So let’s jump right in. There are so many different situations and issues we can explore but I’d like to talk about banking and ethics on a macro level at the moment.

Is it even possible for a bank, credit card company, lender or major extender of credit to even have a belief or policy of balancing the treatment of customers over or equal to the pursuit of profits?

Does the pressure of a publicly traded banking institution create such a tremendous burden on performance that when faced with the intersection of performance or ethical management, one of those forces must give way?

Are business ethics adjustable or bendable or are there absolutes beyond which they can’t bend?

Looking around the web for information on banking and ethics has been enlightening. There seems to be an absence of information, in fact a huge black hole on this subject. While there is much discussion about business ethics about lying, cheating and stealing, there is not much talk about  the ethical intersection between the pursuit of profit in banking and the treatment or regard for customers. Is that or should that even be a concern at all?

Banking pursues profit but does banking pursue the ethical treatment of customers as well? Should it?

I know I’ve asked some very broad questions in this post but I am anxious to start a discussion and hear what you have to say.

Please share your opinion by visiting The Ethical Banker.