Royal Netherlands Embassy hosts sustainable finance round table
September 16, 2011 - The Royal Netherlands Embassy and the Global Alliance for Banking on Values will host a round table discussion to explore how values-based banking can finance a more sustainable future
(Washington, D.C.) – As the World Bank and IMF annual meetings bring together economic ministers from around the world next week, the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), a network of independent sustainable banks, will host a round table discussion on "Real" Banking for the Real Economy on Thursday 22 September, at the Dutch Embassy in Washington.
Many values-based banks have grown at record levels during a time of economic turmoil. While they are not immune from the effects of the financial crisis the revenues of the members of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values grew by 65% between 2007 and 2009, profits by almost 60%, and deposits by close to 50%. This discussion will include an exploration of what has made these organisations so robust during such a difficult time, and what they say about what’s needed to build a more resilient, sustainable economy.
The ‘Real’ Banking for the Real Economy discussion, will feature leading practitioners from the growing sustainable finance industry and define what values-based banks are and the role they can play in supporting economic growth and development. A high-level panel includes CEOs from groundbreaking sustainable banks in Latin America, North America, and Europe.
The event, for an invitation-only audience, will be opened by the Dutch Ambassador Renée Jones-Bos, with a panel including Peter Blom, GABV Chair and CEO of Triodos Bank, Luis Felipe Derteano, President of Grupo ACP, Tamara Vrooman, CEO of Vancity, Rosalind Copisarow, Managing Director of Oikocredit, and Eugene Ludwig, CEO of Promontory Financial Group. Laurie Spengler, President and CEO of SBI, will moderate the discussion.
Editor's notes
The event begins at 5.00 pm at the Royal Netherlands Embassy, 4200 Linnean Avenue, Washington DC 20008. The Round table runs from 5.30 to 7.00 pm, with a drinks reception to follow which concludes at 8 pm. If you wish to attend please email: was-ea@minbuza.nl or call Linda Granger, 202-274-2615.
About the Global Alliance for Banking on Values
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a membership organization, made up of fouteen of the world's leading sustainable banks, from Asia and Latin America to the US and Europe. They are bound by a shared commitment to find global solutions to international problems - and to promote a positive, viable alternative to the current financial system. These organizations believe that we must improve the quality of life for everyone on the planet, recognizing that we are economically interdependent and responsible to current and future generations.
Founded in 2009, the network’s members have to meet three criteria:
- they are independent and licensed banks with a focus on retail customers
- with a minimum balance sheet of $50 million;
- and, most significantly, they should be committed to social banking and the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit
About the Global Alliance for Banking on Values
For more than 400 years, the Netherlands and the United States have been joined by the values of freedom, justice and an entrepreneurial spirit. A vibrant economic force, the Netherlands is also the third largest investor in America and a reliable trade and investment partner to the U.S. The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Dutch Consulates General and Honorary Consuls in the U.S. promote strong bilateral relations between the United States and the Netherlands in the areas of peace and stability; international law; energy and climate; water management; international human rights; and creative industries. The Netherlands and the United States:Two countries, one spirit united by values, history and a vision of the future.
More information: Key Topics - The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Washington DC
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Media contacts
Floris van Hovell (Royal Netherlands Embassy) +1 202 274 2630, mobile +1 202 413 5020 or email floris-van.hovell@minbuza.nl
James Niven (GABV): +31 30 694 2421, mobile +31 (0)6 539 08150 or e-mail james.niven@gabv.org