GLS Bank, headquartered in Bochum, Germany, was founded in 1974 and is recognized as the country’s first bank with a social and ecological focus. The bank’s full name, Gemeinschaftsbank für Leihen und Schenken, translates to “Community bank for loaning and giving.” It was established as a cooperative initiative led by Wilhelm Ernst Barkhoff and Gisela Reuther, rooted in anthroposophical principles.
As of 2024, GLS Bank manages assets exceeding €10.8 billion and is the 16th largest cooperative bank in Germany. It serves both individuals and businesses, providing services such as current and savings accounts, loans, and insurance. The bank’s structure is cooperative, with over 40,000 members sharing ownership.
GLS Bank distinguishes itself by focusing exclusively on financing projects with social, cultural, or ecological aims. Its portfolio includes support for renewable energy ventures, organic agriculture, independent schools, nursing homes, communal living projects, and therapeutic institutions. Every loan and investment is published to ensure transparency, allowing savers to choose the sectors in which their funds are invested.
Recent figures show continued growth in assets and membership. Projects in 2024 include the financing of sustainable housing cooperatives and green infrastructure developments. The bank’s headquarters, located at Christstraße 9 in Bochum, is accessible and serves as a central hub for its business and advisory operations. With a commitment to transparency and ethical banking, GLS Bank continues to set benchmarks in the German cooperative financial sector.