RESOURCES

The values-based banking library

Explore our stories, read our articles, and access research and position papers that showcase how values-based banks use finance to deliver social and environmental positive impact.

Stories
from GABV

Values-based banks use business as usual to intentionally create positive change. They innovate banking products and services and engage with partners to provide solutions to social and environmental issues in the communities they serve. Here are some examples of best practices.

Where values and money meet: How Sunrise Banks turns purpose into practice

Walking the talk: How GABV member banks are building green headquarters

How financial literacy is reshaping lives across the globe

Climate First Bank is financing the “Messy Middle” of clean energy

How SIPEM Banque is building pathways to financial inclusion for women in Madagascar

Finance for everyone: how Bank Arvand is helping to close Tajikistan’s credit gap

How Bank Australia is reducing plastic use in its cards

Sarvodaya Development Finance: Empowering tea estate communities through financial inclusion

Successful growth is a collective effort: A conversation with Priscilla Sims Brown, CEO of Amalgamated Bank

Unity Trust Bank launches £100m green tariff to accelerate carbon reduction

Charity Bank: Empowering housing providers to improve energy efficiency

Moldeando el futuro de la IA y la banca

Shaping the Future of AI and Banking

Droptalk Money: Rethinking our relationship with money through play

Clearwater Credit Union champions financial inclusion through historic partnership

Building financial futures in Rwamwanja: Opportunity Bank Uganda expands refugee financing

Breaking barriers: Centenary Bank’s refugee financing initiative empowers refugees and host communities

Leading with purpose: A conversation with Brian E. Argrett, CEO of City First Bank

Banca Etica: Promoting women’s empowerment, social cohesion and refugee integration in Italy

Transforming Lives: Celebrating 15 Years of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values

Clean Energy: Financing the Solutions, Not the Problems

How Values-Based Banks Drive Affordable Housing Solutions

Banking for All: Closing the Financial Inclusion Gap

Banks Can Work For, and Not Against, the Protection of Nature

Peace and Social Justice as the Foundations for a Just and Equitable Society

Empowering Women to Drive Social Change

Kindred Credit Union: Celebrating 60 years of ethical banking

The First MicroFinance Bank-Afghanistan’s solar journey

International Women’s Day: Reshaping the financial landscape for ‘Her’

Black History Month: The Importance of Black Voices in Finance

Triodos Bank UK: Support for nature-based investment projects

Bank Australia supports reconciliation for First Nations people through the Voice to Parliament referendum

Banco Ademi: Mejoramiento de vivienda y negocios en República Dominicana

Research

The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) publishes research and case studies to reinforce and explore the business case for the growing values-based banking practice. Much of this work is carried out in collaboration with academic and like-minded institutions, ensuring a strong evidence base and diverse perspectives.

Through the GABV Academic Network, we also connect scholars worldwide to advance research, foster teaching, and advocate for a more sustainable and inclusive banking model.

Finance for War. Finance for Peace. How Values-Based Banks Foster Peace in a World of Increasing Conflict

This report examines the exposure of the financial industry to the production of, and trade in, arms used in large scale conflicts around the world, in contrast with the vision and practice of values-based banking.

Finance for War. Finance for Peace. How Values-Based Banks Foster Peace in a World of Increasing Conflict

This report examines the exposure of the financial industry to the production of, and trade in, arms used in large scale conflicts around the world, in contrast with the vision and practice of values-based banking.

Financiar la Guerra. Financiar la Paz. Cómo la Banca con Valores promueve la paz en un mundo cada vez más conflictivo

Este informe examina la exposición de la industria financiera a la producción y el comercio de armas utilizadas en conflictos a gran escala en todo el mundo, en contraste con la visión de la banca con valores.

Financiar la Guerra. Financiar la Paz. Cómo la Banca con Valores promueve la paz en un mundo cada vez más conflictivo

Este informe examina la exposición de la industria financiera a la producción y el comercio de armas utilizadas en conflictos a gran escala en todo el mundo, en contraste con la visión de la banca con valores.

