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.

Regular stakeholder engagement is a key part of Helaba’s materiality assessment process. To effectively identify stakeholders, Helaba employs a systematic approach, evaluating both their impact on its activities and its impact on them. The feedback and insights Helaba obtains from this engagement are crucial to its action planning process, ensuring that the sustainability initiatives align with stakeholder expectations and industry best practices. Furthermore, the bank’s Code of Conduct ensures responsible interaction with all stakeholders.

Helaba prioritises active engagement with customers to understand their needs and expectations, especially regarding sustainable finance and ESG-related products. As an active promoter of a sustainable transition, Helaba’s Capital Markets Conference enabled the bank to explore sustainable capital market financing solutions and the application of digital innovation in the financial sector with its clients.

Additionally, Helaba is in continuous communication with regulators and policymakers to stay informed about evolving sustainability regulations and ensure adherence to these standards. Partnering with nongovernmental organisations provides the bank with key insights into societal expectations and emerging sustainability trends. Helaba’s active participation in several industry associations enables the bank to contribute to the development of best practices and industry standards through collaborative efforts.

Moreover, Helaba provides regular updates on its business performance to the Supervisory Board, which holds the highest-ranking control function within the organisation. The Supervisory Board includes representatives from employee groups, political entities and the business sector, ensuring comprehensive oversight of Helaba’s operations.

Helaba also actively engages with its own employees regarding sustainability, focusing on topics such as circularity, biodiversity, and climate change. Through a comprehensive training programme, Helaba enables its employees to properly assess sustainability-related opportunities and risks. This in-depth knowledge also helps the bank’s front-office units to work more closely with customers.

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

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

Helaba considers its employees to be essential in promoting responsible operations, reflecting the bank’s commitment to sustainability and supporting customers in their ongoing journey toward greater sustainability. Dedicated to continuous training and professional growth, Helaba makes significant investments in developing its workforce.

In the 2021 financial year, Helaba launched tailored training programs to give employees a foundational understanding of sustainability within the bank’s business context. By 2023, these programs had been expanded to include additional advanced modules on specialized topics. The courses provide a thorough overview of key sustainability and sustainable finance concepts, including climate change, biodiversity, circular economy, and ESG reporting. As of December 31, 2023, 3,253 Helaba employees had completed the online training, and approximately 140 individuals, primarily from front-office units, participated in the more intensive ESG master classes.

Helaba has also launched an online training module dedicated to information security and data protection, which all employees are required to complete annually. This training offers insights into cyber threats, data protection principles, and procedures for handling data subject requests and data breaches, ensuring employees recognize the significance of these issues. Regular education on information security and data protection fosters responsible behaviour in daily business activities, highlighting its vital role in responsible banking.

Furthermore, Helaba has adopted a corporate citizenship strategy that promotes community engagement across the bank and its subsidiaries, including social volunteering initiatives. The bank actively encourages employees to participate in environmental and social projects by providing up to two days off per year for volunteering. Helaba seeks to expand its social volunteering efforts within the Group, and aimed for at least 1,000 volunteer days annually by 2025, in partnership with its employees.

 

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 Helaba, 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.helaba.com/media/docs/int/sustainability/prb-reporting-and-self-assessment_helaba2025.pdf

Note to Helaba: 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.

IKB’s approach to sustainability communication centres on regular, active, and continuous engagement with its stakeholders. The bank’s main stakeholders comprise customers, creditors, owners, employees, supervisory authorities, the general public, rating agencies, and media representatives. It keeps in close contact with institutional bond investors via its Investor Relations team, through one-on-one meetings and investor calls. During the reporting period, the bank worked closely with internal stakeholders to prepare for the CSRD.

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

In its 2024 PRB Reporting and Self-Assessment Template IKB reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees: [

IKB is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, guided by commitments such as signing the Diversity Charter, complying with German laws like the General Equal Treatment Act, and adhering to its own Code of Conduct. The bank communicates its environmental and sustainability initiatives to employees through various channels, including the intranet and the ESG podcast.

