Written by On November 27, 2025, the Global Innovation Gathering (GIG) convened a call focused on peer-to-peer (P2P) financing and cooperative ecosystems. Innovators, activists, and practitioners examined alternative financial models, the role of cooperatives, and community-driven currencies. The aim of the session was to present alternative organizational models for grassroots organizations, especially those in the global south, providing necessary info to consider cooperatives as a vital model. The session was moderated by Fadia from GIG, with presentations delivered by Ella and Andreas of Platform Co-ops Berlin.
The call commenced with reflections on the nature of money. Participants contributed local perspectives, describing money as exchange, control, scarcity, and vision. These diverse definitions highlighted the social complexity of money and established a foundation for discussing the restoration of financial agency.
Ella and Andreas described cooperatives as frameworks for resource pooling and collective decision-making. Key principles include one member, one vote; joint decision-making; and co-ownership. These principles contrast with those of traditional for-profit organizations, where voting power is proportional to financial stake. The presenters emphasized that cooperative values extend beyond formal legal entities to include collectives, networks, and informal groups.
The discussion then focused on examples of cooperative economies. Mondragón in Spain, Emilia-Romagna in Italy, and Kerala in India were identified as successful models. In Kerala, cooperatives such as Milma and SEWA empower millions of informal workers by providing stability, bargaining power, and access to resources. These cases demonstrate how cooperatives address inequality and enhance community resilience.
A significant portion of the call addressed P2P financing tools. Participants examined mechanisms such as rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs), crowdfunding, and cooperative banks for circulating funds within communities. Rooted in trust and shared objectives, these tools enable groups to mobilize resources independently of external or conventional financial institutions. Identified challenges include legal complexities and the necessity for transparency.
Ella and Andreas explained that decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) utilize blockchain technology to facilitate collective decision-making and resource allocation. Although DAOs provide flexibility, they may also concentrate power among individuals with greater financial resources, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating cooperative values into the design of these systems to avoid perpetuating existing inequalities.
The call also examined the legal and regulatory context for alternative currencies. Participants expressed concerns regarding compliance, especially in jurisdictions with stringent financial regulations. Ella and Andreas observed that many digital currencies and cooperative tools either function within existing legal frameworks or employ alternative approaches. They encouraged experimentation and noted that regulatory thresholds frequently permit small-scale innovation.
The role of government in supporting cooperatives emerged as a recurring theme. Kerala and Emilia-Romagna illustrate how policy interventions can facilitate cooperative growth through recognition, funding, and partnerships, while organizations must avoid excessive reliance on state support, as this may reinforce existing systemic structures.
The discussion concluded by emphasizing that cooperatives and P2P financing offer practical approaches to fostering more equitable and resilient economies. Despite challenges such as speculation and regulatory barriers, participants noted that success depends on financial education, community trust, and continuous experimentation.
The GIG call facilitated knowledge exchange, critical inquiry, and the exploration of new economic models. By prioritizing cooperative values and agency, the discussion presented an alternative to prevailing systems and underscored the significance of collective action in shaping the future of money.
The call highlighted that money is a social construct shaped by collective decisions. Choices regarding its design, use, and governance can either reinforce inequality or empower communities. As discussed, this responsibility lies with all stakeholders.
