Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Deutsche Bank places a high value on maintaining fair and transparent dialogue with its stakeholder groups. The bank aims to understand the expectations and concerns of stakeholders regarding its strategy, business operations, and social responsibilities, with the goal of identifying potential impacts, risks, and opportunities.

Key stakeholders include clients, employees, investors, regulators, and society at large. Each business division and support function is responsible for engaging with its specific stakeholder groups.

How did Deutsche Bank work with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities?

In its 2025 PRB Responsible Banking Progress Statement Deutsche Bank reports that it works with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities as follows:

Deutsche Bank’s Code of Conduct forms the basis of the bank’s client-focused culture. This commitment to client centricity is outlined in the Code of Conduct and guides how the bank engages with clients across all business divisions.

As of December 31, 2025, Deutsche Bank operated through four main divisions: Corporate Bank, Investment Bank, Private Bank, and Asset Management. The bank offers products and services customized to meet the unique needs of various client groups, including offerings in sustainable finance and ESG investments.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Deutsche Bank, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.db.com/files/documents/csr/reports/PRB-Summary-Report-2025.pdf

Note to Deutsche Bank: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Coop Pank recognizes its significant impact on society as a financial institution. Therefore, it regularly consults and collaborates with various stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of societal challenges and opportunities. This approach helps Coop Pank contribute more effectively and enhance its positive influence.

Coop Pank actively participates in numerous local initiatives and is involved in several collaboration networks that promote and develop responsible business principles at both Baltic and international levels.

As a member of the Estonian Banking Association, Coop Pank actively engages in all its working groups. Through this membership, the bank contributes to initiatives such as promoting financial literacy among youth and adults, advancing sustainable finance, and more, all aligned with the principle of supporting life in every corner of Estonia. For instance, in April 2025, Coop Pank organized a financial literacy seminar in Rakvere, a small town, and during Financial Literacy Month in March and April, it delivered financial education lessons nationwide.

Participation in the Banking Association’s working groups enables Coop Pank to consult and collaborate with various stakeholders, including government institutions, ministries, the Bank of Estonia, and other influential organizations in developing the fields of financial literacy and of sustainable finance. This platform facilitates cross-sector cooperation, allowing key issues to be addressed more rapidly and with a greater societal impact than working independently.

Furthermore, Coop Pank is involved in cooperation among Pan-Baltic banking associations and individual banks. The bank participates in monthly meetings within the Banking Association and every six weeks at the Pan-Baltic level. Together, they have developed a unified ESG questionnaire and a GHG calculator for the Baltic region.

Coop Pank has also been an active member of the Responsible Business Forum—renamed Sustainable Business Estonia (KELL) in 2025—working with various stakeholders to more effectively pursue shared societal goals.

Since 2024, Coop Pank has collaborated with the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Estonia and the Foundation for the Development of National Defense in establishing the Reservists’ Fund. Both the bank and its customers contribute donations to support Estonia’s national defense. Through the “Kaardivägi” (Card Guard) program, customers donate €0.01 for each card payment, which Coop Pank matches with an additional €0.01. All donations are transferred to the Foundation for the Development of National Defense. In recognition of its support, Coop Pank received the highest honour from the Ministry of Defense—the Gold Badge. 

Since 2023, Coop Pank has been working with the pension association Tuleva to provide its clients with the opportunity to participate in Tuleva’s second and third pillar pension funds. This partnership aims to enhance the financial well-being of people in Estonia.

Coop Pank also collaborates with the Estonian Athletic Association and the Estonian Volleyball Federation to support the development of volleyball and decathlon sports in Estonia.

These partnerships reflect shared values with the bank’s collaborators and demonstrate Coop Pank’s commitment to improving life across every corner of Estonia.

Regarding employees as a stakeholder group, an example of a collaborative network focused on employees and broader social aspects is PARE—a supportive community for HR managers and professionals—in which Coop Pank is an active member.

Gradually, Coop Pank has increased employee involvement by raising awareness and organizing various seminars and training sessions. Starting from 2024, the employee satisfaction survey includes a dedicated section on sustainability. In the coming years, this will enable Coop Pank to more clearly and systematically monitor employees’ attitudes, awareness, and opinions regarding the bank’s sustainability initiatives.

Since 2024, Coop Pank has been collaborating with TalTech to diversify academic learning, support students, train bank employees, and conduct research. A practical example of this collaboration is that Coop Pank provides students with ideas for bachelor’s and master’s theses and offers input when students wish to base their theses on the bank’s case. The partnership also involves co-organizing events such as the School of Business and Governance internship fair and the IT internship café. Additionally, Coop Pank awards scholarships of €3,000 each, with the 2024 recipients being students interested in artificial intelligence and ESG topics.

Coop Pank actively participates in knowledge sharing, particularly in the fields of ESG and AI, through the University’s entrepreneurship and research portal Trialoog, which is primarily aimed at entrepreneurs and decision-makers. The bank collaborates on bachelor’s and master’s theses and offers internship opportunities. Overall, this cooperation encourages student interest in areas that Coop Pank considers vital for increasing the competitiveness of Estonian banking and the broader economy.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, one master’s thesis and one bachelor’s thesis were completed in partnership with Coop Pank and TalTech, both focusing on sustainability. Each thesis utilized data from Coop Pank, and their findings provided valuable feedback to the bank. The results were presented to the entire organization during a seminar, which also included an external expert to offer broader perspectives on the topics.

