It seems paradoxical, but it is true: there are banks that are run according to ethical principles. The global financial crisis has once again impressively demonstrated that the current banking system is neither socially nor environmentally sustainable. As a result, so-called "green banks" are currently experiencing a surge in popularity, as the search for alternatives to high-risk, anti-social, and environmentally destructive forms of investment has begun. These green banks operate according to "ethical" and "ecological" criteria and always invest their capital in manageable, real, and socially and environmentally responsible projects. Proponents of these investments speak of a "double dividend" that also includes benefits for the climate and the environment. Investors in these banks have the guarantee that their money will only be invested in social projects, culture and education, environmentally friendly construction, organic farming, or renewable energies. The focus of daily financial business is not on maximizing profits, but on investing in people and the environment. And this concept is paying off: in recent years, green banks have continuously increased their revenues and profits. Here are a few examples of green banks:

GLS Bank

Europe's oldest green bank was founded in Bochum in 1974 under the name "Gemeinschaft für Leihen und Schenken" (Community for Loans and Gifts). Over 50,000 customers of the bank are free to choose whether their money should be invested in eco-projects, education, or (Waldorf) pedagogy. In addition to savings and lending, GLS Bank also offers closed-end funds and profit participation rights. Its investments focus on wind and solar energy and the financing of ecological companies. The bank has branches in Frankfurt, Freiburg, Hamburg, and Stuttgart. GLS Bank offers the following: full banking services with investment and asset advice, checking accounts, credit cards, online banking, call money accounts, savings accounts, savings bonds, fixed-term deposits, retirement provisions, investment funds, investments, bank investments starting at €100, and management of foundation assets and donation funds.

Umweltbank AG

Umweltbank AG has been in existence since 1997 and is based in Nuremberg. Due to its dynamic growth, it is one of the most economically successful green banks. As a direct bank, it serves over 60,000 customers. Although investors cannot decide individually where their money is invested, they receive a guarantee that all savings will be invested exclusively in ecological projects. The publicly traded company offers traditional savings products and sells ecological equity funds and insurance policies, among other things. The bank's offerings include investment and asset management, call money accounts, savings accounts, savings bonds, closed-end funds, equity and bond funds, insurance, bank participation through stock purchases on the stock exchange, and participation certificates. 

Steyler Bank

The profits of Steyler Bank GmbH, founded in 1964, flow directly into the work of the Steyler Missionary Order. The private bank supports numerous aid projects in over 60 countries around the world that are committed to peace, justice, and the preservation of creation. Placing people at the center of everyday financial life is the basis of the bank's relationship with its approximately 16,700 customers. The bank's investment forms are based on social, ecological, and moral considerations. The bank offers the following: checking and savings accounts, savings bonds, fixed-term deposits, online banking, securities brokerage, investment advice, and asset management.

Ethikbank

Ethikbank is a direct bank for ethical and ecological banking products that invests its customers' money exclusively in people and nature. It is a branch of Volksbank Eisenberg eG and is the only bank to offer micro accounts for people who have fallen into debt or other financial difficulties. This micro account is a credit-based current account for anyone who is no longer allowed to have an account elsewhere. Ethikbank offers its approximately 6,000 customers the following: checking and savings accounts, fixed-term deposits, online banking, the aforementioned microaccounts, Riester pensions, investment funds, custody accounts, and eco-loans.