Instytucjonalizacja polityki na rzecz integracji społecznej i etyki finansów

The research work meets the need to develop a new definition of the role of banks in the credit society. The rules and regulations of banking do not permit loans on any demand, which causes great conflicts and disputes. Providers of consumer finance under the pressure of competition, want to expand their activities into new market segments, however, they are accused of predatory lending, the sale of expensive services to vulnerable consumers and it drives them into the trap of debt and does not promote social inclusion. On the one hand, the legislator proposes a number of new institutions, which should alleviate this conflict of interest and induce banks to accept best practices, but their assessment is ambivalent (regulations against usury, consumer bankruptcy). On the other hand, there are notable institutions oriented on the needs of poorer circles of society, which are not respected by global banks, aimed rather at the mainstream consumer products. Among these institutions there are cooperative banks, credit unions, alternative (social) banks, and non-bank loan institutions (microlenders). In many countries, and in the EU the raising attention is attached also to the development of a universal financial services (basic bank account) which can help to prevent social exclusion and promote non-cash economy. On this background there is an interesting issue on interdependence of social exclusion, financial exclusion and digital divide, and also on the importance and methodology of consumer financial education (knowledge – skills – confidence).