Moreover, Coop Pank invests in educating the public on various matters, including ESG, through organizing webinars, participating in seminars and conferences organized by others, accepting speaking engagements, and publishing articles. The bank’s spokespeople regularly share knowledge through different channels to promote awareness and understanding.

How does Coop Pank promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees?

In its 2025 PRB Responsible Banking Progress Statement Coop Pank reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

Since the beginning of 2020, Coop Pank has adopted a more strategic approach to fostering a culture of responsible banking among its employees. The first sustainability and ESG-related training sessions were conducted in 2021, serving the entire bank and tailored to specific employee groups.

From 2021 onwards, Coop Pank has implemented a Green Office policy that defines principles and guidelines related to environmental and sustainability considerations both within the bank’s offices and more broadly. The policy affirms that sustainability is integrated into all aspects of the bank’s activities, with efforts to minimize environmental impact. Guided by this understanding, sustainability principles are embedded in daily operations, both internally and in collaboration with partners and customers.

Coop Pank contributes to raising employees’ environmental awareness by introducing them and new hires to the objectives of the Green Office policy, its management system, and the environmental initiatives undertaken at the office and beyond.

In addition to policy-based engagement, Coop Pank has organized various awareness-raising activities, including environmental challenges, themed training days, and morning coffee sessions focused on sustainability. These initiatives aim to build capacity, foster a sustainability-minded culture, and incorporate sustainable practices into the bank’s everyday operations.

Here are a few examples:

All Coop Pank employees have the opportunity to submit proposals through digital solutions aimed at making the office and operations more environmentally friendly and sustainable. The Green Office working group reviews these proposals and, if needed, involves other employees or external partners to implement the suggested solutions. Additionally, there is a separate questionnaire for waste sorting and other sustainability-related questions and suggestions from employees.

Furthermore, each spring, Coop Pank provides a comprehensive overview of its carbon footprint and financed emissions to the entire bank. This initiative helps to foster a culture of responsible banking by ensuring that climate impact remains an important and prioritized topic.

In 2024, Coop Pank conducted ESG training for business client managers. The training offered insights into the overall ESG landscape, with a particular focus on evolving trends and how to prepare for them within client-facing roles. The bank will continue to raise awareness and provide training to its employees.

As part of its internal sustainability engagement and awareness-raising efforts, Coop Pank hosted a morning seminar in June 2025 focused on sustainable commuting. The event featured a TalTech student presenting a master’s thesis based on a case study of Coop Pank, followed by a discussion led by an expert on urban mobility and the role of city planning in promoting sustainable choices.

Since 2024, Coop Pank’s employee satisfaction survey includes a dedicated section on sustainability. In the coming years, this will enable Coop Pank to monitor employees’ attitudes, awareness, and opinions regarding the bank’s sustainability initiatives more clearly and systematically.

A key aspect of responsible business at Coop Pank is also holding its partners accountable.

Coop Pank collaborates with partners who share its values. When selecting partners, the bank reviews the backgrounds of their beneficial owners and the nature of their activities. The aim is to work with companies whose beneficial owners have clean records, are not sanctioned individuals, and whose companies are not subject to international sanctions or linked to negative impacts on communities.

Additionally, Coop Pank’s procurement procedures include the principle that services are not purchased from companies engaged in unethical activities, human rights violations, corruption, or those that have a significant negative impact on the environment.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Coop Pank, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://res30f.cooppank.ee/image/upload/dokumendid/coop_pank_lehed/keskkonna_heaks/en/Coop_Pank_PRB_report_2025.pdf

Note to Coop Pank: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

As a leading financial institution, CIB believes that meaningful engagement with key stakeholders enables the bank to advance its ESG goals and generate value for investors, partners, clients, and the wider community. CIB facilitates dialogues with experts from the heavy-industry sectors it finances to discuss emerging trends, challenges, risks, and opportunities. Collaborations with clients, government ministries, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) strengthen CIB’s sustainable finance initiatives. Its stakeholders include Development Financial Institutions, international organizations such as UNEP-FI, GFANZ, WEF, and CDP, governmental bodies and academia.

As an active member of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) and the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), CIB plays a crucial role in influencing global banking practices. Participation in the NZBA Steering Group Meeting in London and the PRB Board meeting in the UK highlights its dedication to aligning banking operations worldwide with the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and promoting responsible banking standards.

CIB’s international engagement also includes significant contributions to the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net-Zero (GFANZ), where it is a key member of both the Africa Advisory Board and the Africa Network Working Groups. These platforms enable CIB to shape climate action policies across Africa, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in financial practices.

Furthermore, CIB actively participates in global forums such as MENA Climate Week in Riyadh, where it hosted a side event on transition finance, and the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, highlighting the climate challenges and opportunities on the continent. Its involvement in the World Economic Forum’s Green Hydrogen Initiative and discussions on transitioning to green energy sources like hydrogen demonstrate CIB’s commitment to innovative climate solutions.

CIB’s participation at COP28 was especially significant, where it not only took part in panels on climate finance and green building initiatives but also played a strategic role in advocating for the expansion of net-zero transition efforts and the enhancement of regional carbon markets. Its active contribution to shaping discussions at such international forums, combined with its leadership in regional initiatives, highlights CIB’s central role in advancing both global and regional sustainability goals. Through these efforts, CIB has solidified its position as a leader in integrating environmental considerations into banking practices, championing the cause of sustainable finance.