From financing change to changing finance

This paper sets out why is it important to go deeper into the systemic dysfunctionality of our current financial system and shift from today’s predominant doctrine of ‘financing change’ towards a ‘change finance’ agenda and why this is a crucial building block from a system change perspective. ‘Change finance’ is not the outcome of a new economy but the very prerequisite of changing the way we want to meet the needs of humans on a finite planet.

From financing change to changing finance

This paper sets out why is it important to go deeper into the systemic dysfunctionality of our current financial system and shift from today’s predominant doctrine of ‘financing change’ towards a ‘change finance’ agenda and why this is a crucial building block from a system change perspective. ‘Change finance’ is not the outcome of a new economy but the very prerequisite of changing the way we want to meet the needs of humans on a finite planet.

Best Practices for Sustainable Market Transformation in the Financial Sector

This report outlines nine core features of regular banks versus values-based banks, highlighting the opportunities to build on these locally proven initiatives. It outlines elements to consider when creating a sector-wide strategy, in order to provide a future pathway for the banking industry. Written by the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and the Nyenrode Business University (The Netherlands), with the support of Open Society Foundations.

Best Practices for Sustainable Market Transformation in the Financial Sector

This report outlines nine core features of regular banks versus values-based banks, highlighting the opportunities to build on these locally proven initiatives. It outlines elements to consider when creating a sector-wide strategy, in order to provide a future pathway for the banking industry. Written by the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and the Nyenrode Business University (The Netherlands), with the support of Open Society Foundations.

Mejores prácticas para la transformación sostenible del sector financiero

Este informe describe nueve características fundamentales de los bancos normales frente a los bancos con valores, destacando las oportunidades de aprovechar estas iniciativas probadas localmente. Esboza los elementos a tener en cuenta a la hora de crear una estrategia para todo el sector, con el fin de proporcionar una vía de futuro para la industria bancaria. Escrito por la Global Alliance for Banking on Values y la Nyenrode Business University (Países Bajos), con el apoyo de Open Society Foundations.

Mejores prácticas para la transformación sostenible del sector financiero

Este informe describe nueve características fundamentales de los bancos normales frente a los bancos con valores, destacando las oportunidades de aprovechar estas iniciativas probadas localmente. Esboza los elementos a tener en cuenta a la hora de crear una estrategia para todo el sector, con el fin de proporcionar una vía de futuro para la industria bancaria. Escrito por la Global Alliance for Banking on Values y la Nyenrode Business University (Países Bajos), con el apoyo de Open Society Foundations.

2023 G20 Sustainable Finance Report Volume II

This Report assimilates the work carried out by the Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) under the Indian G20 Presidency in 2023, in its pursuit to identify institutional and market barriers to sustainable finance, and to develop options to overcome such barriers, and contribute to a better alignment of the international financial system to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.

2023 G20 Sustainable Finance Report Volume II

This Report assimilates the work carried out by the Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) under the Indian G20 Presidency in 2023, in its pursuit to identify institutional and market barriers to sustainable finance, and to develop options to overcome such barriers, and contribute to a better alignment of the international financial system to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.

Caso GABV: jugando con paradojas en alianzas basadas en valores

La experiencia de la Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) y el análisis de cómo ha afrontado las paradojas en el curso de su trayectoria proporcionan una idea sobre las dinámicas de las alianzas impulsadas por valores y sobre cómo lidiar con las contradicciones que se dan en las diferentes etapas de vida de estos acuerdos. Además, este caso sirve de inspiración para las personas que desean contribuir a un mundo mejor en asociación con otros

Caso GABV: jugando con paradojas en alianzas basadas en valores

La experiencia de la Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) y el análisis de cómo ha afrontado las paradojas en el curso de su trayectoria proporcionan una idea sobre las dinámicas de las alianzas impulsadas por valores y sobre cómo lidiar con las contradicciones que se dan en las diferentes etapas de vida de estos acuerdos. Además, este caso sirve de inspiración para las personas que desean contribuir a un mundo mejor en asociación con otros

Managing Strategic and Cultural Change In Organization – Jaap Boonstra

The need for change within organizations is not uncommon in a world full of technological, political, and cultural transformations. But how can organizations effectively transform themselves in a global world and what can leaders and professionals do to effect meaningful change successfully? This article outlines a model that shows strategic and cultural transformation as an ongoing process.

