Values-based banking model shared with economic leaders at the Vatican

July 24, 2014

Vancity president and CEO Tamara Vrooman has just returned from a two-day conference at the Vatican.

The conference, entitled The Global Common Good: Towards a More Inclusive Economy, was aimed at deepening the thought and perspectives on social justice and inclusion and discussing new business and economic models that put people first.

Over 70 delegates from around the world discussed the need for a different approach to the economy – one that puts an equal emphasis on values and profit, which is exactly what we do here at Vancity. Vrooman shared examples of Vancity’s values-based banking in action and how we’re developing products for those who are underserved, such as our new Fair & Fast Loan, which helps people get out of the cycle of debt caused by payday loans. She also explained how our co-operative values help us serve our members and the communities we serve through impact lending and how we pay a living wage and the many other steps we take to serve our members and their communities.

For more information on the conference we invite you to read Ian Bailey’s story published in The Globe and Mail.