CIB also proudly celebrates the achievements of the “Choices and Voices” event organized by the Women’s Initiatives Network (WIN) on December 14th, 2023. This event was designed to empower women within the bank and boost their confidence in their ability to succeed and lead. Since its launch in 2019, WIN has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion at CIB, working to empower women across the organization and foster a more equitable workplace. The initiative regularly hosts meetings and seminars featuring prominent female leaders from the business community, focusing on strategies for success, career growth, overcoming challenges, and leadership development. This ongoing commitment demonstrates CIB’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

CIB took part in the 6th Job Fair at Nahda University in Beni Suef as part of the “Your Dream Matters” initiative. This program aims to empower women and strengthen their role within the banking industry, highlighting the significance of women’s workforce participation and providing all graduates with opportunities to apply for jobs. CIB’s participation demonstrates its dedication to supporting gender diversity and offering career prospects for young professionals.

In addition, CIB sponsored the “Financial Careers” job conference to inspire and guide young professionals in their career development. The event provided a valuable platform for connecting with talented youth eager to enter the financial sector. This initiative reflects CIB’s ongoing commitment to engaging in Egypt’s leading professional events and nurturing the next generation of financial experts.

CIB also participated in the fourth edition of the American University in Cairo’s Business Forum, where it discussed recent developments in the S1 and S2 International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) related to climate disclosures and their implementation in Egypt. The forum brought together experts from academia, business, regulatory bodies, private sector firms, auditors, and consulting organizations to explore the implications for investors and companies, as well as regional opportunities and challenges. CIB emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in adopting these standards, reaffirming its leadership in advancing sustainability initiatives and integrating environmental considerations into banking practices.

How does CIB promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees?

In its 2024 PRB Progress Report CIB reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

To drive systemic change towards embedding sustainability into its policies and culture, CIB emphasizes and advocates for the importance of sustainable finance education (SFE). Unlike traditional finance education, which has historically concentrated on teaching the basics of profit-making, SFE highlights the vital link between finance and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors. Recognizing that integrating ESG principles across its policies and culture requires a deep understanding of their significance for business growth as well as societal and environmental well-being, CIB views SFE as a critical pillar in this effort. In line with its mission to promote sustainable finance throughout its operations, CIB leverages the expertise of its Learning and Development team to deliver up-to-date, best-practice training and capacity-building initiatives on sustainable finance for its employees, clients, and other stakeholders, aligned with the different stages of the framework’s development.

An introductory sustainable finance module, designed to highlight the fundamental principles and pillars of sustainability, is available to all CIB staff across the organization. In addition, various tailored and off-the-shelf sustainability courses are offered, targeting specific areas, while sustainable finance education has been fully integrated into CIB’s flagship Credit, SME, and Retail Courses.

Furthermore, CIB has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LinkedIn Learning to enhance digital education for its employees. This collaboration aims to broaden employees’ technological knowledge through LinkedIn Learning’s extensive library of over 20,000 expert-led instructional videos. By providing access to this on-demand educational platform, CIB seeks to support the country’s economic development through education and enable its staff to keep pace with industry changes.

CIB believes that fulfilling its climate and financial inclusion commitments depends significantly on well-informed and engaged employees who can effectively promote the bank’s sustainability products and services. Developing a culture aligned with its strategic vision is essential to this effort.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by CIB, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.cibeg.com/-/media/project/downloads/about-cib/esg/portfolio-impact-assessment/2024-portfolio-impact-assessment.pdf

Note to CIB: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

The BPER Group shapes its strategies based on the needs and expectations of its stakeholders. To achieve this, it conducts a structured engagement process aimed at identifying their needs, understanding their expectations regarding the Group’s activities, and anticipating potential risks—transforming them into opportunities. As part of the double materiality analysis conducted in 2025, an impact assessment was undertaken through engagement with key internal and external stakeholders. Specifically, the following engagement activities were carried out:

• Interviews with shareholders;
• A multi-stakeholder forum involving representatives from customers, the financial market, local communities and territories, suppliers, and public administrations;
• An employee survey.

The Bank’s dedication to collaborating with socially committed organizations is reflected in numerous partnerships with institutions and associations, including: Global Compact, the Italian Banking Association working groups (ABI), the CSR Association, the Foundation for Financial Education and Savings (FEduF), Sodalitas Foundation, the Forum for Sustainable Finance, Impronta Etica, the Italian Foundation for Business Reporting (O.I.B.R.), Sustainability Makers, Valore D, and the Women’s Network against Violence (D.i.Re).

In addition to the aforementioned engagement activities, the BPER Group has launched additional initiatives to enhance stakeholder engagement. These include the Group’s participation in the Sustainable Network of Borsa Italiana, an initiative aimed at creating an integrated ecosystem to promote sustainable finance within the Italian capital market. The Network facilitates dialogue and collaboration among financial institutions, issuers, and advisors, encouraging the exchange of expertise, best practices, and innovative ESG solutions—ultimately supporting the sustainable growth of the real economy through advanced tools and strategies.

These efforts are further supported by training and information-sharing sessions on sustainability disclosures, organized in partnership with various trade associations to assist SMEs operating within the bank’s geographical areas.

Since 2022, the Group has also piloted a project to administer ESG questionnaires to gather data on individual companies. The initiative continued into 2024, involving a selected group of larger companies. In 2025, activities were expanded further by increasing the number of companies participating in the questionnaire and by establishing a structured engagement process that involves direct participation from the Commercial Network.

