Introduction

Banks play a crucial role in allocating financial resources with companies, governments and the whole economy depending on the financial services they provide, as has been proved by the recent financial crisis and its effects on the economy as a whole. Banks play an important role in the resource sector with not only the banks of industrialised countries being important players but banks from emerging market economies as well. Due to strong civil society criticism some banks have developed sectoral standards and a growing group of banks commits to follow the so called Equator Principles to lead some of their investments.

Private and Public Banks - Background

November 19, 2008 - Banks play a crucial role in allocating financial resources with companies, governments and the whole economy depending on the financial services provided by them. They have the ability to finance destructive activities but could be an agent of change, too. more»

Private and Public Banks - Banks in Emerging Market Countries

- November 19, 2008 - While much remains unknown on banks in industrialised countries due to commercial confidentiality, even less is known about banks in emerging market countries. However some research has been done especially on Chinese banks. more»

Public and Private Banks - Banks and the Resource Sector

- November 19, 2008 - Banks play an important role in providing money for oil and gas exploration, mining activities and activities with impacts on forests. In order to realise and minimise negative impacts they should develop sector standards following international standards, conventions and best practice. more»

Private and Public Banks - Activities on Banks

- November 19, 2008 - Read about international NGOs active on banks and tools they use to prevent banks financing destructive projects. more»