Blog
Welcome to the Amalgamated blog, a space for leaders and contributors from inside and outside Amalgamated Bank to share thoughts, opinions, and musings about topics relevant to our bank's mission and customers, the financial industry at large, and national and international affairs. Check back frequently as new blogs are posted on a regular basis.
- Image
Bank-wideThe divestment movement finds itself fighting on a new, unexpected front. Fossil fuel interest groups (big oil and gas) have been regrouping their lobbying efforts after losing their key allies in the White House. Disappointed by the recent changes made by the federal administration to prioritize climate and environmental protection above get-rich-quick schemes for these businesses, they are now refocusing their efforts at the state level. Texas is enthusiastically taking up the gauntlet and leading the charge.
Topics:April 1, 2021 - Image
Bank-wideDemand for ESG investment strategies and products continues to see rapid growth. As we expand our ESG offerings, we are growing the team to lead this important work. We believe that sound Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) competencies will no longer be a trademark of industry distinction but a required commitment to better business practices.
Topics:March 31, 2021 - Image
Bank-wideToday, Amalgamated Bank announced its endorsement of HR 40, which is calling upon the Federal Government to form a Commission to explore reparations for African Americans. As of now, we are the first major U.S. bank to endorse HR 40, but are hopeful we are not the last.
March 17, 2021 - Image
Bank-wideToday, on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2021), we honor the centuries-long plight of women around the world, from women’s suffrage to #MeToo, and everything in between. The theme for this year’s women’s day is #ChooseToChallenge, based on the premise that from challenge comes change. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequalities. We can also choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. At Amalgamated Bank, we always choose to challenge social inequalities and injustices.
Topics:March 8, 2021 - Image
Bank-wideAmalgamated Bank was founded almost 100 years ago to create a diverse, inclusive, and egalitarian community for labor workers. These tenets of our founding are elevated again today as we proudly announce that the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index (HRC CEI) has designated Amalgamated Bank “One of the Best Places to Work” in 2021.
January 28, 2021 - Image
Bank-wideAgainst the rosy backdrop of recent market gains lies the cold reality that with the reopening of the economy comes an end to the brief respite from polluting cars and factories. The long-term effects of this pollution are more visible than ever before.
Topics:November 12, 2020 - Image
Bank-wideThe year 2020 has brought extreme hardship for millions of people throughout the United States and the world. Millions are out of work while wealth concentrations have reached new highs. Our already unstable healthcare system is at the brink while the global pandemic is expanding. Regardless of the outcome of the 2020 election, it is clear that the fundamental pillars of our democracy are challenged.
November 9, 2020 - Image
Bank-wideThis August marks 100 years since the passage of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the constitutional right to vote in the largest expansion of democracy in the history of the U.S. As we reflect on the significance of this anniversary, it’s necessary to analyze the intersectional dynamics of the suffrage movement and how these tensions continue to play a part in the fight for equitable access to voting today.
Topics:August 26, 2020 - Image
Bank-wideThe Department of Labor has issued a proposed rule that would make it even harder for pension funds to invest in ESG products. They are calling for a higher administrative burden that would effectively warrant ESG as an unlikely investment options. At Amalgamated Bank, we think this is wrong and oppose the DOL proposed rule.
July 30, 2020 - Image
Bank-wideDespite a slew of negative economic reports and meeting the official definition of entering into a recession, the stock market is up more than 40% from its March lows. Probably the most common question we receive is why is this decoupling of the broader economy from the equity market occurring?
July 29, 2020 - Image
Bank-wideMorgan Stanley’s announcement that they are joining the Partnership For Carbon Accounting (PCAF) is evidence of the gradual shift in the banking sector towards meaningful climate action. It is also a big victory for values based banking and for all those clients and customers who have decided to put their money where their values are.
July 15, 2020 - Image
Bank-wideAmalgamated Bank was disappointed to hear of the Supreme Court’s decision to affirm a Trump Administration order that would allow employers to limit access to contraception under the Affordable Care Act. We joined an amicus brief before the ruling in support of universal access to contraception and condemn this ruling, which will affect an estimated 126,000 women.
July 10, 2020