In 2025, the Group continued its dedication to enhancing employee engagement and fostering a better working environment, building on the insights gained from the “People Survey 2024.” Conducted the previous year across the entire corporate population, the survey assessed employee engagement levels within the Group. Some of the questions contributing to the overall score also addressed eNPS and job satisfaction. The results of the survey played a crucial role in guiding the development of subsequent action plans.

Drawing on the insights from these findings, several action plans were designed and implemented in 2025, both at the Group level—guided by Top Management—and at the operational level through bottom-up initiatives developed with the active involvement and responsiveness of first-line managers. These action plans are aligned with the timeframe of the 2024–2027 Business Plan “B: Dynamic | Full Value 2027.”

How does the BPER Group promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees?

In its 2025 PRB Responsible Banking Progress Statement the BPER Group reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

The BPER Group actively promotes a responsible banking culture through various initiatives, including:

• the assessment and development of human resources’ skills;
• training programs designed to reinforce and deepen the risk culture within the Group, covering topics such as privacy, cybersecurity, anti-corruption, compliance, Model 231, and the Code of Ethics.

Additionally, a new course titled “Sustainability and ESG Management at BPER” was made available to all BPER Banca employees, aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of these subjects and highlighting the strategic importance of sustainability in the banking sector.

For ESG Managers specifically, an annual training cycle is scheduled. In 2025, three webinars were organized focusing on the relevant regulatory framework, market best practices, and upcoming ESG-related challenges. The goal was to promote knowledge sharing and to strengthen the integration of ESG factors into corporate processes.

Furthermore, targeted ESG training programs were implemented for over 1,000 employees involved in the origination and approval of credit exposures within the Corporate Centres and credit functions across the BPER Group during 2024–2025. Dedicated sessions were also arranged for the Internal Audit Function to support their engagement in ESG-related activities.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by the BPER Group, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://group.bper.it/documents/d/bper-istituzionale/2025-responsible-banking-progress-statement-inglese

Note to the BPER Group: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Engaging in dialogue with stakeholders is central to BNP Paribas’ social and environmental responsibility. The Group’s dedication to maintaining open and constructive communication aims primarily to better identify and understand the interests, perspectives, and expectations of its stakeholders, as well as the impacts of its activities.

This approach allows the Group to incorporate stakeholder insights into the development of its products and services, ensuring they align with genuine customer needs, evolving business lines, and strategic objectives. Additionally, this dialogue is crucial for informing stakeholders about the Group’s decisions and actions, promoting transparency and clarity.

BNP Paribas recognizes a diverse range of stakeholders with varying levels of interaction, including its customers (individuals, professionals, corporate clients, and institutions), employees and their representative bodies, shareholders (both individual and institutional investors), suppliers, financial and non-financial rating agencies, regulatory authorities and public institutions, civil society and its organizations.

How does BNP Paribas promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees?

In its 2025 PRB Reporting and Self-Assessment Template BNP Paribas reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

Training

BNP Paribas invests heavily in employee training, with a particular focus on ESG topics, supported by dedicated monitoring systems. In 2024, 77,270 Group employees participated in Sustainability Academy training, and a specialized program on respecting human rights during business conduct was introduced to 1,600 targeted employees. Since its inception at the end of 2022, a total of 133,000 Group employees have been trained through the Sustainability Academy.

Additionally, Group employees are actively engaged through participation in “fresks,” collaborative workshops designed to raise awareness about Climate Change Mitigation and Biodiversity issues among employees and Executive Committees. In 2024, over 12,000 employees across 53 countries took part in these workshops. This experience is also extended to individual shareholders.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by BNP Paribas, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://cdn-group.bnpparibas.com/uploads/file/bnpparibas_2025_prb_reporting.pdf

Note to BNP Paribas: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

BNK Financial Group defines and categorizes internal and external stakeholders into six groups, to systematically manage the needs of the stakeholders who affect its business operations in the overall key strategy development and execution process, including materiality assessments. BNK Financial Group communicates with its stakeholders through a wide array of communication channels. Additionally, as part of impact analysis, quantitative evaluations involving both internal and external stakeholders are carried out annually through the Double Materiality assessment process, to incorporate stakeholder opinions.

• Customers

× Definition: Groups including individual and corporate customers who use financial products and services and exert influence

× Communication and Collaboration Methods: To deliver customer satisfaction through open communication, BNK Financial Group operates the customer panel system. Busan Bank collects varying feedback on new product planning and development as well as the improvement of existing products and services through its customer panel program ‘CX Explorer’. Selected members of the panel present improvement ideas from the consumer viewpoint on monthly assignments and free topics. Actionable ideas are reviewed at the CX Association chaired by the Head of the Management Strategy Group. In 2024, the CX Association met 10 times in total, discussing 96 improvement ideas, out of which 75 were implemented. Kyongnam Bank operates a region-based customer panel and channels discussion outcomes to relevant departments to support meaningful improvements. In 2024, the 9th Customer Panel— comprising 12 local customers—was selected and conducted discussions on topics such as increasing core deposits and providing feedback on service channel usage. The insights generated through these sessions were shared with the appropriate departments for follow-up action.

