ASN Bank
| ASN Bank | |
| |
| Location: | The Netherlands |
| Type: | Development Bank |
| Class: | Funding agency |
| Key work: | sustainable investments, promotion of constructive business |
| Website: www.asnbank.nl | |
The ASN Bank, set up in 1960, is an enterprise which aims to promote a sustainable society and is guided by that aim in its economic activities. Promoting a sustainable society is seen by the bank “as contributing towards changes intended to put an end to processes whose adverse consequences are postponed until a future time, or passed on to the environment, nature or the poor.”
The ASN Bank invests its money in accordance with clear principles, where sustainability and yield go hand in hand. For the ASN Bank, sustainability means a society where economic, ecological and social interests are well balanced. The bank applies strict criteria to its capital spending and portfolio investment. For example, it does not invest in the weapons industry, the nuclear industry, and preferably not in alcohol and tobacco manufacturing. It also avoids companies that use animal testing, child labour and genetic modification (except where there is a proven medical need). It prefers to invest in companies which make a positive contribution to environmental improvement and human rights, and which apply a good social policy. The ASN Bank works closely with public organisations concerned with the South, the environment and human rights. Customers have the opportunity to donate the interest on their savings directly to these good causes.
ASN Bank is a former Dutch bank, now a brand name for some consumer banking operations by de Volksbank. ASN focusses on socially responsible and sustainable investments.
ASN Bank was founded on May 1, 1960, by the union of Federatie Nederlandse Vakbeweging (Federation Dutch Labour Union) (FNV) and the insurance company de Centrale (now Reaal insurances). Until the 1990s it was possible to open an ASN savings account through the Postbank, which were known as 'vakbondsspaarrekeningen' (union savings accounts).
ASN Bank is currently the largest sustainability-driven bank in the Netherlands, and was elected as the second most climate-friendly bank in the Netherlands (behind Triodos Bank).
Main activities
- International investments
- Sustainable business development