Charity Bank is a UK savings and loans bank established in 2002 as an independent regulated bank. 48 It was officially launched at 11 Downing Street on 17 October 2002. 8 The organisation is owned entirely by charitable foundations, trusts and social-purpose organisations. 34
Its operating model links savings with social-purpose lending: money deposited by savers is used to provide loans to charities, social enterprises and other impact-led organisations whose work has charitable, social or environmental objectives. 24 Charity Bank also offers savings accounts to individuals and organisations seeking financial returns alongside a social-purpose use for their money. 4
The bank lends across sectors including housing, education, social care, community development and other areas of social-purpose activity. 5 Its stated focus is the UK, and its lending supports organisations operating across the country. 511 As of 2025, Charity Bank reported having made more than 1,480 loans worth over £653 million. 5
Charity Bank’s registered office and headquarters are at Fosse House, 182 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, England. 3 The bank is incorporated in the UK and regulated as a deposit-taking institution by the Prudential Regulation Authority, while also being regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 3 Ed Siegel is the chief executive, and Alan Hodson is chair of the organisation. 35 Charity Bank is therefore a nationally focused, specialist financial institution serving the UK social sector rather than a conventional commercial bank.