• Employees

× Definition: Subjects realizing the company’s vision and values to achieve management goals, including staff and labor unions

× Communication and Collaboration Methods: BNK Financial Group operates 24/7 grievance handling channels for stakeholders to file actual or potential human rights violations and grievances arising from business operations. Grievance handling channels serve as measures to mitigate and remediate the adverse effects associated with human rights risks. Stakeholders are free to raise their grievances through various channels, including mobile devices, QR codes, in-person interviews, phone calls, and email. The grievance handling department, upon receiving a report, investigates the case, takes follow-up action, and notifies the results and feedback according to internal procedures. Busan Bank recorded 120 grievance reports, with 35 processed; Kyongnam Bank recorded 115, with 63 processed. BNK Financial Group operates a range of programs to promote communication among employees and enhance their organizational satisfaction. The Group has implemented the Birkman Assessment approach since 2024 to systematically identify employees’ tendencies, work engagement, and stress levels. In the first quarter of 2025, BNK Financial Group conducted an online satisfaction survey on all employees from seven subsidiaries and measured satisfaction for 9.5% of the total BNK Financial Group employees. The analysis revealed that the satisfaction score was 3.99 out of 5. Additionally, regular HR meetings are held with labor unions to encourage union activities and build cooperative, sound labor-management relations.

• Shareholders and Investors

× Definition: Shareholders and investors who influence BNK Financial Group’s sustainable growth decisions

× Communication and Collaboration Methods: To address increased shareholder and investor interest in business structure sustainability and concerns over greenwashing risks in green financial products, transparent information disclosure and active communication are conducted to enhance trust. This includes disclosure of financial and stock information, climate change-related risks and opportunities, strategies, green finance performance and investment amounts, as well as social contribution efforts such as support types and budgets for low-income and financially vulnerable groups.

• Partners

× Definition: Groups with which BNK Financial Group pursues mutual growth based on partnership and trust

× Communication and Collaboration Methods: Each subsidiary leads social responsibility fulfilment and safety/environmental value realization through mutual growth and improvement of working conditions with partners. Specifically, BNK Savings Bank provides exclusive office spaces for outsourced counsellors and carries out regular meetings to reflect field opinions. Human rights issues of customer counselling workers, including those belonging to partners, are managed. A grievance box for counsellors is provided, and regular inspections and support regarding human rights violations during customer counselling also take place. In cases of complaints, 30 minutes of rest per case and mental health workshops are offered to manage counsellors’ human rights comprehensively.

• Local Communities

× Definition: Groups including local communities, environmental organizations, media, and academia that share regional issues and cooperate for solutions

× Communication and Collaboration Methods: Under the management philosophy of ‘Together with the Region, to the World,’ BNK Financial Group seeks to revitalize the local economy and promote mutual growth with local communities. It supports promising local ventures and startups and provides financial support to key regional industries. Specifically, in response to the regional extinction crisis due to youth population decline, support for youth job-creating companies is strengthened, and regional talent is discovered and nurtured to lead youth job creation.

• Government and Regulatory Agencies

× Definition: Governments, National Assembly, Financial Supervisory Service, etc., leading corporate social responsibility to strengthen the competitiveness of the financial industry

× Communication and Collaboration Methods: Government and regulatory agencies establish policies and guidelines enabling financial companies to transition to a sustainable economy. In 2021, the Financial Supervisory Service announced the ‘Climate Risk Management Best Practice Guidelines for Financial Companies,’ upon which BNK Financial Group established a governance system for climate change response, measured climate risks, and formulated appropriate response strategies. Additionally, in accordance with TCFD recommendations, climate risk-related information is disclosed transparently, and ESG finance and management-related materials required by financial authorities and the Banking Association are also reported transparently. Moreover, BNK Financial Group participates in various global initiatives to discuss sustainability agendas such as climate change and human rights, striving to effectively manage the impact of management activities according to global standards.

Global Initiatives Joined by BNK Financial Group

• UNGC (United Nations Global Compact) – Joined July 2020
• CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project, Capital Market Signatory) – Joined May 2021
• TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) – Joined May 2021
• UNEP FI (United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative) – Joined March 2022
• PCAF (Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials) – Joined March 2022
• SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) – Joined March 2022

How does BNK Financial Group promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees?

In its 2024 PRB Responsible Banking Progress Statement BNK Financial Group reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

• ESG Training

Under the direction of its Talent Development Institute, BNK Financial Group offers annual online and offline training programs to support employees in adopting eco-friendly practices and enhance ESG awareness.

In 2024, ESG training was integrated into development programs for promoted employees, new hires, and across various functions for all Group staff. Additionally, 13 ESG personnel from different subsidiaries completed the ESG expert course provided by the Federation of Korean Industries, earning professional qualifications in ESG.

A total of 5,559 employees participated in online training sessions covering ESG, climate change, and carbon neutrality.

In the latter half of 2024, 60 employees promoted to grades 3 and 4, along with 85 new hires, attended offline ESG lectures to deepen their understanding. BNK Financial Group also encourages employees to freely participate in eco-friendly educational programs offered through the Korea Banking Institute (KBI FLEX), including courses like ‘Strategy for a Sustainable Environment’ and ‘Zero Carbon Footprint’.

• ESG Policies

To spread the value of sustainability, BNK Financial Group has developed and disseminated ESG policies applicable to employees across all affiliates. These policies and guidelines—such as the Code of Ethics (detailing ethical standards for conduct), the Environmental Management Policy (addressing climate change response), the Community Engagement Policy (focusing on local community contribution and development), and the Human Rights Policy (aimed at strengthening human rights and diversity)—serve to communicate the Group’s core values to all members.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by BNK Financial Group, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.bnkfg.com/share_file/(BNK Financial Group) PRB-Reporting-and-Self-Assessment-Template.pdf

Note to BNK Financial Group: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Mediobanca considers it crucial to incorporate the perspectives and expectations of its stakeholders. During the first half of 2025, it conducted a stakeholder engagement exercise as part of the Double Materiality Assessment (DMA), undertaken in preparation for the CSRD FY 2024-25 reporting.

