
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values is a movement that aims to create a better future for all. This alliance is built on a set of guiding principles that help banks and financial institutions prioritize people and the planet alongside profits.
The principles of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values are centered around creating a more just and sustainable world. One of the key principles is to prioritize the needs of people and the planet over profits.
By focusing on the needs of people and the planet, banks and financial institutions can create positive impact and contribute to a better future. This approach can also lead to long-term success and profitability.
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values provides a framework for banks and financial institutions to adopt a values-based approach to banking. This approach can help to address social and environmental issues and create a more sustainable future.
What is GABV?

The Global Alliance for Banking on Values, or GABV, is a community of banks that share a common goal of making the financial system more accountable and transparent. It's a growing movement with a strong foundation.
GABV has a comprehensive set of criteria to evaluate prospective member banks. This ensures that only banks with a strong values-based mission and a commitment to sustainability join the alliance.
To become a GABV member bank, a bank must meet basic requirements, including having a regulated bank or credit union status, a commitment from the CEO, and a minimum of $50 million in total assets.
GABV is now a 54-member strong alliance, made up of 60,000 co-workers. That's a significant number of people working together towards a common goal.
If the assets of GABV member banks were combined, they would represent the world's 30 largest financial institutions. This gives you an idea of the scale and impact of the alliance.
GABV is dedicated to supporting economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This is reflected in the values and mission of its member banks.
Joining GABV

To become a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), prospective banks are evaluated against a comprehensive set of criteria and progress is monitored over time.
Basic requirements include a values-based mission, being a regulated bank or credit union, commitment at the CEO level, and a minimum of $50 million in total assets.
The GABV has a diverse membership of 54 banks, representing assets of over $30 trillion, making them the world's 30 largest financial institutions.
How Does a Bank Join GABV?
To become a GABV member bank, you'll need to meet some basic requirements. A values-based mission is essential, and the bank or credit union must be regulated.
The CEO must be committed to the cause, with a strong leadership role in the membership process. This commitment is crucial for the bank's success in GABV.
A minimum of $50 million in total assets is also required, which is a significant investment. This ensures that the bank has the resources to make a meaningful impact.
Independent stable governance is also a must, which means the bank's leadership and decision-making processes are transparent and accountable. This is essential for building trust with stakeholders.
By meeting these requirements, a bank can join the ranks of GABV's growing membership, which includes banks from over 45 countries worldwide.
Why Did Vancity Join Gabv?

Vancity joined GABV in 2011, a time when they were well on their way to Redefining Wealth.
They were the first Canadian financial institution invited to join the GABV, which became a valuable resource and partner in their goal.
Their vision was shared by others, as they discovered upon meeting their GABV colleagues, who were also working towards similar objectives.
Banking Principles
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) has six guiding principles that shape the way its member banks operate.
These principles are the foundation of values-based banking, which prioritizes people, planet, and profit equally.
One of the key principles is investing in businesses and projects that create positive change in social, environmental, and economic areas.
The GABV's principles are designed to promote a positive, viable alternative to the current financial system.
A key aspect of values-based banking is transparency and inclusivity in governance, where members have a say in the decision-making process.

The GABV's member banks, such as Vancity, strive to create a culture where all of these principles are embedded in their business practices.
Here are the GABV's six guiding principles:
- We invest in businesses and allocate capital that will create positive change in social, environmental and economic areas.
- The “real economy” simply means the economy you and I are a part of and contribute to -- where the goods and services are produced and consumed.
- Our governance is transparent and inclusive. As a credit union, we serve our members, each of whom has a say.
- By running Vancity through a sustainable lens, we ensure the business of our credit union, the financial health of our members, and the strength of their businesses will also be self-sustaining and resilient.
- At the heart of our business model is member-led innovation. Listening to our members and meeting their financial needs ensures we are member-informed.
- We aim to create a culture where all of these principles are embedded in how we do business and part of each employee's DNA.
Our Values and Practices
We're intentional about creating social and environmental impact, which is why we exist and guides everything we do.
As a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, we've learned that it's possible to bank in a way that's both profitable and meaningful. By using our members' capital to create positive impact for people and the planet, we're proving that it's not just about making money, but also about what we do with it.
Our 8 Corporate Values are at the heart of our business model, and they're not just an add-on. They're intentional and integrated into every aspect of our decision making and engagement with clients and communities.
We take a holistic and coherent approach to designing our business model, being aware of potential conflicts and challenges. This means we're always looking for ways to improve and make a positive impact.
Where you bank does make a difference, and by choosing to bank with us, your deposits support local investments in affordable housing, small businesses, nonprofits, and environmentally regenerative projects.
Choose a Bank for Tomorrow's Investments