Furthermore, specialists in sustainable finance receive targeted training, and introductory courses on a broad range of ESG topics are offered as needed. Members of the Management Board and Supervisory Board also receive both internal and external ESG training.

IKB’s journey toward sustainability is an ongoing, comprehensive process that continuously evolves to meet new challenges. Sustainable human resources management plays a vital role in fostering a cultural shift that the bank actively supports. This cultural change is crucial for the bank’s long-term success and survival, making the sustainable orientation of human resources work a key strategic priority. The bank’s human resources development strategy is aligned with its corporate strategy, with the aim that employees feel connected to IKB, its values, and its strategic direction.

 

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 IKB, 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.ikb.de/resource/blob/13078/e77eff72ca30f29bb5ba6988c60fba19/unprb-reporting-2024-eng-data.pdf

Note to IKB: 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.

Resurs interacts with a wide range of stakeholders daily through various channels and approaches. The bank conducts a materiality analysis every two years to stay current across multiple areas. The most recent assessment, completed in 2022, enables Resurs to identify the sustainability issues most relevant to stakeholders and understand their expectations. It also provides insights into how Resurs’ operations affect the economy, society, individuals, and the environment. As part of the ongoing CSRD initiatives, updates are being implemented to incorporate the critical concept of double materiality, with the goal of further enhancing Resurs’ strategy for sustainable business.

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

In its 2024 PRB Reporting and Self-Assessment Template Resurs reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

The basis for guiding the bank towards responsible and sustainable operations is built upon a set of policies and guidelines. An effective internal system supports this framework through Resurs Academy, Resurs’ digital platform offering all online training modules, where all employees are mandated to complete essential training in various key areas aligned with these policies and guidelines. Furthermore, Resurs shares knowledge, best practices, and inspiration through several internal forums, including Leadership Training Camps, Sustainability Weeks, and other events.

 

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 Resurs, 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.resursholding.com/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/principles-for-responsible-banking-2024.pdf

Note to Resurs: 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.

Identification and involvement of stakeholders

Stakeholder involvement is a vital aspect of Nykredit’s efforts to implement the Principles for Responsible Banking and to enhance its positive impact on customers, owners, and society. An ongoing, transparent dialogue with stakeholders deepens Nykredit’s understanding of their needs and expectations. At the same time, this dialogue helps refine Nykredit’s strategy, business model, and priorities, whether it involves supporting the green transition, fostering an attractive workplace, or ensuring equitable access to financing and home loans throughout Denmark.

Coordination across the organisation

Continuous coordination occurs across Nykredit’s organisation and management to share insights into the views and interests of relevant stakeholders. This coordination enables Nykredit to adapt to new political proposals and initiatives, regulatory guidelines and recommendations from authorities, and requests from key partners. Nykredit engages with customers through advisory meetings, ESG tools, and customer satisfaction surveys; with employees via staff satisfaction and working environment surveys, and formal collaboration forums; and with the owner, Forenet Kredit, through close strategic and operational cooperation. Additionally, there is ongoing dialogue with authorities, politicians, trade organisations and NGOs about regulation, joint solutions, and sustainability initiatives. Insights gained from stakeholder engagement are systematically incorporated into the bank’s decision-making and action processes and used to prioritise initiatives and assess risks and opportunities.

For a comprehensive overview of Nykredit’s approach, organisation, and key stakeholders, please refer to page 97 of Nykredit’s Sustainability Statement.

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

In its 2026 PRB Responsible Banking Progress Statement Nykredit reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

Nykredit fosters a culture of responsible banking by establishing clear behavioural expectations, providing ongoing training, and maintaining open dialogue on responsible business practices. The bank’s commitment to responsibility is reinforced through policies, training programs, business procedures, and a focus on preventing financial crime.

