Banks play a crucial role in society. Almost everything people buy, earn, spend and invest involves a bank. Customers have full confidence that banks are handling their money correctly within a secure environment. At the same time, there are many societal issues that need to be solved, and banks can, should and want to be part of this solution.
This brochure discusses how a bank works, the role of banks in the economy, the issues dealt with by banks, and how they relate to societal challenges.
Banks form a bridge between societal challenges and the real economy. They are necessary for supporting the economy. Banks play a dual role, acting as both a commercial actor and a partner for society. And this is not always easy. To achieve this, we need strong banks, which calls for prudent deliberations by the banks themselves as well as by politicians. This, in turn, requires a sound policy vision for the future of the financial sector and the Belgian economy.
This brochure is primarily an invitation to dialogue since, despite the important economic and societal role of banks, the general public is often unaware of how banks really work. Therefore, the purpose of this brochure is to offer greater insights, create more transparency and show everyone what we do and what drives us.
We are always open to dialogue, and as an important partner for citizens, businesses and government, we want to ensure that we are ready to address societal challenges.