Eleven of the world's leading ethical and sustainable banks have come together to create a positive alternative to a financial system in crisis. The result is the Global Alliance for a Banking with Securities, which was presented publicly on March 3 during an event at the Triodos Bank headquarters in Zeist, the Netherlands.
The alliance has been founded by the Bengali bank BRAC Bank, the US cooperative bank ShoreBank and Triodos Bank, the European leader in ethical banking. The other members are microcredit entities and banks and credit unions dedicated to responsible financing. Among these eleven banks add assets that exceed 10, 000 million dollars and serve more than seven million customers in 20 countries around the world.
The Kenyan K-Rep Bank microcredit bank will be added shortly. Both in this case and in future incorporations, any entity that wants to be part of the alliance must meet three main requirements. The first is to be an independent bank with a bank file, aimed at retail customers (retail banking). Second, you will have to manage a minimum total balance of $ 100 million. Finally, the activity of the financial institution should be aimed at implementing responsible financing and will have to reconcile economic profitability with social and environmental profitability.
As highlighted in the founding letter of the alliance, the banks that make it up want to "share their experiences with other banks, civil society, governments and the general public, to promote a fundamental change in the financial system." Peter Blom, CEO (Executive Director) of Triodos Bank, also highlighted in his opening speech how much these entities can contribute: “The banks that sign this alliance continue to grow, profit and face the financial crisis. (…) There is not a single response to the international financial crisis, but many. Those responsible for the eleven entities gathered here have much to contribute to the international financial system. Together we are an extraordinary force for change. ”
The new partners plan to develop new lines of work, build organizations that best fit the idea of long-term sustainable development and new forms of ownership and economic cooperation. "We are going to promote responsible finance, putting our experience at the service of existing banks and helping the development of new ones, " said Mary Houghton, president of the ShoreBank Corporation. According to the alliance itself, it is about developing the worldwide social banking movement to face the global challenges of humanity and the planet.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: www.triodos.es
Author: Drafting / Daniel Jim nez.
Photo: Image of the meeting held in Holland. (c) Michiel Wijnbergh
