The financial system is not a neutral or objective set of tools. It is a driving force that shapes our economies, societies, and ultimately, our future. Triodos Bank recognises that the current system has become too focused on short-term private gain, is increasingly disconnected from the real economy, is too concentrated and complex and often neglects ecological and social wellbeing. The bank believes that finance should first and foremost serve people and planet.
This means that:
• We need capital to flow towards regenerative goals such as renewable energy, affordable housing and nature restoration, and away from speculative and extractive activities. But if finance continues to flow based only on risk and return, societal goals are not necessarily served. The financial sector needs democratic credit and investment guidance to determine to which social and environmental impact goals capital should flow.
• Triodos Bank supports the introduction of a public digital euro, governed by the European Central Bank. Not to replace private payment systems, but to enhance competition between them and reduce dependency on only a handful of (foreign) payment providers. If implemented well, it could also improve the inclusiveness and stability of our payments system. At the heart of Triodos Bank’s position lies the conviction that money and payments are public goods, which require greater public protection. Furthermore, a digital euro could strengthen the international role of the euro and improve our strategic autonomy and resilience.
• We need a financial sector that is focused on generating true value in the real economy and manages risks accordingly. This requires transparency, stronger regulation, supervision and taxation to curb and dismantle unnecessary parts of the financial sector. In some cases, this means banks need to engage in riskier lending to facilitate the necessary transitions towards a more sustainable economy. This could be achieved through higher generic capital requirements, incentivising banks to engage in riskier lending. Fundamentally, credit needs to be re-established as the social relationship it is. This also requires shorter intermediation chains between borrower and lender.
Marcel Zuidam, CEO of Triodos Bank: “For 45 years, Triodos Bank has worked to shift the financial system from within. This vision brings that ambition up to date. It is both a call to recognise that our financial system is not a neutral backdrop but a central arena of transformation, and a roadmap for how it can evolve to serve our lives fairly, consciously and within the limits of our planet. We urge policymakers, financial institutions, and civil society to join us in reclaiming public purpose in finance and ensuring that capital truly serves the real economy. By working together in implementing these urgent reforms, we can rebuild a financial system that is resilient, inclusive, and fit for the challenges of the 21st century.”
This new vision will be the cornerstone of Triodos Bank’s advocacy efforts around change finance. Starting on the 16th of December with a launch event (in Dutch) in debate centre Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam.
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Notes to editors
For further information and photography please contact:
Ed Grattan
T: 07817 413 792
[email protected]About Triodos Bank
Founded in 1980, Triodos Bank has become a frontrunner in sustainable banking globally. As an independent bank that promotes responsible and transparent banking, it does not see any conflict between a focus on people and the planet and a good financial return. Instead it believes that they reinforce each other in the long-term.
Triodos Bank has banking activities in the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Spain and Germany as well as Investment Management activities based in the Netherlands but active globally. Triodos Bank co-founded the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), a network of sustainable banks. Together these banks want to grow sustainable banking and its impact on the real economy substantially.
Triodos Bank UK Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triodos Bank NV. Registered Office: Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AS. Registered in England and Wales Company No. 11379025. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 817008. VAT reg no 793493383.