Artificial Intelligence and Banking
Artificial intelligence is often presented as an objective tool for decision-making, but recent research suggests that AI may replicate the same racial biases already present in the banking industry. As lenders adopt these technologies, questions about fairness, transparency, and accountability are becoming more important than ever.
Interview with Jon Mulkin
In this interview, Hope Credit Union Chief Mortgage Officer Jon Mulkin reflects on four decades in mortgage lending, from leading home loan operations at Morgan Stanley to helping first-time homebuyers build wealth through Hope’s mission-driven approach. He shares insights on affordable housing, community development, racial equity, and the future of mortgage lending in underserved communities.
The Big Short’s Lessons in Bad Banking
The Big Short turns one of the most complex financial disasters in modern history into an engaging story about the people who saw the housing market collapse coming. Beyond the entertainment, the film offers an important warning about the dangers of unchecked greed, weak regulation, and banking practices that put profits ahead of people.
Bank of Dave’s Lessons on Community Banking
The 2023 Netflix film Bank of Dave tells the inspiring story of a businessman determined to create a community bank that serves local people rather than distant shareholders. While the movie takes creative liberties, its central lesson rings true: when capital stays local, communities thrive. Here’s what Bank of Dave can teach us about the power of community banking.
Disinvesting From War in the Middle East
Many people are asking how their financial decisions connect to global conflicts and military funding. While banking transparency remains limited, moving deposits from large multinational banks to local community institutions can be a meaningful way to align your finances with values of peace, accountability, and community development.
What Is Ethical Banking? How Better Banking Supports Communities
Ethical banking is about more than avoiding mega banks—it’s about choosing financial institutions that use your deposits responsibly. From community lending to environmental sustainability and transparency, ethical banks and credit unions can help build a more equitable world while still meeting your everyday banking needs.
More About Our Data & How It’s Updated
Our Better Banking Options search engine uses FDIC and NCUA data to rank banks and credit unions based on community-focused lending and local impact.
What is Values-Based Banking?
Values-based banking prioritizes community wellbeing, sustainable growth, and relationship-focused lending over short-term profit maximization. Here’s why it matters.
Five Reasons to Break Up With Your Mega Bank
Mega banks prioritize profits and speculative investments over communities. Here are five reasons why moving your money to a local bank or credit union can make a real difference.
Black Banks You Should Move Your Money To TODAY
Looking for a meaningful way to support Black communities financially? Black-owned banks and Minority Depository Institutions help expand access to housing, business loans, and banking services in historically underserved neighborhoods across the country.
How Better Banking Fits Into Ethical Consumerism
Ethical consumerism can feel impossible in today’s economy, but where you bank still matters. Learn how Better Banking helps turn your deposits into community investment and positive economic change.
Why Transparency in Banking Matters for Community Development and Ethical Lending
Transparency in banking helps consumers understand how financial institutions use their deposits and whether banks are truly investing in underserved communities. As regulatory changes reduce reporting requirements for housing lending data, it becomes more difficult to evaluate which banks prioritize affordable housing, community development, and equitable lending practices.