Corporate Culture Policy

To support a safe and transparent culture, Nykredit has implemented a Corporate Culture Policy. This policy outlines two main principles essential to cultivating a healthy corporate environment: responsible business practices and a safe, open culture. These principles are underpinned by four core behavioural skills that guide the kind of organization Nykredit aspires to be as a customer-owned employer: customer centricity, team spirit, drive, and responsibility. The policy is complemented by Nykredit’s Code of Conduct and is further supported by other policies adopted by the Nykredit Group’s Board of Directors. All Nykredit employees are bound by this policy.

The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the policy and conducts an annual review to assess its relevance and appropriateness, considering Nykredit’s activities, organization, resources, and the market conditions in which Nykredit operates.

Initiatives to Combat Financial Crime

Nykredit continuously enhances its monitoring, control measures, and processes to ensure robust protection against the misuse of its products and services for money laundering, terrorist financing, or violations of financial sanctions. This effort is guided by a dedicated policy and is deeply integrated across the Group. Key to this structure is the appointment of an AML Responsible Officer at the Executive Board level, who oversees the integration and focus on preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and sanctions breaches within the Group Executive Board and the Executive Boards of the Group companies. Additionally, the Nykredit Group has an AML Responsible Officer covering all relevant Group entities.

All Nykredit employees are legally required to complete annual and role-specific training programs related to anti-money laundering and other financial crimes. These mandatory, case-based training sessions are tailored to employees’ job profiles and include participants from the Executive Board and the Board of Directors. In 2025, five case studies were provided, covering areas such as trade-based money laundering prevention, cryptocurrency-related money laundering, and corruption. The overall completion rate for all employees was 98% in 2025.

Whistleblower Scheme

Nykredit has established a Whistleblowing Policy and an online whistleblower scheme that allows all employees to anonymously report suspected irregularities, violations, or potential breaches of financial regulations, laws, or Nykredit’s policies and guidelines. This includes sensitive issues such as sexism.

The whistleblower scheme complements existing channels where employees are encouraged to raise concerns directly with their managers or Nykredit’s management. All reports submitted through the platform are initially reviewed by an external attorney, who screens the information and shares it with the Head of Compliance, the Head of Internal Audit, and the Chair of Nykredit’s Board Risk Committee. Reports made in good faith are fully protected from any form of retaliation.

 

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 Nykredit, 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.nykredit.com/globalassets/nykredit.com/samfundsansvar/prb_supplement_template_2026.pdf

Note to Nykredit: 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.

MBH Bank has a continuous, structured, and two-way relationship with all its stakeholders, actively reflecting on their feedback, to understand their perspectives on sustainability issues. While stakeholder opinions indirectly influence the ongoing development of the bank’s strategy and business model, MBH Bank does not document specific changes or planned actions made in consideration of stakeholder groups and their feedback.

The bank’s internal stakeholder groups include owners, management, and employees, while key external stakeholders consist of clients (retail and corporate) suppliers, competitors, professional organizations, regulatory authorities, government agencies, civil society organizations, local communities, and the media. Communication with all stakeholder groups takes place through diverse channels, tailored to each specific group.

In 2024, MBH Bank carried out its inaugural group-level double materiality assessment within its sustainability reporting under the CSRD to identify significant impacts, risks, and opportunities related to ESG. This assessment involved identifying stakeholders—both internal and external—who are affected or may be affected by the bank’s operations or value chain. The detailed descriptions of these impacts were communicated to the assessors through an online questionnaire and reinforced verbally during a supporting workshop. The stakeholders helped assess the bank’s material topics. While climate stability was identified as a material topic in the assessment, the impact of biodiversity has not yet been assessed at the Group level and is an upcoming step that MBH Bank seeks to undertake. The bank is currently treating the group-level double materiality assessment and the impact analysis of the UN PRB applicable to MBH Bank separately. However, in the future, MBH Bank aims to align the two processes, which will include a reassessment of the materiality of biodiversity topics during the next double materiality assessment.

