Karditsa Hosts European Conference on Sustainable Banking

The Greek city of Karditsa will become a focal point for international discussions on the future of sustainable banking as the Cooperative Bank of Karditsa hosts the annual European Chapter conference of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), beginning on Thursday.

The GABV ranks among the leading international organisations promoting values-based banking. It currently represents 74 financial institutions across 46 countries, with combined assets exceeding USD 290 billion, more than 50 million customers and over 100,000 employees worldwide.

The conference will bring together banking executives from across Europe to exchange experiences and discuss developments in sustainable finance, artificial intelligence (AI), financing for the real economy, the challenges of the green transition and the role of banks in regional development.

The decision to appoint the Cooperative Bank of Karditsa as host also recognises its active participation in the GABV international network and highlights the contribution of cooperative banks to local entrepreneurship and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

A Global Network Promoting Values-Based Banking

The Global Alliance for Banking on Values was established in 2009 by ten pioneering banks that recognised the need for a fairer and more sustainable financial system.

Today, it operates as a worldwide network of banks and financial institutions promoting an alternative banking model that combines financial performance with social and environmental value.

The GABV believes banks can drive sustainable development by directing capital towards productive investments, SMEs, social initiatives and projects that protect the environment.

Its stated mission is to create a financial system that serves “people and the planet”, with integrity, human dignity and environmental protection at the heart of its members’ operations.

Although members differ in size and business models, they share common operating principles, including transparency, responsible corporate governance, support for the real economy, long-term resilience, customer service and the measurement of the social and environmental impact of their financing activities.

Membership Expands Across 46 Countries

According to the organisation’s 2025 annual report, the GABV continues to expand its international presence.

The network now comprises 74 members, including 68 full members and six associates, operating across 46 countries on five continents.

Together, these institutions manage more than USD 290 billion in assets, serve approximately 50 million customers and employ over 100,000 people.

The organisation welcomed eight new members during 2025, further demonstrating the network’s continued growth.

The GABV does not operate as a regulatory or supervisory authority. Instead, it provides an international platform for cooperation and the exchange of expertise.

Its members participate in joint working groups covering sustainable finance, measuring the social impact of investments, biodiversity financing, financial inclusion and support for SMEs.

The alliance also runs training programmes for banking executives and board members to promote the principles of values-based banking.

Artificial Intelligence Becomes a Key Priority

Artificial intelligence now occupies an increasingly prominent position on the organisation’s agenda.

During 2025, the GABV organised a series of international initiatives and training programmes focused on the responsible use of AI in banking.

According to its annual report, 100% of the chief executives who participated in a relevant survey said their banks already use or plan to use artificial intelligence applications.

The organisation also established a dedicated library of best practices to help members adopt AI responsibly.

Five Regional Chapters Drive International Cooperation

The GABV operates through five regional chapters covering Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and North America.

Each chapter holds annual meetings to examine developments in its respective markets and emerging trends in financing the economy.

The organisation also holds an annual global meeting. In 2025, it organised this gathering in Africa for the first time, with Uganda’s Centenary Bank serving as host.

The scale of its international cooperation is reflected in its activities during 2025, when the GABV organised 13 in-person international events involving more than 350 participants and held over 100 online meetings among members.

These activities allow participating institutions to exchange best practices, develop joint initiatives and formulate proposals on sustainable finance, innovation, digital transformation and strengthening the real economy.

International Recognition for Greece and Karditsa

The European Regional Conference in Karditsa forms part of this broader international network of cooperation.

For Greece, hosting the event provides an opportunity to raise its international profile in sustainable banking.

For the Cooperative Bank of Karditsa, it reinforces its active role in an international network helping shape developments in sustainable banking, business financing and the transformation of the financial system.

(Source: AMNA)

Stay connected to Greek City Times for Free on Google News
Click NOW
Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on WhatsApp, Google News and Apple News.
Advertising