Managing Strategic and Cultural Change In Organization – Jaap Boonstra

The need for change within organizations is not uncommon in a world full of technological, political, and cultural transformations. But how can organizations effectively transform themselves in a global world and what can leaders and professionals do to effect meaningful change successfully? This article outlines a model that shows strategic and cultural transformation as an ongoing process.

GABV Climate Leader Case Study (2022)

In 2022, the GABV was recognised for our pioneering work in climate finance by the Finance for the Future Awards. This case study explores our approach to values-based banking and highlights our successful collaboration with the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials.

GABV Climate Leader Case Study (2022)

In 2022, the GABV was recognised for our pioneering work in climate finance by the Finance for the Future Awards. This case study explores our approach to values-based banking and highlights our successful collaboration with the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials.

GLS Bank Case Study (2022)

This case study shows how GLS Bank is using a social-ecological approach. Through this holistic lens, the bank integrates both social and environmental visions of the future into decisions and activities, along with the requirement for societies to respect planetary ceilings and social floors.

GLS Bank Case Study (2022)

This case study shows how GLS Bank is using a social-ecological approach. Through this holistic lens, the bank integrates both social and environmental visions of the future into decisions and activities, along with the requirement for societies to respect planetary ceilings and social floors.

Banca Etica Case Study (2022)

This report shows how Banca Etica delivers positive social impact alongside real economic value. It does so by including social criteria in the credit process as a foundation for rethinking risk, supported by a broadening engagement with clients and other stakeholders. The study is part of the VALoRE project and is funded by the Open Society Foundations.

Banca Etica Case Study (2022)

This report shows how Banca Etica delivers positive social impact alongside real economic value. It does so by including social criteria in the credit process as a foundation for rethinking risk, supported by a broadening engagement with clients and other stakeholders. The study is part of the VALoRE project and is funded by the Open Society Foundations.

MagNet Bank Case Study (2021)

This case study presents if and how MagNet Bank, in Hungary, is an industry game-changer for the financial sector. The study is part of the VALoRE project and is funded by the Open Society Foundations.

MagNet Bank Case Study (2021)

This case study presents if and how MagNet Bank, in Hungary, is an industry game-changer for the financial sector. The study is part of the VALoRE project and is funded by the Open Society Foundations.

Real Economy – Real Returns 2021

The “2021 Real Economy-Real Returns” study covers 10 years of annual research (2011-2020) comparing financial data from values-based banks and the Global Systemically Important Banks.

Real Economy – Real Returns 2021

The “2021 Real Economy-Real Returns” study covers 10 years of annual research (2011-2020) comparing financial data from values-based banks and the Global Systemically Important Banks.

Real Economy-Real Returns 2020

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2020

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2019

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2019

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2018

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2018

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2017

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2017

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2016

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2016

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2015

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2015

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2014

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2014

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: – What support does a bank provide to the real economy? – How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? – What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? – What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2013

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: · What support does a bank provide to the real economy? · How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? · What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? · What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2013

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: · What support does a bank provide to the real economy? · How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? · What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? · What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2012

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: · What support does a bank provide to the real economy? · How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? · What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? · What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Real Economy-Real Returns 2012

Since 2012, the GABV has released an innovative report comparing the financial performance of values-based banks with the world’s largest banks, the global systemically important financial institutions, or GSIBs. This annual research focuses on the following key questions: · What support does a bank provide to the real economy? · How resilient is a bank in the face of economic challenges? · What returns does a bank provide to society, clients and investors? · What growth does a bank achieve to expand its impact?

Position papers

Through position papers on global issues and key topics, the Global Alliance for Banking on Values contributes to the discussion of the role and responsibility of the financial sector based on the policies and practices of its member banks.

Financial Inclusion

This position paper on financial inclusion makes the case that access to finance is a fundamental enabler of human dignity and social inclusion. It sets out why hundreds of millions remain excluded from essential financial services, and what banks, governments, and regulators must do to make inclusive finance the norm.