Additionally, in relation to the impact area of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, MBH Bank aims to further refine its stakeholder identification process and engage with relevant groups. This may include clients operating in high-impact sectors related to biodiversity, as identified during the Nature Key Sectors screening phase. The Hungarian National Bank is a notable stakeholder in this context, given its ongoing involvement in nature-related guidelines, risk assessment methodologies, and workshops.

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

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

To ensure effective ESG governance, MBH Bank focuses on sustainability training for the Board of Directors and senior management. The purpose of the training is to deepen participants’ understanding of current environmental, social, and governance trends, enabling them to incorporate these elements into the bank’s long-term strategy and daily operations. The first phase of the training series was completed in the fall of 2023, during which 107 participants acquired up-to-date knowledge on various topics, including ESG fundamentals, regulatory obligations and recommendations, ESG reporting and ratings, and green financing.

To further promote responsible banking, in October 2024, the ESG Academy, accessible to all employees, was launched, led and coordinated by the ESG department. This program includes seven modules designed to equip employees with essential and comprehensive ESG knowledge.

Furthermore, in 2024, MBH Bank organized over 370,000 hours of internal training. Alongside mandatory programs, the bank prioritized diverse professional development by inviting external experts as speakers. The MBH Academy was the cornerstone of the bank’s development system, ensuring that all employees received essential mandatory training relevant to their roles, as well as company-wide compliance training and programs aimed at strengthening soft skills and leadership development to facilitate intentional career growth.

Another important tool for the effective implementation of the ESG Strategy is the integration of sustainability elements into MBH Bank’s compensation system. The Supervisory Board approves the principles and reviews the compensation policy, while the Board of Directors is responsible for its execution, which is audited internally by MBH Bank at least yearly.

The structure of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board includes a majority of independent non-employee members, ensuring impartial decision-making and prioritization of the company’s interests. These members receive fixed compensation without performance-related incentives, meaning their pay does not directly influence corporate performance. In contrast, the management team’s motivation system is linked to overall strategic goals, which might include ESG-related objectives. Currently, one member of senior management has such KPIs. These objectives ensure that all leaders contribute to MBH Bank’s long-term success and are incentivized through variable compensation based on annual performance evaluations. While these goals are not publicly disclosed, climate-related and ESG performance was further integrated into the compensation structure in 2025, promoting sustainable and ethical business practices.

Concerning biodiversity, MBH Bank implements several attitude-shaping initiatives. Within the framework of the ‘Bank for a Sustainable Future’ program, MBH Bank is committed to advancing biodiversity conservation, which encompasses the MBH Forest initiative and partnerships with National Parks. In 2023, the bank launched its tree planting campaigns, successfully planting 23 000 native saplings. Of these, 10 000 were planted with the voluntary involvement of the bank’s employees and 13 000 by the Gyulaj Forestry. In 2024, an additional 14,000 saplings were planted, comprising 10 000 with the involvement of the bank’s employees and 4000 during the completion of the “Customer Experience” Open University program. (During the training program, employees could collect “virtual trees,” that were subsequently planted in a real forest.) All these efforts are projected to sequester roughly 220 tons of carbon dioxide annually, a figure applicable to fully mature trees. In both 2023 and 2024, a total of 140 employees participated in tree planting volunteer events each year. More recently, a third tree planting event by MBH Bank, focused on team building and raising environmental awareness, took place in March 2025, where 10 000 trees were planted, with 100 employees taking part in the initiative. Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, MBH Bank allocated 30 million HUF in 2024 to support Hungary’s national parks in the development of comprehensive biodiversity preservation programs. Beyond financial contributions, a critical component of this partnership is the engagement and education of the bank’s employees. Accordingly, MBH Bank and the staff of Bükk National Park collaborate on essential conservation tasks regarding the maintenance and enhancement of educational trails.

