The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is an independent network of independent banks using finance to deliver sustainable economic, social and environmental development. The GABV consists of 66 members from a total of 44 countries, serving more than 60 million customers. Furthermore, the GABV has 16 supporting partners, employs 80.000 people and holds more than US$200 Billion of annual revenue assets.

The company was formed in 2009, by ten pioneer banks believing in the need for a fairer system. Since them, their core values have consisted of promoting a fairer economy through value-based banking, promoting a more diverse and inclusive society, as well as fixing climate and finance.

The GABV finds its headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The GABV also provides learning and development opportunities for senior executives, experts and employees at member banks.

The GABV consists of members that vary in their business models, size, as well as the markets they operate in, however they are all united in the Principles of Values-Based Banking.

Company history

2009-2015

Ten pioneer banks founded the GABV. The ten banks were Triodos Bank, Shorebank, BRAC Bank, Mibanco Peru, Alternative Bank Switzerland, Merkur Bank, GLS Bank, Banka Etica, New Resource Bank and XacBank.

In 2010, the company had its first annual meeting in Bangladesh. The meeting identified capital raising, impact measurement, human development and advocacy as core tracks for the future.

2010 was also a successful year for the GABV, as it was the year in which the company launched its Values Ambassadors programme.

2011’s Lima Declaration demanded that value-based banks be recognized through appropriate regulation and not be adversely impacted by regulations intended to address issues related to mainstream banks.^[1]

2012 was a very successful year in regards to cementing the company's values or progression and diversity, among others. This is because in 2012, Centenary Bank Uganda was announced as a member on the GABV, meaning that the company’s presence could now be felt on every continent.

2012 was also the start of the GABV’s research activities, as the first edition of the Real Economy - Real Returns was released.

2013 was a fruitful year, resulting in the first International Banking on Values Day, the creation of the Europe and North America regional chapters, as well as the Berlin Declaration.^[2]

In 2014, The GABV’s scorecard, a set of common impact metrics, which allows banks to report their social impact of a bank through a harmonised method, was launched. Furthermore, a milestone of 25 members was reached.

2015 was a big year for the company, and consequently the last year of the company’s growth and beginning phase, as the accomplishments made in 2015 were quite a statement of intent. 2015 was the year in which the Leadership academy was launched, a personal development programme focused on leadership and innovation skills. Furthermore, The Sustainable Finance Real Economies investment fund was launched, as well as the appointment of Marco Eguiguren as executive director, and the forming of the Latin America Regional Chapter.

2016-2021

In 2016, over 7,800 participants attended the five week massive open online course on values-based banking.

2017 was the year in which another chapter was formed, namely the Asia-Pacific Regional Chapter. Furthermore, 2017 was the year of the Kathmandu Declaration, a commitment to a long term positive social impact towards renewing the whole banking system.^[3]

In 2018 the GABV reached a milestone of 50 members, meaning that the overall number of members doubled in just four years.

2019 marked the 10 year anniversary of the GABV, as well as the climate change commitment, a commitment in line with the Paris agreement that was signed by 28 GABV members.

The years of 2020 and 2021, like with any company, were affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Despite the trying times, in 2020, the GABV completed an investment into one of its own members, the Opportunity Bank Serbia, as well as the launch of the African Regional Chapter.

In 2021, the GABV helds its annual meeting virtually for the first time. Furthermore, 2021 marked the year of the appointment of David Reiling as the new chair of the company.

See also

Stories from the GABV

• GABV Annual Meeting: A unique forum of committed leaders^[4]

• A learning journey from GLS to Vancity: insights from Canada’s community building^[5]

• A consortium of European values-based banks has invested directly in one of their own^[6]

References

External Links

• Official Website