Public interest

Activities undertaken in the public interest are those which are designed to be positively beneficial either for the public generally, or for a number or group of members of the public.

Many not-for-profit organisations are established in the public interest.

For example, the Association of Corporate Treasurers is established to:

• To set the benchmark for treasury excellence
• Provide qualifications for those working professionally in the fields of treasury, risk and corporate finance
• Promote best practice
• Define and maintain standards and support the continuing professional development of its members
• And so to promote the public interest.

Avoiding harm

Acting in the public interest also means avoiding harm to:

• The environment
• Consumers
• Employees
• Communities
• Other stakeholders and
• All other members of the public sphere

See also

• Association of Corporate Treasurers
• Corporate social responsibility
• IFRS: issues for the treasurer
• Interest
• Not-for-profit
• Stakeholder