Abstract

Alternative Bank Switzerland announces on its website that it invests in, and finances, sustainable projects and businesses, and that it does not insist on maximizing profit. Instead, it places a rational emphasis on sustainability and ethical principles (https://www.abs.ch). The Canadian VanCity communicates that their commitment to building an accountable, sustainable, supportive financial model guides everything they do (https://www.vancity.com). Both financial institutions—a bank and a credit union—can be called social, ethical, or alternative banks that offer products and services such as loans for social enterprises, renewable energy projects, or social housing.