Ethical Banking Specialist
On this page find a summary of the Co-operative bank, and its attractions for the ethical investor.
Co-operative Bank
Only UK Clearing Bank With Published Ethical Policy
The Co-operative Bank was set up in 1872 as the Loan and Deposit Department of the Co-operative Wholesale Society.
The Co-operative Bank has more than three million customer accounts and is the only UK Clearing Bank to publish an ethical investment policy. It did this in 1992. The Policy which is continually assessed, via consultation with customers, includes an ethical commitment to social enterprises, the environment, animal rights, human rights, arms dealing, corporate responsibility and genetic modification.
Services
The Co-op bank has more than 300 branches and a full range of financial services.
Other features of the Co-operative Bank and the Co-op Group include:
- 30,000 Link Cash Machines
- Pay in and withdraw at Post Offices
- 24 hour phone and Internet Banking
- Current Accounts
- Numerous Savings Accounts
- ISA
- Business Services
- Student Accounts
- Insurance
- Investments
- Off Shore Banking
- Community Banking
- Loans
- Online Banking
The Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) is part of The Co-operative Group, the UK’s largest consumer co-operative. CFS is the group of businesses that includes The Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) and The Co-operative Bank, including smile, the UK’s first internet only Bank. Sponsorship activity across the CFS group of businesses is broad and diverse, incorporating ethical and charitable causes and sport and arts sponsorship.
Ethical Policy
The Co-op has a good record on ethical policy, including a commitment to fair trade, charities and positive business ventures, including overseas ventures; although if you are considering investing make sure you check its policy fully so there are no surprises.
The Co-op bank also provides sustainability reporting to keep customers informed of its commitment to an ethical approach.
As a co-operative business, the company clearly believes in ethical
values and committing money to various projects.
Co-operative Membership
As a major co-operative with a customer focus you can share in the rewards of the Co-operative. If you are a member of The Co-operative Group, you can earn points on many products and services which contribute to a share of profits twice a year.
If you have products and services with The Co?operative Bank, smile or Co?operative Insurance you can earn points on some of those too. It’s easy to become a member by filling in a simple form.
leading Carbon Offsetting Companies:
www.carbonneutral.com/
www.climatecare.org/
Reputable companies provide individual carbon footprint projects with verifiable carbon emissions certificates for both businesses and individuals.