Responsible finance helps people, businesses and social enterprises access fair and affordable finance, particularly when mainstream options aren’t available or don’t meet their needs.
It is provided by mission-led organisations that put people and communities at the heart of their decisions and use finance to create positive economic, social and environmental impact.
Finance designed to make a difference
Responsible finance is about more than providing a loan.
Responsible finance providers work with customers who may be underserved by mainstream financial services. They take the time to understand individual circumstances, business plans and potential, and aim to provide finance that is appropriate, transparent and affordable. Responsible finance is about:
Increasing access to finance
Reaching people, businesses and social enterprises that may struggle to access the finance they need elsewhere.
Putting purpose at the heart of finance
Using lending and investment to strengthen businesses, create and protect jobs, support communities and improve people’s financial wellbeing.
Treating customers fairly
Being clear about the cost and terms of finance, lending responsibly and working towards good outcomes for customers.
Understanding the whole picture
Looking beyond a credit score or standard lending criteria to understand the person, business or organisation behind an application.
Creating lasting impact
Using finance as a tool to create positive social, economic and environmental change.
Responsible finance in action
Across the UK, responsible finance providers help people manage essential costs, enable entrepreneurs and small businesses to start and grow, support jobs and local economies, and finance organisations creating positive social and environmental impact.
Explore the impact of responsible finance >
Community Development Finance Institutions
Many responsible finance providers are known as Community Development Finance Institutions, or CDFIs.
CDFIs are purpose-led finance providers. Across the UK, they provide finance to individuals, businesses and social enterprises, often working in communities and markets where access to mainstream finance is limited.
While CDFIs vary in size, geography and the customers they serve, they share a commitment to using finance to create positive outcomes for people and communities.
Who provides responsible finance? >
Looking for finance?
If you are looking for finance for yourself, your business or a social enterprise, Finding Finance can help you explore responsible finance providers that may be relevant to your needs.