Below are some updates on initiatives described in the 2024 PRB Report, specifically related to the prioritized impact areas.

Climate

In line with the objectives outlined in the Mediobanca Group Transition Plan to publish research and reports emphasizing the importance of policies to address climate change, several initiatives have been undertaken, including the following:

• The third “Mediobanca Energy Transition Conference for French Investors” was held in Paris on April 9, 2025, attracting participation from numerous French institutional investors through one-on-one and group meetings. The event served as a platform to discuss future market scenarios and investment opportunities alongside management teams from leading Italian companies in the energy transition sector.
• In 2025, Mediobanca Research – Utilities & Infrastructures focused on key topics related to the energy transition, including European energy policy, increasing electricity demand, renewable energy development, power price cannibalization, and hydrogen production.
• The Mediobanca Research Area continues to examine the impact of sustainability issues and assess how Italian mid-cap family businesses are responding to green challenges, often in collaboration with third parties. Notably, the annual economic and financial analysis in the “24th Report on Italian Medium-Sized Industrial Enterprises” (produced with Unioncamere and the Guglielmo Tagliacarne Research Centre) has been expanded to include a paper on “Competitive Landscape, ESG, and Strategic Innovation for Value Creation in Italian Medium-Sized Industrial Enterprises.” This paper offers cyclical, forecast, and structural insights derived from surveys conducted by the research centres.

Financial Education and Inclusion

Mediobanca continues its collaboration with Junior Achievement, the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to economic and business education in schools. The financial education and career guidance program, “CONTA SUL FUTURO!” (“Count on the Future”), aimed at middle school students, has been launched to enhance younger generations’ understanding of financial topics. The program involves Group volunteers acting as “company experts,” working alongside teachers in middle and high schools during lessons on economics, business studies, and personal finance. During the 2024–25 school year, the program, offered free of charge to schools across Italy, engaged: 109 schools, 580 classes, 11,584 students, 394 teachers, and 128 volunteers—86 of whom were from the Mediobanca Group. Additionally, the program reached 105,890 students through digital content.

As highlighted in the 2024 PRB Report, Mediobanca Premier has also launched a women’s empowerment initiative, targeting female clients.

Furthermore, a training course has been introduced to improve the Group’s staff knowledge on Financial Health and Inclusion topics.

Social Inclusion

During the first Mediobanca CSR Conference titled “Migrations and Inclusion: The Reception of Unaccompanied Foreign Minors,” held on December 20, 2024, the Mediobanca Research Area presented an in-depth study entitled “The Economic Impacts of Migration: Problem or Resource?” The comprehensive report, published on April 23, 2025, analyses economic and social data related to migration flows and their effects.

How does Mediobanca promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees?

In its 2025 PRB Report Mediobanca reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

Mediobanca is dedicated to promoting a culture of responsible banking among its employees and organizes various ESG-related initiatives, including the multi-year ESG Programme, ESG Working Groups, and the training and induction sessions outlined in the 2024 PRB Report (see section 5.2, pages 32–33). These initiatives continued as planned under the CSRD FY 2024-25 framework.

Employees regularly participate in ESG training, with three courses mandatory for all staff:

• Sustainability and ESG (launched in 2021, completed by 99% of Group employees)
• Human Rights (launched in 2023, completed by 98% of Group employees)
• Financial Health & Inclusion (launched in 2024, completed by 94% of Group employees)

Role-specific training is also offered. For instance, at Mediobanca Premier, in addition to the EFPA ESG Advisor certification pathway, 998 staff members—representing 97.7% of the total sales network workforce —completed the ESG module included in the 2024 MiFID II refresher course.

Since June 2025, targeted training on major greenwashing risks has been provided annually to employees involved in client and public communications.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Mediobanca, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.mediobanca.com/static/upload_new/une/unep-fi-prb-.pdf

Note to Mediobanca: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

Co-operation with various stakeholder groups helps Aktia assess and respond to the expectations placed upon it. Key stakeholders include customers, employees, shareholders, and financiers, as well as social operators such as authorities, partners, NGOs, and the media. Aktia maintains ongoing, open dialogue across multiple channels with its stakeholders to enhance its operations. Its open and transparent collaboration tools include the company’s website, social media platforms, stock exchange and press releases, customer newsletters, and regular communication with selected stakeholder groups. Aktia engages with stakeholders through seminars, webinars, local events, trade fairs, and participation in projects. The company also participates in industry forums to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities, while monitoring and assessing public debates related to its industry. Open and transparent cooperation with authorities, partners, and the media at both national and local levels is a priority for Aktia. Additionally, Aktia aims to be an active social participant at the local level by collaborating with schools and universities—offering scholarships, participating in school events, and supporting students with their thesis work. The company also maintains close ties with regional Aktia foundations, which fund various local community activities, partly supported by dividends received from Aktia’s ownership.

How does Aktia promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees?

In its 2024 PRB Progress Statement Aktia reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

To support and guide operational management and employees, Aktia has compiled its key rules and ethical principles into the Aktia Code of Conduct, which must be observed when performing their duties. The Aktia Group’s Code of Conduct addresses topics such as the role of management and employees as Aktia’s representatives, handling personal and family matters related to Aktia, anti-corruption measures, secondary occupations and positions of trust, as well as safeguarding Aktia’s business secrets. It also includes regulations on insider trading, prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing, and compliance with financial sanctions. Since customer relations are central to Aktia’s operations, the Code of Conduct also contains essential rules regarding confidentiality and the handling of customer complaints.

