EBC Financial Group (EBC), a leading global financial brokerage, has announced a significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in collaboration with the Shakti Empowerment Education Foundation, part of the Shakti Regeneration Institute (SRI). This partnership aims to uplift underprivileged communities in West Bengal, India, by supporting the Ramakrishna Vedanta Vidyapith school. Through this initiative, 50 low-income students will receive essential educational materials, uniforms, vocational sewing training, and access to extracurricular activities.
This collaboration aligns with EBC’s broader CSR vision, which integrates financial accessibility with educational empowerment and sustainable development in regions with limited economic opportunities.
Supporting Education and Sustainability Through Strategic Partnerships
Beyond this initiative, EBC has also extended its commitment to education by sponsoring two episodes of the University of Oxford’s What Economists Really Do (WERD) public education series. These episodes, The Economics of Tax Evasion (2023) and Macroeconomics and Climate (November 2024) explore how economic insights can address pressing global issues. The WERD series, independently produced by the Department of Economics, reflects EBC’s dedication to fostering informed decision-making and bridging the gap between academic research and real-world challenges.
Through these diverse initiatives, EBC demonstrates its commitment to advancing education, fostering critical discourse, and addressing global socio-economic and environmental challenges. By partnering with SRI in India, the organisation furthers its mission to drive long-term societal change at a grassroots level, equipping individuals with the tools needed for sustainable development.
Advocating for Regenerative Finance and Indigenous Voices
In addition to its educational sponsorships, EBC is actively contributing to #TheRegenerationGeneration, a documentary spearheaded by SRI and directed by its founder, Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri. The film spotlights the urgent need for regenerative finance and education, featuring insights from Nobel Prize winners, business leaders, educators, and Indigenous activists working to protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities from climate change. The documentary also includes interviews with David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd., and Professor Teytelboym from Oxford University’s Department of Economics.
EBC’s involvement across these initiatives reflects a deep-rooted commitment to supporting local communities while driving global awareness and action toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Leadership Perspectives on Global Impact
David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd., emphasised the significance of these initiatives: At EBC, we believe that education serves as the cornerstone for societal transformation and long-term progress. Our partnership with the Shakti Regeneration Institute is more than a sponsorship, it’s a commitment to empowering the next generation by equipping marginalised children with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. Through #TheRegenerationGeneration documentary, we are amplifying Indigenous voices and supporting efforts to preserve their cultural and environmental heritage. Likewise, our collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics reinforces our dedication to enhancing global understanding of key economic and social issues. By investing in education at every level, we strive to create opportunities, promote equity, and address the pressing challenges of our time. These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to integrity, responsibility, and sustainability, driving meaningful change in communities worldwide.
Ajay Pal-Chaudhuri, Chairman and Founder of the Shakti Regeneration Institute, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are thrilled to partner with EBC Financial Group, a company whose vision aligns with our mission to drive positive social and ecological change. Together, we are empowering marginalised children through education while raising global awareness of the urgent challenges faced by Indigenous communities and vulnerable ecosystems. This partnership is a testament to the power of corporate responsibility in creating a lasting impact.”
Driving Meaningful Change
EBC’s commitment to corporate responsibility is deeply ingrained in its mission, ensuring that financial resources are directed toward impactful projects that benefit communities and ecosystems worldwide. By operating under top-tier regulations, EBC balances its role in global markets—including currencies, indices, and commodities—with social investments that promote community welfare and sustainability.
The Ramakrishna Vedanta Vidyapith school, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in January 2025, has long been a cornerstone of educational empowerment in West Bengal. Through its programs, it has helped children and women from marginalised backgrounds break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to their communities. EBC’s support enhances this mission, ensuring that students receive not only foundational education but also vocational training and community-building opportunities, equipping them for long-term success.