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For 15 years now, values-based banking, the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), has been a global force reshaping banking to be more inclusive, sustainable, and socially responsible.
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) was founded 15 years ago by a group of pioneering CEOs in the banking sector who believed in the power of finance to create a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world. What began as a bold vision has since evolved into a global movement of over 70 financial institutions across over 45 countries, collectively managing $265 billion in assets.
The alliance has not only expanded its reach but has also cemented its role as a thought leader in values-based banking—a model that prioritizes social and environmental impact over short-term profits. The GABV members, ranging from banks to credit unions and microfinance organizations, share a commitment to serving the real economy, strengthening communities, and fostering long-term resilience. As the GABV celebrates this milestone, the organization reflects on its journey, its growing influence, and the impact it continues to drive through advocacy and leadership development.
From the start, leadership has been the cornerstone of the Banking on Values movement, with the CEOs positioned as the key drivers of change. The GABV is one of the only CEO-level financial networks that is truly global, bridging the global north and south. The original founding members saw the importance of the power of CEOs coming together for mutual learning and support, a core principle that they still champion today. “Our network provides a platform for collaboration and mutual support among executives committed to systemic transformation,” says Martin Rohner, Executive Director at GABV.
This commitment to continuous learning and growth is showcased by the GABV’s flagship program, the Leadership Academy, which marks its 10th edition in 2025. Launched in 2015 in partnership with MIT CoLab and the Presencing Institute, the academy was designed to nurture leaders within values-based banks, focusing on banking expertise with a deeper personal and professional growth needed to drive meaningful change.
Over the years, the program has evolved into a transformative experience, exposing participants to real-world impact through immersive learning journeys with host banks’ clients. Graduates of the academy have gone on to shape the future of finance, reinforcing the values of transparency, sustainability, and ethical leadership. The alumni network continues to grow, fostering collaboration and innovation within the broader GABV community.
While CEOs remain the backbone of the movement, the GABV recognizes the importance of engaging practitioners in different areas within its member banks through its communities of practice. There are four key "Communities of Practice" that foster peer learning and cross-sector collaboration. Beyond CEOs and executive leadership, these communities focus on (1) Board Members, (2) Impact Strategy, (3) Marketing & Communications, and (4) Human Development. By serving as a platform for knowledge exchange, the GABV enables its members to scale their impact and remain resilient in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
While the GABV has long focused on empowering local banks to serve their communities, its role as a global advocate has expanded significantly. The alliance is raising its voice on critical global issues to position ethical finance as a force for peace and a low-carbon economy.
At its annual meeting in Milan in 2024, the GABV made a bold statement with the Milan Declaration and Statement for Peace—a call to action that addressed the intersection of banking and the weapons industry. The organization also commissioned research to shed light on the financial sector’s ties to arms production to further reinforce its commitment to ethical finance.
Another milestone came with the GABV’s endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Profiliferation Treaty, making it the first global financial network to support the initiative. 25 institutions have already pledged their commitment, signaling a broader movement towards divestment from fossil fuels.
As the GABV enters its next phase, its mission is clearer than ever: to strengthen its global network, deepen collaboration among members, and amplify its voice in advocating for a more just and sustainable financial system. The alliance remains steadfast in its belief that finance should serve people and the planet.
Looking forward, the GABV will continue to develop resources, training programs, and advocacy initiatives that empower financial institutions to drive positive change. By enabling its members to challenge the status quo, the GABV is shaping the future of finance itself. And, with a growing movement behind it, the alliance is poised to drive an even greater impact in the years to come.
