FEBEA, the European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks and Financiers, is an international non-profit association based in Brussels. Established in 2001 by six founding institutions from Italy, France, Belgium, and Poland, its mission is to promote ethical and solidarity-based finance across Europe. As of 2025, FEBEA comprises 32 member financial institutions from 17 European countries, representing a diverse group including ethical banks, credit cooperatives, investment companies, and foundations.
The organization coordinates members who prioritize the use of savings and investments for social good, transparency, and long-term positive impact. FEBEA’s members are committed to excluding sectors like weapons, fossil fuels, and tobacco from their portfolios. Instead, their focus is on financing initiatives that positively affect sustainable development, social cohesion, and local economies, such as job creation in the social sector, renewable energy, organic farming, and fair trade.
FEBEA plays a key role in advocacy at EU institutions, knowledge exchange, and the creation of financial instruments tailored to the needs of the social economy. Its annual conference gathers experts to discuss the evolving landscape of ethical finance. Examples of its work include supporting the foundation of new ethical financiers in countries with limited tradition in the sector and fostering best practice exchange among established members. The federation operates under a collaborative governance model, with a General Assembly that gives each member an equal vote, ensuring participatory and democratic decision-making across its network.