Apropos Coop Banking "Co-operative Banking Today: Living Up to the Values and Principles of the Co-operative Identity in a Fast-Changing World"

The EACB is pleased to announce its event

Apropos Coop Banking

“Co-operative Banking Today: Living up to the Values and Principles of the Co-operative Identity in a Fast-changing World”

30 June 2022 - 15:00-16:30pm CET (ONLINE)

On the 30th of June, the EACB is organising an online event in the context of the “100th International Day of Cooperatives” that will be officially celebrated by co-operatives all around the world on the 2nd of July. Such a day is a great opportunity for co-operative banks to put in the spotlight their human-centred business model, inspired by the co-operative values of self-help, democracy, equality and solidarity, promoting openness and social responsibility.

This webinar will be specifically dedicated to the evolving concept of “co-operative identity”. Indeed, co-operative values and principles are currently subject of a global debate led by the International Cooperative Alliance, as reflections are ongoing on the necessity to further examine the international “Statement on the Cooperative Identity”. This development stands in the context of the broader economic debate on sustainable development and stakeholder capitalism, which is of particular relevance for co-operative banks as relevant players in the economy. With their specific business model, co-operative banks are a key element for a diverse banking landscape. They have a long tradition of providing financial services to households and SMEs and to ensure inclusiveness in the regions where they operate. Well-rooted in the local communities and owned by millions of members co-operative banks dispose of a unique business model. What makes the co-operative approach to business different from other banks? What are the common denominators defining today’s perception of co-operative identity and co-operative banking? What are the challenges today and in the future?

These topics will be in the focus of our upcoming event. Bruno Roelants, Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance, will deliver a keynote speech followed by a panel discussion giving the floor to remarkable high-level experts from Australia, Belgium, Italy, Lithuania and the UK.

Programme