When you bank with a Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) member, your deposits support local investments in affordable housing, small businesses, nonprofits, and environmentally regenerative projects.
Your deposits are used to make investments and loans, and by choosing a GABV member bank, you're promoting a more equitable and sustainable economy.
Beneficial State Bank serves the triple-bottom-line of people, planet, and prosperity for all by prioritizing social justice and environmental sustainability.
You can make a difference by moving your money to a bank that values people, planet, and profit equally, rather than one that only prioritizes profit.
By choosing a bank that invests in the community, you're helping to create a more just and sustainable world for future generations.
GABV Today
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a powerful force in the financial world. Today, it has 54 member banks that employ 60,000 co-workers.
These member banks, if combined, would have assets that rival the world's 30 largest financial institutions. This is a testament to the growing influence of values-based banking.
As a catalyst for change, GABV is working to make the financial system more accountable and transparent. This is a crucial step towards achieving economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
History

The Global Alliance for Banking on Values, or GABV, has a rich history that spans over a decade. Founded in 2009 by ten pioneering banks, it has grown into a global network of like-minded financial institutions.
Its founding members included Triodos Bank, ShoreBank, and BRAC Bank, among others. These banks shared a common vision of using banking as a force for good.
In 2010, the GABV held its first annual meeting in Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in its journey. This meeting brought together members from around the world to discuss their shared goals and challenges.
The 2011 Lima Declaration was a key moment in the GABV's history, as it called for value-based banks to be recognized and supported through regulation. This declaration helped raise awareness about the importance of socially responsible banking.
The GABV continued to grow and evolve, with the creation of regional chapters in Europe and North America in 2013. This expansion allowed the network to reach a wider audience and build stronger relationships with like-minded banks.

The launch of the GABV's scorecard in 2014 was a significant step forward, providing a common framework for banks to report their social impact. This scorecard has helped to promote transparency and accountability within the network.
In 2017, the GABV held its ninth summit in Kathmandu, Nepal, where members signed the Kathmandu Declaration. This declaration committed the network to working towards a long-term positive social impact and renewing the entire banking system.
The GABV has continued to thrive, with its 13th in-person summit being hosted by BRAC Bank in Dhaka, Bangladesh in November 2022.
The GABV Today:
The GABV Today is a force to be reckoned with, with 54 member banks from around the world. These banks are made up of 60,000 co-workers who are dedicated to making a positive impact.
GABV member assets would represent the world's 30 largest financial institutions if combined. This is a staggering fact that highlights the collective power of these values-based banks.

The GABV is a catalyst for change, working to make the financial system more accountable and transparent. This is a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable future.
Here are some key facts about the GABV today:
The GABV is committed to supporting economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This is at the heart of everything they do, from their business model to their governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the criteria for Global Alliance for Banking on Values?
To become a GABV member bank, you must meet basic requirements such as having a values-based mission, being a regulated bank or credit union, and having at least $50 million in total assets. These criteria ensure that GABV member banks share a commitment to values-driven banking.
Why are values important in banking?
Values-based banking fosters deep relationships with clients, allowing for a better understanding of their economic activities and associated risks. This understanding enables banks to provide more personalized and informed services.
What banks are in the Global Alliance?
The Global Alliance includes banks such as 3Bank, Acba Bank, and Amalgamated Bank, among others. These banks are part of a network of socially responsible financial institutions working together to promote positive change.
What is the triple bottom line in gabv?
The Triple Bottom Line in GABV refers to a decision-making framework that balances social, environmental, and economic factors. It's a holistic approach to evaluating success that considers people, planet, and prosperity.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Alliance_for_Banking_on_Values
- https://www.beneficialstatebank.com/impact/global-alliance-for-banking-on-values-gabv
- https://www.vancity.com/viewport/mobile/AboutVancity/VisionAndValues/ValuesBasedBanking/GlobalAllianceBankingValues/
- https://issuu.com/bankingonvalues/docs/gabv_annual_report_2022/s/22011544
- https://www.lobbyfacts.eu/datacard/global-alliance-for-banking-on-values
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