All employees and management are required to undergo training on Aktia’s Code of Conduct annually, which is conducted via the internal digital training platform. Depending on their responsibilities, employees may also be required to complete additional internal training modules on the same platform.

The Aktia Way studies, which are mandatory for all employees and completed through an online learning environment, serve as the foundation for ensuring and developing competence. These studies are based on the principles outlined in Aktia’s Code of Conduct, with the goal of ensuring that employees understand how to act in accordance with its guidelines.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Aktia, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.aktia.com/sites/aktia-corp/files/sustainability/economic-responsibility/Aktia Bank Plc_PRB_Progress_Statement_2024.pdf

Note to Aktia: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

To achieve its goal of backing people to go for it in life and business, it’s key that Aldermore Group constantly focuses on the ways that it can generate greater value for each of its key stakeholder groups. Aldermore Group recognises that its business impacts people differently, depending on who they are, so to deliver on this purpose the Group must ensure it backs people in the right ways to address their needs, while achieving its own growth ambitions.

• Customers: Aldermore Group places customers at the core of decision-making. The organization aspires to help them find the right solutions to achieve more in life and business, with the confidence of being supported by a company that champions them when others may not.
• Employees: Employees are regarded as the foundation of Aldermore Group’s success, and the organization endeavours to establish a clear value exchange. It offers excellent benefits, positive working environments, and development opportunities, while clearly communicating expectations in return.
• Distribution partners: Aldermore Group provides products and services to brokers and intermediaries, working closely together to understand their requirements and those of their clients.
• Dealers: The Group delivers products and services to support dealer businesses, ensuring dealer finance remains vibrant and sustainable in an evolving market.
• Society: Aldermore Group leverages its key strengths and capabilities to drive impactful change where it can make the biggest difference to society.
• Investors: The organization aims to generate sustainable returns by focusing on long-term growth in four of the most attractive markets within UK banking.
• Regulators: Aldermore Group maintains regular, open, and transparent dialogue to ensure alignment with evolving regulatory priorities. For more details on Aldermore Group’s stakeholders, please see its annual report.

As the UK macroeconomic environment remains volatile, Aldermore Group recognizes that the needs of its stakeholders are evolving rapidly. Aldermore Group’s refreshed strategy, introduced in 2022, was designed to modernize and focus the business, ensuring continued relevance for stakeholders.

This strategy outlined a focus across four key divisions: property finance, motor finance, business finance, and savings.

Aldermore Group maintains regular dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure that its strategies, plans, and business objectives continue to positively impact each group and address the needs of its identified stakeholders. Additionally, Aldermore Group placed extra focus on the needs and perspectives of key stakeholders as part of its materiality assessment, incorporating their views throughout the process and utilizing these insights to develop a supportive action plan. This plan will be integrated into enterprise-wide strategic initiatives, including business strategy and sustainability efforts.

Aldermore Group is also part of numerous ecosystems across various industries, which enable the organization to gain insights and share best practices with communities and industry peers. Such collaboration consistently empowers Aldermore Group to achieve better outcomes for its stakeholders. The organization recognizes that partnering with other organizations can amplify its impact and help deliver results in areas that matter most.

Aldermore Group is actively engaged with several industry bodies, including:

• UK Finance
• Finance & Leasing Association (FLA)
• Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA)
• Banking Standards Board

Aldermore Group is also a signatory or member of:

• The Women in Finance Charter
• Race to Work Charter
• The Mindful Business Charter
• United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative Principles for Responsible Banking
• The Purpose Coalition
• Business in the Community
• Progress Together

How does Aldermore Group promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees?

In its 2025 PRB Self-Assessment Report Aldermore Group reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

In 2024, Aldermore Group took further steps to actively foster a culture of responsible banking across the organization, recognizing that engaged and informed colleagues are essential to achieving its ambitions. Throughout FY24, Aldermore Group has promoted this engagement through various initiatives, including the following:

– Integrating the delivery of key ESG and sustainability priorities into the Group’s non-financial remuneration scorecard to support Aldermore Group’s goals of positively impacting climate change, financial wellbeing, financial inclusion, and economic transformation.

– Launching the organization’s first colleague training programme on sustainability, with mandatory training introduced for all colleagues to establish foundational themes and demonstrate how they support the corporate strategy and purpose. Additionally, following a two-year partnership with learning and development specialist Attain, a customised, specialist training module was launched for 207 mid-to-senior leaders on sustainable finance and the influential role responsible banks can play in broader society.

– Recognising the importance of increasing ethnic diversity within financial services and supporting individuals in their success, Aldermore Group is proudly committed to the Race at Work Charter and sponsors the 10,000 Black Interns scheme, welcoming its second cohort in summer 2024. Furthermore, the organization developed and launched its first ‘Embrace Your Future’ programme, providing 22 participants across the business with opportunities for career development through structured learning and mentorship.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by Aldermore Group, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.aldermore.co.uk/media/ttpjnrin/aldermore-group-principles-for-responsible-banking-2025.pdf

Note to Aldermore Group: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

Stakeholder identification and consultation

Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.

ADIB consistently maintains transparent and ongoing communication with its key stakeholders, promoting constructive dialogue to identify areas of significant impact and material topics that are relevant to the bank.

ADIB’s Double Materiality Assessment serves as the primary method for stakeholder engagement with regard to impact and materiality. Through this process, stakeholders such as staff, senior management, the Board of Directors, customers, suppliers, and community members were identified.

