Governance Codes

Triodos Bank Business Principles, the Dutch Corporate Governance Code and the Dutch Banking Code

True to our values and business principles, Triodos Bank maintains and promotes the highest ethical business standards. It is in our DNA to do so. Our approach to sustainable banking is in line with good corporate governance as laid down in the external Corporate Governance Code and the Dutch Banking Code. Triodos Bank corporate governance performance is monitored and reviewed continuously, and reported in the annual report.

Read more about:

• Business Principles
• The Dutch Corporate Governance Code
• Dutch Banking Code
• Corporate Governance Code and Banking Code Statement 2010
• Whistle-blower Procedure

Business Principles

Our business principles guide us in carrying out our mission. They provide the framework that supports not only our strategic future, but also the code of conduct that underlies our day-to-day business operations. The Triodos Bank bankers’ declaration ties in fully with these Principles.

The Business Principles are an integral part of the contracts of employment of all Triodos Bank co-workers. In addition, the Business Principles are included in the introduction programme for new co-workers. The principles have been drawn up in consultation with the Board of SAAT and the Supervisory Board.

The Dutch Corporate Governance Code

The Dutch Corporate Governance Code (the Code) only applies to organisations whose shares are listed on a regulated market. Even though Triodos Bank depository receipts are not listed on any regulated market, we endorse and comply with the principles and best practices of the Code as a matter of course. We have however opted to consciously differ from the Code in five specific instances. 

Dutch Banking Code

The Dutch Banking Code (Banking Code) has come into force as of January 1, 2010. It consists of a number of recommendations and principles aimed at ensuring the very best performance by banks. Its primary focus is on governance and it puts the interests of the customer at the heart of a bank’s activity, which ties in fully with Triodos Bank’s vision and Business Principles. The customer is a key stakeholder in all our activities.

We subscribe to the Banking Code and have implemented it in the course of 2010. We will monitor, identify and address any occasions when we do not comply with the Banking Code on an ongoing basis. In a full comply-or-explain statement, as required under the Banking Code, we elaborate on how Triodos Bank applies the principles and best practices of the Code.
The  main themes of the Banking Code and the way we address them are as follows:

• Customer Focus
• Banker's Declaration
• Remuneration Policy
• Permanent Education 
• Risk Management

Corporate Governance Code and Banking Code Statement 2010

In accordance with the Dutch Decree implementing further accounting standards for the content of annual reports dated 23 December 2004 (as amended on 20 March 2009) and the Dutch Decree implementing further accounting standards for the content of annual reports of banks dated 1 June 2010, the Executive Board of Triodos Bank  NV has drafted a Corporate Governance Code and Banking Code Statement. This statement forms part of the 2010 Annual Report and is valid as of its date.

Whistle-blower Procedure

Our Whistle-blower Procedure ensures that co-workers have access (anonymously or otherwise) to higher management layers, in case of alleged irregularities of a general, operational and financial nature within our company. It defines the rules and procedures for the proper handling of such allegations. You can download the procedure at this page.