¿QUÉ ES LA BANCA ÉTICA?
Understanding Ethical Banking
The Role of Banks in Society
- Most people are clients of banks, yet often forget that banks manage our money rather than having their own funds.
- Questions arise about whether our deposits finance projects contrary to our values, such as arms manufacturing or environmental destruction.
Historical Context and Emergence of Ethical Banking
- In the late 1960s, anti-Vietnam War protesters realized they were unintentionally funding global conflicts through their bank deposits.
- This led to the establishment of Triodos Bank in the Netherlands and GLS Bank in Germany, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable businesses.
Growth of Ethical Banking
- Today, nearly 50 ethical banking institutions exist globally under the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, serving over 40 million clients with $127 billion in assets.
Defining Ethical Banking
- Ethical banking is likened to a healthy heart pumping money into initiatives that positively impact society.
- It operates on three fundamental pillars: ethical investment criteria, total transparency regarding fund usage, and fair compensation for employees without incentives to promote debt.
Impact and Future Prospects
- Ethical banks aim for profitability while financing projects that improve societal conditions; returns can be competitive with traditional financial systems.
- In Latin America, "Doble Impacto" is an emerging project focused on social equity and sustainability across several countries.
Call to Action
- Individuals or organizations seeking financing for socially beneficial projects are encouraged to engage with ethical banking practices.
- The goal is to create an economy centered around people and planet care, fostering wealth that benefits all without harm.