ethical junction

Triodos Bank

Ethical Policy

Triodos Bank is one of Europe�s leading ethical banks, financing organisations and businesses that benefit people and the environment, with the support of depositors and investors who share their values. Why We�re Different: Positive social investment: Triodos Bank does not just avoid companies that harm society or the environment, but only lends to organisations that actively do good. The transparent bank: Triodos Bank is unique in the UK as the only commercial bank to publish details of every organisation it lends to, so customers know exactly where their money is working. A human approach: people, rather than automated phone systems, answer calls and financial decisions are made by people who share our customer�s values. What We Do: Triodos Bank only lends to charities, community groups, social businesses and environmental initiatives, from welfare to wind farms, health to housing, and organic food to fairtrade. Customers include Caf�direct, Greenpeace, Ecotricity and Weleda. Full banking services for businesses and charities, including current accounts, deposit and reserve accounts, competitive loans and mortgages, and equity. Savings and Investments for personal customers - we offer regular savings accounts, ISAs, and partnership accounts, where funds are only lent to particular areas such as organics or housing. Partners include Friends of the Earth, Amnesty International, the Soil Association and the Fairtrade Foundation. Corporate finance - advising on share issues, the development and authorising of prospectuses and sponsorship of Public Offers of shares in ethical companies, including the Caf�direct share issue which successfully raised �5 million. Triodos Renewables is an investment fund, supporting sensibly sited renewable energy projects, which raised �4.75 million from private individuals in 2005. Background: Triodos Bank NV was founded in 1980 in The Netherlands to finance social and environmental initiatives. It is a fully independent and fully licensed bank, owned by public shareholders. Today, Triodos Bank has offices in Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain and since 1995 in the UK. The Bank also lends in Ireland, France and Germany. UK activities are based in Triodos� Bristol office. Triodos Bank�s international activities include management of a range of ethical investment funds, research and advisory services, and international development, working with a number of microcredit and fairtrade organisations.