 

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 MBH 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.mbhbank.com/sw/static/file/PRB_Responsible_Banking_Progress_Statement_new.pdf

Note to MBH 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.

JB Financial Group places co-prosperity and harmony with diverse stakeholders at the core of its overall management approach. The Group has been deeply engaged with its stakeholders and operates a structured response system guided by its “Principles for Stakeholder Communication and Response,” which are as follows:

1. Sustainability: JB Financial Group aims to achieve sustainable profits for the company in collaboration with stakeholders such as local communities, customers, employees, and long-term shareholders.
2. Ethics: The Group emphasizes the importance of adhering to universal ethical standards.
3. Fairness: JB Financial Group endeavours to make fair and balanced decisions without favouritism toward any specific stakeholder.
4. Transparency: The Group commits to transparently disclosing the basis for decisions related to stakeholders’ demands.

JB Financial Group considers customers, employees, shareholders and investors, local communities, and supervisory authorities as its key stakeholders, all of whom mutually influence one another. The Group engages with these stakeholders through various channels on a wide range of issues impacting overall management, including environmental, social, and economic matters. Annually, JB Financial Group conducts stakeholder surveys to identify material issues. Moving forward, the Group aims to expand its communication efforts by developing more efficient channels to gather feedback and opinions from stakeholders, as well as to better understand their key concerns. The communication channels for key stakeholders are as follows:

1. Customers: Website, customer call centre, customer satisfaction surveys, customer experience groups, social media, financial consumer protection education, Leaders Forum (VIP customers)
2. Executives/employees: Intranet and bulletin board announcements, corporate culture improvement programs, CEO engagement programs
3. Shareholders and investors: Website, board meetings, general shareholders’ meetings, shareholder communication letter, international conferences, investor relations (IR)
4. Local communities: Website, employee volunteer groups, social contribution activity reports, university student ambassadors, social media
5. Regulatory authorities: Attendance in regular meetings, submission of regular reports, regular and ad hoc inspections

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

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

To strengthen ESG management and advance toward sustainable future finance, JB Financial Group develops and publicly discloses a range of policies. These include the Human Rights Policy, Code of Conduct, Declaration on the Prohibition of Sexual Harassment, Non-Sexual Harassment and Discrimination, Privacy Policy, Occupational Health and Safety Management Policy, Financial Inclusion Commitment, Guidelines on Director Independence, Board Diversity Guidelines, Anti-Corruption Management, Tax Policy, and the Anti-Money Laundering Policy, among others.

Building on this foundation, JB Financial Group provides training for employees on ESG management, human rights, ethics, safety and health, and information protection. These programs are conducted through regular training sessions, workshops, and seminars to ensure employees gain the necessary knowledge and skills related to ESG.

Furthermore, JB Financial Group integrates ESG-related objectives into its management KPIs. The CEO’s performance evaluation considers the development and implementation of the group’s ESG strategy, while the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is assessed based on the creation of a climate risk assessment framework. ESG executives are evaluated on the development and execution of ESG management strategies and policies. This system encourages executives and employees to achieve sustainability goals and uphold responsible management practices.

 

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 JB 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.jbfg.com/assets/download/pages/esg/achievements/JB Financial Group PRB Report(2025).pdf

Note to JB 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.

Achmea Bank engages with stakeholders through a variety of tools and methods to ensure alignment with societal goals and values. The bank’s main stakeholder groups include employees, customers, partners, and investors. Achmea Bank connects with them through:

• Customer councils and customer-centric dialogue sessions
• Measuring service quality via Net Promoter Score (NPS)
• Conducting market research
• Employee councils
• Adherence to the Banking Code and the bank’s Code of Conduct
• Active participation in Dutch Banking Association initiatives such as ‘Bankers in the Classroom’ and market research
• Seeking partnerships to advance the SDGs across various areas, including collaborations with PCAF, EEM NL Hub, and the Sector Collective ‘Duurzaam Wonen’
• Engagement dialogues with partners and investors

