The Financial Times has launched the fourth annual FT Sustainable Banking Awards, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The awards are designed to recognise banks and other financial institutions that integrate social and environmental considerations into their operations.

The categories open to banks only are:

• Sustainable Bank of the Year
• Emerging Markets Sustainable Bank of the Year

The overall winner of the emerging markets award will be chosen from four regional winners covering Africa/Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

The categories open to all financial institutions, including non-banks, are:

• Achievement in Basic Needs Financing
• Achievement in Banking at the Bottom of the Pyramid
• Sustainable Investor of the Year

Entry forms and more details are available from the FT website. Entries will be accepted until 6 March 2009.

The judging panel will select shortlists for each category in April 2009. The winners will be announced and the awards presented on 4 June 2009 at a gala dinner at the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel in London.

The dinner will conclude the 2009 FT Sustainable Banking Conference. To book a table at the awards email Aliki Varsamides.