International principles

We have been implementing the Equator Principles (EP) since 2006. This risk management framework provides financial institutions with a minimum standard for due diligence and monitoring to determine, assess and manage environmental and social risks in projects. Our annual EP report is available online.

IFC Performance Standards

Adopter

Our E&S approach is guided by the IFC Performance Standards of Environmental & Social Sustainability. This framework helps us understand, avoid and mitigate E&S risks and impacts, for example through stakeholder engagement and disclosure obligations of the client in relation to project-level activities.

OECD Guidelines

Adopter

We follow OECD Guidelines on responsible business conduct, notably human rights, labor rights and the environment.

UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

Adopter

We integrate the set of guidelines defined by the UN for states and companies to prevent, address and remedy human rights abuses in business operations.

ILO Standards

Adopter

We follow the set of ILO legal instruments that set out basic principles and rights at work.

Dutch Banking Agreement (IMVO Covenant)

Signatory

We signed the Dutch Banking Sector Agreement on International Responsible Business Conduct Regarding Human Rights to analyze value chains of specific sectors and share practices on human rights.

Global Impact Investing Network

Member

We support the GIIN because it is dedicated to increasing the scale and effectiveness of impact investing through knowledge sharing, best practice exchanges, and tools / resources production.

Sustainable Development Goals Charter

Signatory

We joined the SDG Charter Network to foster cooperation between business, civil society and local governments in the Netherlands, in order to achieve the SDGs at home and abroad.

Impact Management Project

Member

We joined and support the IMP, a forum for building global consensus on how to measure, manage and report impact and for sharing best practices.

Natural Capital Finance Alliance

Signatory

We closely follow the developments of the NCFA initiative to integrate natural capital considerations into loans, public and private equity, and fixed income and insurance products.

UNEP FI / EBF Working Group on Banking and Taxonomy

Member

We are part of the UNEP Finance Initiative / European Banking Federation Working Group that assesses how the EU Taxonomy on Sustainable Activities can be implemented by banks and applied to selected banking products.

Dutch Climate Accord

Signatory

We signed the financial sector commitment to fight climate change and support the Dutch Climate Accord to achieve a 49% CO₂ reduction by 2030 in the Netherlands.

Mainstreaming climate action in financial institutions

Signatory

We are following the five principles of the Climate Action in Financial Institutions Initiative. This coalition of public and private financial institutions aims to enhance integration of climate change considerations across their strategies, programs and operations.

Platform for Carbon Accounting Financials

Signatory

We are one of the early adopters of PCAF, an industry-led global partnership to develop and implement a harmonized approach to assess and disclose GHG emissions of loans/investments. This facilitates transparency and accountability of the financial sector to the Paris Agreement.

NpM Platform for Inclusive Finance

Member

As a member of the NpM platform for Dutch inclusive finance investors, we are expanding access to affordable financial services worldwide and increasing the effectiveness of our investments and activities.

Consultative Group to Assist the Poor

Member

We are part of the CGAP global partnership to test, learn and share knowledge intended to help build inclusive and responsible financial systems.

European Microfinance Platform

Member

We are part of the e-MFP network to foster activities that increase global access to affordable, quality, sustainable and inclusive financial services for the un(der)banked through knowledge-sharing, partnership development and innovation.

Emerging Market Private Equity Association

Member

We are a member of the global EMPEA association. This aims to catalyze the development of private equity and venture capital industries in emerging markets through research, conferences, networking, and advocacy.

Corporate Governance Development Framework

Adopter

We adopted the Corporate Governance Development Framework as a common approach to corporate governance risks and opportunities in DFI investment operations.

Financial Action Task Force

Adopter

We use the FATF framework to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, as well as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

For our own operations, we maintain the following standards:

Signatory

- MVO Prestatieladder