NatWest

Is NatWest ethical?

NatWest has been researched and ranked in The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Banks & Building Societies Ratings Table and receives a low score.

Although our ethical requirements are a long way from being met by this company, we hope that in the future, it will make the necessary changes to operate as a more ethical business.

More information on the ethical issues faced by the sector, may be found in The Good Shopping Guide’s article on Ethical Banking. You can also use our Ethical Banks & Building Societies Ratings Table to compare NatWest to other banking services.

What does NatWest do?

NatWest is known as one of the UK’s ‘Big Four’ banks, alongside Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC. The company offers a range of financial services, including bank accounts, loans, investments and mortgages.

For which criteria does NatWest score poorly? 

NatWest unfortunately receives a bottom rating in many of our research categories.

For example, NatWest was given a bottom rating in the Irresponsible Lending and Irresponsible Lending+ criteria, which is only given to companies with a series of criticisms for their unethical investment practices. NatWest is allegedly involved in funding a range of harmful activities, including North Sea oil, coal-fired power and companies linked with Israeli defence forces.

In what areas does NatWest score well for its ethics?

NatWest does not receive a top rating in any of our research categories.

However, the company does achieve a middle rating for Carbon Disclosure & Reduction Targets, as it has disclosed most of its carbon emissions and has set a Net Zero goal for the future.

How can NatWest improve its ethical rating?

The ethical rating of a Finance brand is divided into three categories by The Good Shopping Guide: the Environment, People and Other. Find out more about how we rate.

NatWest should improve in all areas to attain a higher GSG score, particularly the categories where it receives a bottom rating. These categories are: Environmental Destruction, Irresponsible Lending, Responsible Investment Policy and Other Criticisms.

If you’re interested in learning more about achieving Ethical Accreditation for your brand, please contact us or complete a Free Initial Assessment form.