond producing a numerical ratio, Escarus aims to transform GAR calculations into a governance tool that strengthens banks’ sustainable finance strategies and can be integrated into corporate decision-making processes.
During the advisory process, data sources to be used in GAR calculations, classification systems, and methodologies for compliance with technical criteria are established. Reporting and documentation infrastructures are designed by taking into account bank-specific operational processes. In this context, a traceable, audit-ready, and sustainable reporting framework is developed, while institutional capacity-building efforts are carried out to enable the regular monitoring of the Green Asset Ratio.
In addition to assessing the existing portfolio, Escarus’ GAR Calculation and Compliance Advisory services also include the development of policy and strategy recommendations for portfolio enhancement, the preparation of short- and medium-term roadmaps, and the delivery of technical training for bank personnel. Drawing on its experience across diverse banking structures, Escarus supports banks in managing their GAR compliance processes within a fully regulatory-compliant, transparent, and strategic framework.