Social Impact Strategies for Banks

Banks are an essential pillar of the Social Impact Investment Strategy. This publication explores how European banks can use their core strengths – financial acumen, investment skills, capital and networks – to actively generate social impact by engaging in venture philanthropy (VP) and social investment (SI).

This report is a compilation of numerous interviews with executives at banks, as well as archival research. It shows the full range of VP and SI initiatives and activities by banks based in Europe, while being particularly interested in those that have an engaged investment or venturing dimension. We have particularly selected cases that illustrate a diversity of approaches. At this point in the evolution there are already several pioneering initiatives and exciting stories to share about what can be done by banks in this field.