Ethical banking

When it comes to the environment, sustainability and ethics, I’m sure you’re used to hearing about recycling resources, travel options, and energy efficiency at home. Have you ever thought about the environmental impact of where you bank?


The Lord Jesus had a fair amount to say about money, whether it was on our attitude to it or on its necessity for life. There are numerous banks available to us in the UK, although fewer now than a decade ago as they consolidate to maximise their profits.

The Ethical Consumer Organisation has been evaluating products and services available to us as consumers for over 30 years. When they examined banks in the UK, they found the four most ethical in terms of their lending policy were Triodos UK, The Nationwide, the Co-op/Smile Bank and the Cumberland Building Society. The newer, so-called challenger banks, Starling, Monzo and Revolut also scored well.

All the well known high street banks scored very badly due to them lending money to fossil fuel companies to enable them to continue extracting gas, coal or oil which we know is one of the main causes of global warming.

We encourage you to have a think, do some research, and pray about this important aspect of your life, to see how it can be used to glorify God.