Beyond this assessment, ADIB’s stakeholder management approach involves continuous engagement with the bank’s key stakeholders, recognizing their vital role in shaping ADIB’s strategic direction. ADIB identifies key stakeholders as those most affected by its operations and those with the greatest influence over the bank’s operations, including management, investors, customers, employees, partners, communities, and regulators. To facilitate effective engagement, ADIB employs multiple channels to proactively communicate, enabling the bank to understand, address, and respond to their concerns and interests. Insights obtained from these interactions are vital in understanding the ESG factors material to ADIB’s operations, guiding the development and implementation of initiatives aligned with stakeholder expectations and promoting sustainable growth.

In addition, ADIB’s sustainability performance has been recognized by external ESG rating agencies, notably with an AA MSCI ESG rating that highlights its strong ESG risk management and performance. This external assessment also affirms the quality and transparency of ADIB’s public disclosures.

Details of ADIB’s overall stakeholder management approach, which enables ADIB to maintain a principled approach to banking and improve its impacts, can be found below:

Stakeholder	Commitment	Engagement mode
Shareholders	ADIB provides timely and detailed disclosures to enable investors to make informed investment decisions.	• Quarterly result briefings • Investor conferences • One-on-one and group meetings with over 250 investors, conducted • AGM • Annual report • Investor relations app
Customers	ADIB interacts with customers to better understand their evolving needs so that it can provide the right financial Shari’a compliant solutions for them.	• Multiple service channels, including digital banking, call centres and branches • Regular engagements via relationship managers and customer Majles • Active interaction and prompt follow-up to queries/ feedback received via social media platforms • Regular satisfaction surveys • Customer Mail, to facilitate dialogue between customers from all segments and the senior bank executives to directly engage in dialog and share their feedback
Staff	ADIB communicates with its staff via multiple channels to ensure that its employees feel connected and informed. Their opinions on material topics of sustainability are also essential to understand the impact, risks and opportunities of the topic on the business. This will play a pivotal role in shaping ADIB’s ESG strategy.	• Internal communications where employees have an open discussion with the GCEO • Group-wide town hall hosted by the GCEO • Regular department events held by senior management • Annual “My Voice” Employee Engagement survey • Employee newsletter • Employee WhatsApp group • Mailer and intranet
Community and partners.	ADIB is committed to engaging with the community and partners to better understand the role it can play in addressing societal needs and gaps.	• Regular events and conversations with Businesses and community partners to understand the social landscape and how ADIB can partner to create impact. • Connection with government bodies and associations • Community engagement and partnerships within the public • Free financial literacy programmes
Regulators	ADIB strives to be a good corporate citizen and advocate by providing input to and supporting the implementation of relevant local and global laws, regulations, guidelines, and public policies.	• Regular engagement sessions with regulators and government bodies • Sharing insights and providing feedback to regulators • Actively participating in regulatory working groups, committees or forums • Actively participating in local, regional, and international industry forums on financial regulation • Actively responding to, or providing feedback on Consultation Papers, draft regulations or guidelines, or policy statements or papers

How does ADIB promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees?

In its 2024 PRB Responsible Banking Progress Statement ADIB reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

ADIB is dedicated to integrating responsible banking principles into its organizational culture, ensuring that employees at every level understand their role in achieving positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes.

Capacity Building and ESG Training

Mandatory ESG Training: All staff participate in comprehensive ESG training modules as part of ADIB’s mandatory learning program, with a completion rate exceeding 90%.

Specialist Training for Key Functions: ADIB provides targeted, specialized training to strengthen expertise within critical business units, including compliance, risk management, and frontline teams. Key topics covered include:

• ESG Investing
• Sustainable Finance
• Green Financing
• ESG & Climate Risk and Stress Testing
• Sustainable Procurement
• Net Zero Banking & the Circular Economy

These programmes enhance technical skills and embed sustainability considerations into product development, investment decisions, procurement, and risk management processes.

Leadership Communication and Strategic Alignment

Sustainability is a fundamental organizational priority, reinforced through the “Sustainable Future” pillar in ADIB’s corporate strategy. Executive leaders regularly communicate sustainability goals and performance expectations, ensuring alignment with the bank’s long-term vision and the Principles for Responsible Banking. Additionally, ADIB’s governance framework encourages leadership dialogue on ESG and sustainability issues, solidifying the bank’s commitment to responsible banking. The ESG Management Committee and ESG Board Committee provide strategic guidance and leadership communication to prioritize sustainability across all levels of the organization.

Integration into Performance Management

ADIB has incorporated sustainability KPIs into its balanced scorecards to promote accountability and performance:

Bank-wide: The Sustainable Future strategic pillar cascades into divisional objectives, aligning all units with ESG priorities.

Business Units: Under ADIB’s Sustainable Finance Strategy for 2030, financial KPIs are embedded into business unit scorecards to support its AED 60 billion sustainable finance target by 2030. Annual financial targets are established and monitored to track progress toward this goal.

Through mandatory training, targeted capability development, leadership engagement, and integration into performance and reward systems, ADIB fosters a deeply ingrained culture of responsible banking that supports the effective implementation of the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking.

 

UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet

With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:

First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience

• • • FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
    • FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
    • FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.

The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.

 

References:

This case study is based on published information by ADIB, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.adib.ae/-/media/project/adib/adibsite/docs/esg-and-sustainability/disclosures/prb-progress-statement-2024.pdf

Note to ADIB: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.