Ethics & The Co-operative Bank
Welcome to the bank’s Ethical Policy
In 1992 we became the first UK high street bank to launch a customer-led Ethical Policy that sets out where we will and will not invest your money. See our Ethical Policy
How it works
Every business that applies for lending or banking with us is screened to ensure that they don't conflict with our Ethical Policy. If they don't pass the screening process, we won't do business with them. Simple.
It’s not all about saying ‘no’, however
We’re always very keen to find positive things to invest your money in.
So the policy also sets out the areas we seek to support – these are often activities that are good for the environment or community, such as recycling and affordable housing.
It’s a great responsibility
Almost every day we have to take decisions on your behalf that relate to very powerful and emotive issues such as human rights, animal welfare and the environment. It’s quite a responsibility.
As you’d expect we have strict procedures for ensuring that our policies are implemented correctly and consistently. Alongside a host of internal controls, every year we invite an independant auditor to comment on the implementation of the Policy. We publish the findings in our Sustainability Report.
