Paying, saving, investing, borrowing. We cannot do without well-functioning banks, pension funds, lenders and insurers. However, the period 2008-2013 clearly showed how the financial sector can lose sight of the public interest. The question is whether we have fully acknowledged the underlying causes of the crisis at that time. From the pursuit of profit maximisation to the formation of oligopolies, the passing on of risks and externalities, and the financialisation of the economy and society – these remain real issues. At the same time, there is the question of whether we responded appropriately to the crisis: overregulation and excessive protocolisation are the order of the day and stifle good initiative in the sector.
In particular, our Finance and the Common Good programme focuses on the Dutch banking sector. The Netherlands has traditionally been a banking economy. Banks were the key players between the public and private sectors, between the financial and real economies, between consumers and businesses, between assets and credit, between markets, between groups, and between countries. Many traditional tasks of banks appear to be under pressure due to, among other things, digitisation, geopolitical changes, the emergence of new competitors, legalisation, etc. Banks must reflect on their role and function in the new world. Will there still be a Dutch banking sector in 2030? How can it find a new balance between good results and social relevance?
What we do
1. The financial sector is woven into the fabric of society, and vice versa. It is inevitable that politicians, policymakers, academics, businesses and civil society organisations will be involved in the debate on a healthy and responsible financial sector. We therefore facilitate round-table discussions on important social issues with key figures from within and outside the sector.
2. The financial sector faces major challenges. That is why we conduct research and publish our findings in books, podcasts and articles. For example, we write about the ethics of AI in digital finance or the ideals of the modern banker.
3. Under the title ‘Young Leaders in Finance’, we organise ongoing seminars for young thinkers in the financial sector. These are driven professionals who are keen to explore personal, professional and social issues. The seminars feature engaging lectures and debates with philosophers, top bankers, politicians, scientists and journalists, among others. The flyer with the schedule of meetings can be found below.
Who we work with
Socires is collaborating with the Sustainable Finance Lab on this programme. Regular partners in the programme include the Dutch Banking Association, ABN Amro, Rabobank, ING, Triodos, Volksbank and the Ministry of Finance.
Funding for the programme is among others provided by the Laudes Foundation,
Want to know more?
Would you like to know more about the programme Finance and the Common Good – our publications, meetings, activities? Please contact Dooitze de Jong. We also like to explore the possibilities of cooperation.