Download Position Paper

Seven Principles for Sustainable Banking Regulation

This document summarises what is needed to make meaningful progress towards a banking industry that supports a fairer, greener and more inclusive society

Download document

Climate Finance

The starting point for our position on climate change is our vision that finance serves people and the planet, not the other way around.

Download Position Paper

EU Taxonomy-Social Impact

This paper defines social sustainability and impact and offers a high-level reference framework used by values-based banks to classify which projects and investments add a specific social or environmental value.

Download Position Paper

Brand values

To sharpen our positioning and better demonstrate what makes us distinct in the banking sector, we developed the GABV brand values and differentiation criteria.

Download Position Paper

Articles

Long read

29 July 2026

Where values and money meet: How Sunrise Banks turns purpose into practice

Interview

15 July 2026

Where Your Money Sleeps Matters: A Q&A with Beneficial State Bank Chief Impact Officer Terra Neilson

Long read

25 March 2026

The 2026 Global Alliance for Banking on Values Annual Meeting spotlights the future of inclusive and equitable finance

Long read

Where values and money meet: How Sunrise Banks turns purpose into practice

Long read

Walking the talk: How GABV member banks are building green headquarters

Interview

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RESOURCES

The values-based banking library

Stories from GABV

Research

Finance for War. Finance for Peace. How Values-Based Banks Foster Peace in a World of Increasing Conflict

Finance for War. Finance for Peace. How Values-Based Banks Foster Peace in a World of Increasing Conflict

Financiar la Guerra. Financiar la Paz. Cómo la Banca con Valores promueve la paz en un mundo cada vez más conflictivo

Financiar la Guerra. Financiar la Paz. Cómo la Banca con Valores promueve la paz en un mundo cada vez más conflictivo

From financing change to changing finance

From financing change to changing finance

Best Practices for Sustainable Market Transformation in the Financial Sector

Best Practices for Sustainable Market Transformation in the Financial Sector

Mejores prácticas para la transformación sostenible del sector financiero

Mejores prácticas para la transformación sostenible del sector financiero

2023 G20 Sustainable Finance Report Volume II

2023 G20 Sustainable Finance Report Volume II

Caso GABV: jugando con paradojas en alianzas basadas en valores

Caso GABV: jugando con paradojas en alianzas basadas en valores

Managing Strategic and Cultural Change In Organization – Jaap Boonstra

Managing Strategic and Cultural Change In Organization – Jaap Boonstra

GABV Climate Leader Case Study (2022)

GABV Climate Leader Case Study (2022)

GLS Bank Case Study (2022)

GLS Bank Case Study (2022)

Banca Etica Case Study (2022)

Banca Etica Case Study (2022)

MagNet Bank Case Study (2021)

MagNet Bank Case Study (2021)

Real Economy – Real Returns 2021

Real Economy – Real Returns 2021

Real Economy-Real Returns 2020

Real Economy-Real Returns 2020

Real Economy-Real Returns 2019

Real Economy-Real Returns 2019

Real Economy-Real Returns 2018

Real Economy-Real Returns 2018

Real Economy-Real Returns 2017

Real Economy-Real Returns 2017

Real Economy-Real Returns 2016

Real Economy-Real Returns 2016

Real Economy-Real Returns 2015

Real Economy-Real Returns 2015

Real Economy-Real Returns 2014

Real Economy-Real Returns 2014

Real Economy-Real Returns 2013

Real Economy-Real Returns 2013

Real Economy-Real Returns 2012

Real Economy-Real Returns 2012

Position papers

Articles

Where values and money meet: How Sunrise Banks turns purpose into practice

Where Your Money Sleeps Matters: A Q&A with Beneficial State Bank Chief Impact Officer Terra Neilson

The 2026 Global Alliance for Banking on Values Annual Meeting spotlights the future of inclusive and equitable finance

Where values and money meet: How Sunrise Banks turns purpose into practice

Walking the talk: How GABV member banks are building green headquarters

Where Your Money Sleeps Matters: A Q&A with Beneficial State Bank Chief Impact Officer Terra Neilson

Stories
from GABV