Introduction

On the fourth of June in 2003, ten of the largest and most influential investment banks formalised their commitment to the environment and to human rights by adopting the Equator Principles. In doing so, the banks committed themselves to financing only 'socially responsible' projects in emerging markets. Specifically, the Principles apply to infrastructure projects costing over fifty million dollars, underwritten by the signatory banks, which have now grown to twenty-five in number. Based upon guidelines developed by the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank in the ...