FONDAZIONE FINANZA ETICA

EU Legislative Interests

Fondazione Finanza Etica contributes to EU policy processes on sustainable and ethical finance through advocacy, research and public engagement activities. In 2024–2025, the Foundation contributed to the campaign Impresa 2030 on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), supporting civil society advocacy on the Omnibus package and corporate accountability mechanisms at EU level. The Foundation also collaborated with European ethical finance actors by providing training on EU sustainable finance legislation and its implications for ethical investors and financial intermediaries. In particular, it co-developed and delivered a module on the Sustainable Finance Framework (including SFDR, EU Taxonomy, and CSRD) through FEBEA’s capacity-building programme, focusing on the ethical finance perspective and critical gaps in ESG disclosure and regulation. While not engaging in direct bilateral meetings with EU institutions, the Foundation’s staff participated in public events related to the European sustainable finance agenda, including the conference “Ethical banking for more social impact in Europe” (EIB, Febea, GABV, June 2025), where its European advocacy officer was invited as a speaker. These activities align with broader policy goals such as the implementation of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Finance Agenda, and promote a financial system based on social justice, environmental responsibility and democratic control of capital.

Communication Activities

Fondazione Finanza Etica supports its advocacy through public communication, training and media engagement. It contributed to the Impresa 2030 campaign on corporate sustainability due diligence by amplifying civil society messaging and sharing educational content across its channels. The Foundation regularly publishes materials such as the European Ethical Finance Report and Finance for Peace, which engage with ongoing EU legislative files and consultations, including the SFDR, CSRD, EU Taxonomy and CSDDD. These publications address topics such as the alignment of financial institutions with sustainability objectives, capital flows in the just transition, human rights due diligence, and the risks of green- and social-washing in ESG disclosure frameworks. It co-organised a public training module on the Sustainable Finance Framework with FEBEA (November 2024), covering SFDR, EU Taxonomy and CSRD from the perspective of ethical investors. It also took part in the EIB–FEBEA–GABV conference “Ethical banking for more social impact in Europe” (June 2025), addressing the role of ethical banks in advancing EU priorities for social inclusion and sustainable development. In addition, Fondazione Finanza Etica promotes awareness of EU financial regulation through opinion pieces and interviews in major media outlets (e.g. la Repubblica, Il Fatto Quotidiano), contributing to the public debate on the social relevance and limitations of ESG frameworks.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

Fondazione Finanza Etica is a member of the following networks and organisations active at European and international level on sustainable finance, ethical investment, and corporate accountability: Finance Watch – A European non-profit organisation that conducts research and advocacy to make finance serve society. It works closely with EU institutions and civil society to influence financial regulation and promote a fair, transparent and sustainable financial system. https://www.finance-watch.org Shareholders for Change (SfC) – A European network of institutional investors committed to shareholder engagement on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. The network is coordinated by Fondazione Finanza Etica, which provides research and advocacy support. https://www.shareholdersforchange.eu European Responsible Investment Network (ERIN) – A network coordinated by ShareAction that brings together European civil society organisations and responsible investors to influence EU policy and corporate behaviour on sustainability and human rights. https://shareaction.org/investor-networks/european-responsible-investment-network Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) – A US-based coalition of over 300 faith- and values-based institutions advocating for corporate social responsibility through shareholder engagement. The Foundation collaborates with ICCR to align strategies on global corporate accountability issues. https://www.iccr.org Institute for Social Banking (ISB) – An educational institute that promotes learning and development in the field of social banking and sustainable finance. The Foundation participates in ISB activities to strengthen knowledge exchange and cooperation among ethical finance practitioners. https://www.social-banking.org FEBEA – European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks and Financiers – Although Fondazione Finanza Etica is not a formal member, it collaborates with FEBEA on research and training initiatives, including joint publications and events on ethical finance in Europe. https://febea.org/publication/7th-report-ethical-finance

Organisation Members

Fondazione Finanza Etica was established by and is affiliated with two founding members: Banca Popolare Etica S.c.p.a. https://www.bancaetica.it Banca Etica is a cooperative bank operating in Italy and Spain, offering credit and savings services inspired by ethical principles and the values of transparency, participation, and social justice. As a pioneer of ethical banking in Europe, it adopts stringent social and environmental criteria for credit allocation and investment policies. Banca Etica engages actively with European sustainable finance legislation, particularly the EU Taxonomy, the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It also participates in European consultations and advocacy processes, promoting a financial system oriented towards social cohesion, ecological transition, and democratic participation. Etica SGR S.p.A. https://www.eticasgr.com Etica SGR is the only asset management company in Italy exclusively offering sustainable and responsible mutual funds. It applies ESG and ethical screening criteria, conducts shareholder engagement, and promotes transparency across financial markets. Etica SGR aligns its investment policies with the EU regulatory framework on sustainable finance, including SFDR and CSRD, and contributes to shaping investor expectations on corporate due diligence, as outlined in the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The company also takes part in public consultations and multi-stakeholder platforms that influence EU decision-making on sustainable and responsible investment. Both entities share the Foundation’s values and long-term commitment to transforming the financial system in line with the European Green Deal and the EU Sustainable Finance Agenda, and support its mission of combining research, education and advocacy for a more just and transparent economy.

Additional Information

Fondazione Finanza Etica is a non-profit Third Sector entity financed primarily by its founding members, Banca Popolare Etica and Etica SGR. Each founding member provides an annual fixed contribution that covers the Foundation’s operating budget, ensuring the continuity of its institutional and organisational activities. In addition, both founding members allocate a voluntary donation corresponding to 8% of their respective annual net profits, earmarked for project-based initiatives of public interest. These contributions are specifically dedicated to supporting activities such as female entrepreneurship, prevention of economic and gender-based violence, financial inclusion of third-country nationals, and civic engagement among youth under 25. No EU grants have been received. The Foundation’s financial resources are fully dedicated to advocacy, research, financial education, and other non-commercial initiatives that promote ethical and sustainable finance in the public interest.