Finance Watch is a European non-profit association dedicated to promoting the public interest in financial regulation. Founded in 2011 by members of the European Parliament, its mission is to strengthen society's voice in financial reform by advocating for policies that serve the public good and counterbalance the influence of the financial lobby[1][3]. ### Key Activities: - Research: Finance Watch conducts research on financial regulation and proposes new policies to ensure that finance serves society[1]. - Advocacy: The organization interacts with policymakers to advocate for reforms that stabilize and democratize financial markets, redirect capital towards public goods, and protect against systemic risks[1]. - Networking: Finance Watch connects a network of NGOs and experts across Europe to build civil society capacity in speaking about finance[1]. - Communication: It explains financial mechanisms in an accessible way to illustrate their societal impact[1]. ### Structure and Membership: Finance Watch is an international association under Belgian law, with members including consumer groups, trade unions, housing associations, and other civil society organizations. Members must demonstrate independence from the financial industry to join[3]. ### Recent Developments: As of 2023, Finance Watch celebrated its 13-year anniversary and welcomed new members, reaching a total of 110 members across 21 European countries. The organization continues to advocate for financial protections and sustainable financial practices[1].