Zero: The Sustainable Alternative to Banking
11 February, 2025
At our latest FinTech Wales monthly Networking Breakfast, we had the pleasure of welcoming Kate Hodge, Head of Product at Zero, to share the inspiring vision behind Zero—a financial platform designed for those who want their money to reflect their values.
Here is the key takeaway from Kate’s presentation—how Zero is empowering individuals to make financial choices that actively contribute to a greener future.
Zero: The Sustainable Alternative to Banking
In an era where climate change is an existential threat, financial choices play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. Many people are unaware of how their money, held in traditional banks, contributes to environmental harm. Even those who do recognize the impact often feel powerless to drive meaningful change. Zero is here to challenge that narrative and empower individuals to make their money a force for good.
A Vision for Change
Zero was founded with a clear mission: to redefine banking for a generation that prioritises the planet. The goal is to empower individuals on their personal journey to net zero by providing a financial platform that aligns with sustainable values.
How Zero is Making a Difference
To bring this mission to life, Zero has built its foundation on key value propositions:
1. Personal Sustainability
Zero helps users understand their environmental impact and discover simple, affordable ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The GreenScore feature is an innovative tool that measures personal sustainability, tracking the carbon footprint of transactions made through Zero and linked bank accounts via open banking. With future enhancements, users will have even more ways to refine and improve their sustainability score.
2. Ethical Banking Practices
Unlike traditional banks that invest customer deposits in industries like fossil fuels and deforestation, Zero promises never to support harmful activities. This ensures that customers’ money is not used in ways that contradict their values.
3. Community Impact & Shared Value
Zero is more than just a financial service; it is a movement. Users join a community of like-minded individuals committed to sustainability. As part of its commitment to shared value, Zero is giving 20% of the future IPO value to customers in the form of Community Share Options, rewarding them for being part of the journey.
4. Seamless Digital Experience
Many financial institutions prioritise either sustainability or digital innovation—but rarely both. Zero bridges this gap, offering a cutting-edge digital experience while staying true to its sustainability commitments. Customers can enjoy the convenience of a modern banking app with features like Zero Debit Mastercard, virtual cards for online spending, and Apple Pay & Google Pay (coming soon).
What’s Next for Zero?
Zero is continuously evolving to enhance user experience and amplify its sustainability mission. Upcoming developments include:
- Apple Pay & Google Pay integration
- Enhanced GreenScore tracking
- More ways to earn Community Share Options
- Carbon offset features for transactions
- Customer focus groups to refine offerings
Join the Movement
Zero is not just another banking alternative—it is a call to action for individuals who believe that financial decisions should support a healthier planet. Whether you want to sign up, invest, or simply learn more, now is the time to be part of the sustainable finance revolution.
Download. Connect. Invest. Visit Zero at https://zero.co.uk/
(Disclaimer: Investments in Zero involve financial risk. Only invest if prepared for the possibility of losing your investment.)