Our Model

We have developed a unique model of business, as the UK’s only FSA-regulated bank that is also a registered general charity regulated by the Charity Commission.

Connecting depositors who want to make a difference with their money…

We use 100% of our depositors’ funds to provide loan finance and support to charitable organisations.  Our transparent approach to banking is attracting a growing number of savers and investors who want their savings to do good, and are not solely motivated by need for the maximum financial return.

Our ethical banking model puts the emphasis on fair finance.  We offer a fair rate of interest to our depositors in order that we can offer affordable loan finance to our charity customers.

And, as we are part of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, we’re a safe and secure place to deposit your money.

…with charities, social enterprises and community organisations who are working to bring about real social change.

We were set up in respond to market need – to provide affordable loan finance to those organisations who might find it difficult to access loans from the commercial banks, on affordable terms.

Our borrowers benefit society in a huge variety of ways.  They help the homeless and disadvantaged children, they provide vital services to isolated rural communities, they campaign for social justice, they develop new sources of energy to combat climate change and they sustain the nation’s art and culture.

As a regulated bank, we are, of course, committed to responsible lending.  And we work hard to safeguard our depositors’ money. We give ‘hands on’ business support, helping organisations work out what resources or skills they need to take them to a more secure long-term future.  As a result, we have incurred losses of just 0.3% of our loans.

The results of our effective approach can be seen in the 720 such organisations we have worked with, with loans totalling £110 million, in the past eight years.  Ultimately our value can be seen in the lives that are changed.  And, thanks to our depositors, our borrowers are touching the lives of at least three million people in the UK.