step one - talk to your bank

Photo: Jim Loring.

We hope that the following information will help you take three next steps to connect you to financial resources and professionals who can give you information and advice on the polices, products and ethics of banks, building societies and financial institutions, and most importantly God and His heart to connect your money with His heart for the poor and the environment.

Tearfund is not an independent financial advisory service and so we can not take responsibility for the polices, products and ethics of the banks, building societies and financial institutions listed on these pages.

Step one: talk to your bank

Choosing a bank based on your values and ethics means that you have to find out what theirs are so that you can make the right decision.

Make a list of the areas of business that you do not want your money to finance. Here are a list of possible sectors which you would be unhappy for your money to finance:

• the arms trade
• tobacco industry
• pornography
• gambling
• oppressive regimes
• environmental degradation
• exploitation of worker’s rights
• testing on animals
• nuclear weapons

Here are some questions which you can ask your bank about any of these issues:

1. Do you invest in or lend money to any government or business which is involved in... [insert particular areas you are concerned about]?
2. What is the bank's policy in terms of lending to, investing in, or supporting companies which are the subject of 'continuing criticism' for not complying with laws or best practice with regards to [insert particular areas you are concerend about]?
3. What criteria does the bank follow when deciding who to lend and invest depositor's money in?