Italy - Investing in ethical financial solutions
Banca Etica is the first ethical financial institution in Italy. It was created in 1999, based on MAGs, (self-managed mutual associations) and the result of collaboration between 21 non-profit organisations that merged to raise the funds needed to establish a truly popular bank.
The Association of Catholic Guides and Scouts of Italy (AGESCI), who was one of its founding members, has a very specific educational objective: to make both Scouts and adult leaders more aware of how to be responsible citizens, use resources more sparingly and take greater care of the environment.
AGESCI has made a remarkable contribution to the development of the project, paying particular attention to the cultural and social aspects of the bank. Today, a large number of AGESCI leaders who supported and spread the values of ethical finance are to be found working in the bank. AGESCI benefits from the services of the bank at both local and national levels: it has several bank accounts, access to credit to carry out various projects and a membership card assigned to the Association. This is a real credit card that enables part of the commission charged on transactions to be assigned to a non-profit organisation. Lastly, as a founding member, AGESCI can nominate a candidate to the Ethical Committee.
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