Abstract

Melanie Schmergal, Head of Communications at the National Association of German Cooperative Banks, discussed the integration of economic goals with social policies within the German Cooperative Banking Group. The session attracted 95 participants and included a Q&A session, emphasizing BVR's cooperative social responsibility concept, financial education, creativity, and sustainable commitment. Cooperative banks have a history of balancing financial success with social responsibility, with BVR being the umbrella organization for the sector in Germany. Media coverage in Germany and Ireland has highlighted cooperative banks' profitability and challenges, including economic recession and EU policy changes. The importance of balancing financial success with social responsibility in the cooperative banking sector was underscored, with a focus on sustainability management and community engagement through sponsorship projects.

Summary

Melanie Schmergal, Head of Communications at the National Association of German Cooperative Banks, discussed the integration of economic goals with social policies within the German Cooperative Banking Group. The session attracted 95 participants and included a Q&A session. The presentation emphasized BVR's cooperative social responsibility concept, financial education, creativity, and sustainable commitment, showcasing initiatives like the "Jugend Creativ" creative competition and "Sterne des Sports" club competition. Cooperative banks have a history of balancing financial success with social responsibility, with BVR being the umbrella organization for the sector in Germany. Financially, cooperative banks have shown significant growth, with notable pre-tax profits and reported equity roles. Media coverage in Germany and Ireland has highlighted cooperative banks' profitability and challenges, including economic recession and EU policy changes. The importance of balancing financial success with social responsibility in the cooperative banking sector was underscored, with BVR focusing on a sustainable finance project. Sustainability management is crucial for customer and employee retention, with a goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 and boost women in leadership roles. Local cooperative banks' sponsorship projects play a vital role in enhancing brand reputation and fostering community engagement. The "Jugend Creativ" competition encourages creativity and personal development among youth, aligning with the sector's non-profit goals. Melanie emphasized the importance of financial education and building trust with pupils through established programs like "Jugend Creativ." The international reach of the competition was highlighted, showcasing different approaches in countries like Italy, France, and Austria. Melanie extended an invitation for international participation in the competition and in the German "Bundespreis Academy" for young artists. The impact of recognizing talent in rural areas and fostering creativity was emphasized, with examples of local success stories sparking community pride. The challenges of obtaining sponsorship and support for projects like "Jugend Creativ" and "Sterne des Sports" were discussed, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives in promoting social responsibility within the banking sector. The evolving nature of banking in the digital age was touched upon, highlighting the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach in cooperative banking. The ongoing efforts to modernize while staying true to cooperative values and community-focused initiatives were emphasized for the future success of German cooperative banks.

Keypoints

• The SPARK session is presented by Melanie Schmergal, Head of Communications at the National Association of German Cooperative Banks (BVR).
• The session focuses on how the German Cooperative Banking Group combines economic goals with social policies.
• Around 95 people are registered for the session.
• A Q&A session followed the presentation for attendees to ask questions or give feedback.
• Melanie Schmergal discussed BVR's cooperative social responsibility concept, goals, values, financial education promotion, creativity, and sustainable commitment.
• Insights were provided on creative competitions like "Jugend Creativ" and club competitions like "Sterne des Sports".
• BVR is the umbrella organization for the cooperative banking sector in Germany, representing various cooperative banks and financial institutions.
• BVR has over 200 employees in Berlin and represents the professional, commercial, and economic policy interests of its members.
• Cooperative banks in Germany have 17.8 million members and 30 million customers who trust them with financial matters.
• The financial performance of German cooperative banks has improved significantly, with a pre-tax profit of €10.7 billion and reported equity of €64 billion.
• Challenges faced by cooperative banks include the recession in Germany, the return of trade wars, and attempts to weaken private sector protection schemes in the European Parliament.
• BVR's functions include securing stability and future existence of member banks, lobbying, and strategy development.
• Cooperative banks in Germany have established a strong foundation for future growth and success.
• BVR is actively involved in sustainable finance projects to address challenges and opportunities related to sustainability in the financial sector.
• BVR's sponsorship projects, such as "Jugend Creativ" and "Sterne des Sports", play a crucial role in promoting a positive image of cooperative banks and fostering regional engagement.

Glossary

• Cooperative Banking

  Cooperative banking is a form of banking where customers are also owners of the bank, pooling their resources to provide financial services to each other. Members have voting rights and share in the profits of the bank.

• Corporate Social Responsibility

  Corporate Social Responsibility is a business practice that involves initiatives to benefit society, the environment, and stakeholders beyond just maximizing profits. It involves ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability in business operations.

• Creativity

  Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas or solutions through imagination and innovation. It involves thinking outside the box and exploring new possibilities.

• Customer Trust

  Customer trust is the belief or confidence that a customer has in a company or brand to deliver on their promises and provide a positive experience. It is built through consistent and reliable interactions that demonstrate honesty, transparency, and integrity.

• Digital Euro

  A digital Euro is a form of electronic currency issued by the European Central Bank, designed to be used for digital transactions within the Eurozone. It is a digital representation of the traditional Euro currency, allowing for faster and more efficient payments.

• Economic Challenges

  Economic challenges refer to obstacles or difficulties faced by individuals, businesses, or governments in managing resources, making financial decisions, and achieving economic stability and growth. These challenges can include issues such as inflation, unemployment, poverty, and market fluctuations.

• Economic Policy

  Economic policy refers to the actions and measures taken by a government to regulate and control the economy, including fiscal and monetary policies. It aims to achieve specific economic goals such as promoting growth, reducing unemployment, and stabilizing prices.

• Financial Education

  Financial education is the process of learning how to manage money effectively, including budgeting, investing, and understanding financial concepts. It aims to improve financial literacy and empower individuals to make informed financial decisions.

• Financial Success

  Achieving financial success means having enough resources to meet your financial goals and live comfortably, often through smart budgeting, saving, and investing.

• Media Coverage

  Media coverage refers to the reporting and dissemination of news and information by various forms of media, such as newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms. It plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and awareness on current events and issues.

• Membership

  Membership refers to the status or condition of being a member of a group, organization, or club. It typically involves paying dues or meeting certain criteria to gain access to benefits or privileges.

• Profitability

  Profitability refers to the ability of a business or investment to generate financial gain or profit, typically measured as a ratio of revenue to expenses. Higher profitability indicates a more successful and sustainable operation.

• Social Responsibility

  Social responsibility is the idea that individuals and organizations have a duty to act in ways that benefit society as a whole, beyond just their own interests. It involves making decisions that consider the impact on the community, environment, and stakeholders.

• Sustainability

  Sustainability is the practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic, social, and environmental factors to ensure long-term viability.

• Sustainable Commitment

  Sustainable commitment refers to a long-term dedication to practices or actions that are environmentally, socially, and economically responsible, with the goal of ensuring the well-being of future generations. It involves making decisions and taking actions that prioritize the preservation and protection of resources and communities for the benefit of both present and future needs.