Working at an international charity, Peace Direct, and as a campaigner striving to create a more peaceful world, Dylan was committed to finding a bank that aligned with his ethical principles. Read about Dylan's journey to choose an ethical bank, open multiple ISAs, and how his 'little and often' approach to savings has worked for him.

Dylan lives in London with his wife and children. In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering with peace and human rights charities as a trustee. He has been banking with Triodos since 2013.

Why do you save in an ISA?

I want to know that my savings are in good hands and that the savings are benefitting from tax-free allowances that the government provides to individual savers via ISAs.

Why did you open an ISA with Triodos Bank?

I chose Triodos specifically because of its ethical credentials. I think it is very important that consumers not only minimise the harm that they do through their purchases but that they choose companies that contribute to a fairer, more equitable, and more sustainable world. Triodos does this, in contrast to most other banks in the UK.

Why did you pick your particular type of ISA?

I have four different ISAs with Triodos. I have an online cash ISA, which gives me absolute security in my investment. I also have a Stocks and Shares ISA, which is invested into three different funds: Sterling Bonds, Global Equities and Pioneer companies. Each of these ISAs offers something slightly different. I like the security that comes with a cash ISA, but I also don't mind the risk (and potentially higher returns) from the Global Equities and Pioneer Funds. Having a mixed portfolio appeals to both my risk conscious and risk taking sides!

How would you describe your savings behaviour? Lump sum, a little at a time?

Little at a time! My wife and I don't have much disposable income at the end of the month so often many months will pass before we can put a little money aside. However, I have also had a few lump sum payments into the savings account as a result of members of my family passing away.

Why is it important to you that your bank supports your values?

For me, it is very important that my bank aligns with my values, and I believe strongly that all consumers must do more to ensure that their purchases do not contribute to the exploitation of workers, human rights abuses, damage to the environment and the continuation of the arms trade. We are all so much more aware than we were 20 years ago of the interconnectedness of things and we simply can't turn a blind eye to the role that we as consumers play in perpetuating unjust and harmful acts against other people and the planet.

How do you feel about the banking sector?

There was once a time when the banking sector was seen as a respectable, if stuffy, sector of the economy. Think of the famous scene in Mary Poppins where the old Bank Manager talks to the children about investing their tuppence. Long gone are those days. Since the Global Finance Crisis, the reputation of the banking sector has been hugely damaged and I doubt it will ever recover. The pursuit of a quick profit at the expense of any sense of responsibility and ethics brought the world's economy to its knees. The sector is yet to reform and it is another reason why more people should consider ethical banks such as Triodos.

Why do you trust Triodos with your money?

I trust Triodos with my money because it has been around for a while, is well-established both in the UK and in Europe and seems to be governed well. Its commitment to transparency is excellent and this gives me confidence that the bank is well run.

What problems in society would you like your money to address?

While there are so many problems in society, I would like more effort to be spent on tackling violence and division in the UK and around the world, tackling human rights abuses here and overseas, addressing poverty and inequality, and protecting the environment. The climate emergency is an existential threat that all of us should be doing our part to tackle.

What sectors would you be most concerned about your money supporting?

I would be most concerned about my money being invested in companies that fuel the arms trade. The arms trade is one of our most pernicious and grotesque manifestations of what is wrong with aspects of our society. I would also be concerned about my money being invested in fossil fuels or the tobacco industry.