Coop57 is a cooperative financial services organization based in Barcelona, Spain, that specializes in ethical banking services. It was founded in 1995 by former employees of the publishing house Bruguera, who pooled their redundancy payments to create a collective fund. Over time, Coop57 evolved to support a broader range of social and solidarity economy projects across Spain.
Coop57 operates outside the traditional banking system, offering loans to local associations, cooperative housing projects, and cultural foundations. The organization emphasizes social principles, requiring funded projects to have strong local roots and a balanced wage ratio. As of recent years, Coop57 has expanded its operations to several regions in Spain, supporting initiatives in education, sustainability, and employment.
Notable projects include the financing of La Borda, a cooperative housing initiative in Barcelona, and the Patufet School, a cooperative educational project. Coop57's financial model allows for community involvement in decision-making, ensuring that projects align with the values of solidarity and sustainability. The organization's activities are guided by a commitment to ethical finance and community development, making it a key player in Spain's social economy landscape. Through its work, Coop57 offers an alternative to traditional banking, providing financial support to projects that might not qualify for conventional funding.