Dr Bevis Watts re-joins Triodos Bank UK following his most recent position as chief executive officer of Avon Wildlife Trust, having previously served as head of business banking at Triodos Bank UK from 2008-2012.

The appointment of Dr Watts is set to continue the bank’s strategy of using money to promote positive change in society.

Dr Watts said: "Our banks are not serving the needs of society. They undermine our long-term ability to sustain ourselves.

"It is time to change the system and demonstrate a model for sustainable banking that uses the intermediary power of finance to benefit people and the planet.

“With the right values, I believe banks can be a force for good and affect real positive systemic change in society."

Netherlands-based Triodos Bank has branches in Spain, Germany and Belgium, while its UK operations are headquartered in Bristol.

The bank uses the money it has in assets to create social, environmental and cultural value.

Triodos Bank UK has increased its lending and commitments to sustainable organisations from £373m to £847m over the past five years.

Last year, Triodos provided finance to generate enough green electricity for one million homes across Europe and produce 33.6 million meals from organically farmed land.

Dr Watts added: "Money is a powerful form of democracy. Where you spend or invest your money is a vote for your values.

“A bank is like pooling those votes: what your bank does with your money has an impact on the shape of society.

“Understood in this way, Triodos Bank isn't just a bank—we're changing the way banking is done."

Specialising in sustainable projects, Triodos offers loans of between £100,000 and £15m, including commercial mortgages, property purchase or refurbishment and cash flow management.

The bank also finances housing association developments, providing facilities for terms of up to 25 years.