Discussion: How could God use an alternative form of banking to help solve systemic poverty?

Problem: Today, banks are required by regulation, charter and profit motive to risk-adjust (extreme interest and fees) or deny lending to those who may be the most in need of help.

God said through Moses in Deuteronomy 15:7-8 “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.”

Solution: How might God desire to dissolve systemic poverty in the context of Christian community through an alternative banking structure? We exchange ideas along these lines. Benevolence as part of investment. Banking that considers and obeys the Word of God.

…there will be no poor among you, since the Lord will most certainly bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, if only you will listen to and obey the voice of the Lord your God”

Deuteronomy 15:4-5

Conceptual model of investment structure:

Neither equity (ownership) or debt (loan), and without traditional recourse provisions. Instead with forgiveness provisions and with voluntary dividends that potentially better meets the biblical standard. We can use this as a discussion piece.

Conceptual model of banking: