Social impact strategies for banks: Venture philanthropy and social investment

This publication explores how European banks can use their core strengths -financial acumen, investment skills, capital and networks- to actively generate social impact by engaging in venture philanthropy and social investment. It is a compilation of numerous interviews with executives at banks, as well as archival research. The report seeks to show the full range of VP and social investment initiatives and activities by banks based in Europe, whilst being particularly interested in those that have an engaged investment or venturing dimension. Furthermore, we selected cases that would illustrate a diversity of approaches. At this point in the evolution there are already several pioneering initiatives and exciting stories to share about what can be done by banks in this field. The reports demonstrate why banks are an essential pillar of the Social Impact Investment Strategy, what are their challenges and best practices.