Microfinance blog for Bosnia – ethical banking gets a voice

We like building things. Most of all we like building useful things that engage, empower and get people talking about world-wide issues.

We like ethical banking too and that is why we are delighted to have recently designed, built and delivered a shiny new blog for Co-operative Financial Services.

The Co-operative Bank has created a special $50 million fund in order to support the future development of small businesses in some of the world’s poorest countries. As part of its clever and informed CSR scheme, The Co-operative Bank provides microfinance to Bosnian people. Let Co-op Financial Services introduce you to Belma Gracankic, a Bosnian refugee who was forced to leave Bosnia in the midst of civil war, Belma now has a new life in England working for the bank. The blog features video footage and photos of Belma travelling back to Sarajevo to explore how the country has changed since the war and the important role that microfinance is playing in helping people re-build their lives.

Whilst all the other financial systems in the world seem like they are going down the drain, The Co-operative Bank is throwing some social media goodness into the pot to show how they’re making a long-lasting difference.

Using video on the site helps break down the barrier between brand and customer, giving the observer a more engaging, interactive experience. The Co-op blog, complete with video interviews of individuals that have specifically benefited from the good work of the bank, aims to allow real people to tell real stories. The stories are powerful and genuine; the type of thing customers of the Co-op Bank would be interested in finding out about.

Helping The Co-operative Financial Services to share its positive stories online is something we are tremendously proud to be involved in. It also gives The Co-operative Bank a softer more informal way of telling people about their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and as a result helps them further in unlocking the value of their brand.

This is only the start of the journey for The Co-operative Bank but it is a step in the right direction. They are boldly using online to continue their journey and judging by the reaction their blog has already received, it seems they are venturing down the right track.

By using an online blog, The Co-operative Bank are starting to peel back the veneer to reveal the real people who are doing the real work which matters so much to the bank and their customers.

Ruth wrote this on 08.10.08 – 1 comment
It's filed in the Blogging, Social media, Strategy, Web technology box