Microfinance

MFI’s are locally based specialised, formal and semi-formal institutions e.g. commercial banks, co-operative rural banks, credit unions and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) who provide financial services to third world micro-enterprises such as small farmers, fishermen, street vendors, cobblers, etc. There are currently over 10,000 MFI’s worldwide, providing financial services to 100 million individuals.

The Co-operative Bank has created a special $50m (£25m) fund in order to support the development of small businesses in some of the world’s poorest countries.

The Bank has created an innovative line of credit in association with several major international banks that will be used to provide microfinance, or small loans, to the working poor around the world.

The Co-operative Bank’s ethical policy clearly states what we will and will not do with our customers’ money whilst it is in the bank. Our involvement in microfinance clearly demonstrates to our customers the mechanics of how our ethical stance really works and shows how their money, when invested with the bank, can make a real difference in tackling global poverty.

This structured approach establishes The Co-operative Bank as a credible supporter of microfinance and reinforces our reputation as a leading exponent of corporate responsibility.

An introduction to our campaigns

Here you can find all the latest news and campaigns in line with our brand values and stories linked to our social responsibility and community involvement.

You’ll hear more about our external campaigns on key areas such as microfinance, responsible driving, renewable energy, and much, much more.

Please email us at, CFSgwmblog@cfs.coop if you would like more information about our campaigns.

  • Campaign

    Belma in Bosnia

    Here we follow Belma Gracankic, a Bosnian refugee who now works at the bank, as she returns home to see how microfinance has helped rebuild lives in Bosnia.

    Read on…

  • Campaign

    Microfinance around the globe

    On hearing the plight of the Nicaraguan government we provided a donation to supply 22 schools across the country with face masks and first aid kits to help combact the spread of swine flu.

    Read on…

What’s this about

In April ‘09 in conjunction with the new goodwithmoney website we re-launched our new and improved good with money blog to encourage greater dialogue with our colleagues, customers, members and anyone else who is interested in the ethical, social responsible and community work that we do.
Read on…

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