Commercial banks
If you are a mature, profitable organisation and have a promising circular city initiative for which you are seeking financing, commercial banks could provide good debt solutions.
Although such innovative initiatives usually have a higher risk profile than other investments, several commercial banks are increasingly willing to provide loans that support the transition to a circular economy.
You can contact a commercial bank to hear about the funding possibilities for your initiative. If they are interested, they will carry out a financial analysis of your company in order to assess the possibility to grant a loan.
Below is presented a selection of commercial banks that have a specific focus on circular economy projects. This is a non-exhaustive list, and other EU banks with circular focus or programmes that could be featured in this list are welcome to contact C3@eib.org.
Belfius (Belgium)
This Belgian bank has already supported over 189 projects within their ‘Smart Cities, Climate Action & Circular Economy’ programme. Belfius also offers a variety of other programmes related to circular economy, which can be found here 
.
BNP Paribas SA (France)
BNP Paribas’ main circular offer is its leasing solution . In addition, they also provide sustainability-linked loans through which they incentivise firms to improve their circular economy practices.
Intesa Sanpaolo (Italy)
Intesa Sanpaolo is an international frontrunner in financing circular economy initiatives. They offer a wide range of green products and services to boost sustainability transitions. As part of their 2022-2025 Business Plan, they allocated 8 billion euros to support Italian and international businesses active in the circular transition process.
ABN AMRO (Netherlands)
ABN AMRO actively seeks clients that wish to transform their business model into a circular one. For 2024, they have set a target of 27% of their loan portfolio to consist of sustainable corporate loans and 42% of its investments to be ESG impact investments .
ING Bank (Netherlands)
ING Bank is a Dutch bank that offers a wide range of financial products. They have a specific focus on the circular economy.
Rabobank (Netherlands)
Rabobank actively supports circular businesses, not only through the provision of financial products, but also though their Circular Business Challenge.
DLL (Netherlands & Belgium)
DLL (De Lage Landen), a subsidiary of Rabobank, provides leasing services with a strong emphasis on circular economy . In particular, they support businesses throughout the entire value chain, optimising circular business practices.
BBVA (Spain)
BBVA offers sustainable versions of their corporate and investment banking products, which include bonds and loans among others. BBVA aims at mobilising 200 billion euros in sustainable financing by 2025.
Ekobanken (Sweden)
Ekobanken is an ethical bank based in Sweden. They offer loans mainly to operations that create social, environmental or cultural added value .
JAK Members Bank (Sweden)
JAK Bank is a Swedish co-operative bank that has been providing interest-free loans since 1970. The bank provides ample finance opportunities for circular economy initiatives .
Sparbanken Sjuhärad (Sweden)
Sparbanken is a Swedish bank that conducts research on the opportunities and risks of financing circular business models. They provide investment loans for all types of companies.
The Hague, the Netherlands 