How did Achmea Bank identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2024 ESG Impact Report Achmea Bank reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

Achmea Bank is committed to making a positive impact on SDGs 10, 11, and 13. Achmea Bank’s initiatives include:

• Offering services such as Centraal Beheer’s ‘Duurzaam Woongemak,’ which provides solutions for making homes more sustainable, including insulation, solar panels, home batteries, heat pumps, and green roofs.
• Providing customers with the option to finance energy-saving products as part of their mortgage, without the need to present an immediate plan for spending. The Energy-Saving Budget (ESB) can be kept in deposit for up to two years.
• Extending longer quotation periods for new-build homes, aligning with the process that buyers of new-build properties must follow.
• Introducing a “green loan” component to the mortgage offering, allowing customers to co-finance sustainability measures at a lower interest rate; efforts are also underway to make it easier for existing customers to obtain additional loans for energy-saving facilities. In 2025 Achmea Bank implemented a label A+ discount for houses with an energy label of A+ or higher.
• Monitoring both the average energy efficiency score and the financed emissions of the mortgage portfolio.
• Playing a key role in Achmea’s Green Finance Framework for issuing green bonds.

 

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 Achmea 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.achmeabank.nl/-/media/achmeabank/documenten/duurzaamheid/ratings-rapporten-lidmaatschappen/esg-impact-report-2024-achmea-bank.pdf

Note to Achmea 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.

Aiyl Bank actively seeks feedback from its stakeholders and is committed to responding to their concerns promptly and accurately. The bank believes that this engagement provides valuable insights, assists in managing risks and opportunities, and is vital for its long-term sustainability.

Engagement with Clients

Aiyl Bank is dedicated to placing its clients at the heart of all operations. Its complaint management system enables the bank to swiftly identify and resolve issues, reinforcing its commitment to customer satisfaction and consumer protection.

Interaction with Institutional and Regulatory Bodies

In 2024, Aiyl Bank proactively engaged with regulators and government authorities to promote sustainable finance within the Kyrgyz Republic. The bank contributed to discussions on establishing a framework that supports the transition to a low-carbon economy. This included participating in the development of the Kyrgyz Republic’s Green taxonomy and a Roadmap for advancing sustainable finance and implementing ESG principles in the banking sector, designed to meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Engagement with Investors

Recognizing the increasing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions, Aiyl Bank has strengthened its relationships with external analysts and ESG ratings agencies. The bank understands that strong ESG ratings and scores are essential for attracting sustainable investments and shaping investment strategies.

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

In its 2024 PRB Responsible Banking Progress Statement Aiyl Bank reports that it works with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities as follows:

As a universal bank in the Kyrgyz Republic, Aiyl Bank offers a comprehensive range of services. The bank is uniquely positioned to influence behavioural change and assist clients in high-emission sectors, such as agriculture, in transitioning toward more sustainable practices. Aiyl Bank’s objective is to embed ESG principles into its daily operations.

Aiyl Bank was the first Kyrgyz bank to sign the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) and remains committed to supporting communities and vulnerable populations. The bank provides financial education programs aimed at increasing economic awareness and reducing social disparities. Through concessional lending, participation in state programs, partnerships, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives such as charitable activities and sponsorships, Aiyl Bank empowers communities and seeks to create a lasting positive impact.

At Aiyl Bank, sustainability is at the core of its strategy. The bank is dedicated to delivering fair and equitable service to its customers and actively equipping its employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster positive change. Recognizing that capacity building is a key challenge in expanding ESG practices within crediting and procurement, Aiyl Bank plans to intensify its efforts in this area.

 

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 Aiyl 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://abank.kg/guarddog/laravel-filemanager/files/shares/responsible-banking-progress-statement-aiyl-bank-eng.pdf

Note to Aiyl 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.