Research shows that more than 70% of us think that banks need to be more transparent when it comes to disclosing where they lend money. Triodos leads the way as the only commercial bank in the UK to offer total transparency to savers and investors, publishing details of every organisation it lends to. Also, by choosing to bank with Triodos your money can support our work. Simply open a Triodos Current Account, and if you are a new Triodos customer, when your balance reaches £100 they’ll donate £40 to Garden Organic.

Triodos Bank is a European bank with its UK headquarters in Bristol and online banking offering that include both easy access and fixed saving options. Their mission is to use money to make positive social and environmental change in society.

Triodos is known for its financing of the organic sector – as well as renewable energy, community and social projects – has been named as a leader of a group of ‘vibrant ethical alternatives’ in the UK finance sector by an independent research body: Triodos topped Ethical Consumer’s rankings for several products, including its new personal current account, cash ISAs and ethical saving options.

Research shows that more than 70% of us think that banks need to be more transparent when it comes to disclosing where they lend money. Triodos leads the way as the only commercial bank in the UK to offer total transparency to savers and investors, publishing details of every organisation it lends to, which includes backing for organic organisations such as Riverford Organic, Neal’s Yard Remedies, River Cottage and The Soil Association.

Ethical Consumer, a not-for-profit co-operative founded in 1989, has developed an ethical rating system based on research of more than 40,000 firms, brands and products. Triodos was awarded two ‘Best Buy’ recommendations in the current account and savings rankings and scored more than 15 out of 20 table

In contrast the major high street banks including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland/NatWest and Santander fared poorly, with none achieving more than five out of 20 in the score table. Ethical Consumer is calling on these banks to adopt clear policies to avoid lending to coal and tobacco sectors and to provide full transparency about who they lend to and why.

Triodos customer Kat Brealey, from Bristol, recognises the importance of the opportunity for social impact, saying that the Triodos Current Account was a chance for her to make a clear statement about the kind of world she wanted to live in: “For me, switching to a Triodos Current Account is just another piece of the puzzle in terms of being proactive about trying to live according to my values – so once the option became available, I wanted to take it. These days I’m keen that my money doesn’t just ‘not do bad,’ but actively does good – which is why the Triodos model appeals”.

If you’re new to Triodos and open a Current Account, Savings Account or Cash ISA, they will donate £40 to Garden Organic once your balance reaches £100. Terms and conditions and eligibility apply. Tax savings depend on circumstances Visit www.triodos.co.uk/gardenorganic to find out more.