BankTrack

BankTrack

Banktrack logo
Founded	November 2003, Bakkum, Netherlands
Location	Vismarkt 15, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Key people	Johan Frijns, Coordinator
Area served	Worldwide
Focus	Private banks, environment, climate change, human rights
Mission	To contribute to a private banks sector accountable to society at large
Method	Direct action, lobbying, research
Employees	six
Members	Network consists out of 30 member organizations
Motto	Private banks, public interest
Website	[1]

BankTrack is a global network of non-governmental organizations cooperating on the field of private banks and sustainability. BankTrack uses direct action, lobbying and research to achieve it goals. BankTrack focuses primarily on the work of private banks, and their involvement in projects that are a risk to society.

The network exists out of thirty organizations, amongst whom Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth. The network was formally established in 2005, but in 2003 the beginning of BankTrack was marked by drawing the Collevechio declaration. In this declaration, the members of then declared they would urge private banks to invest in a sustainable way.

BankTrack releases research reports that are used by many organizations, banks and analysts. The research always focuses on the performance of banks in certain projects. In 2009 BankTrack will release a new report about the credit policies of 56 banks worldwide. Amongst these banks are the largest ones in the world, for example: HSBC, Citi, Société Générale, ING, Deutsche Bank and Unicredit.

Equator Principles BankTrack closely monitors the evolvement Equator Principles. These are voluntary principles that banks can enhance when financing projects. At June 4, 2003 the Equator Principles were signed by a small number of banks. At the moment over 70 private banks have adopted the principles. At the end of 2009, the Performance Standards of the IFC will be reviewed. Since the Equator Principles are following these standards, they will be reviewed as well.