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Responsible investment

A key pillar of our strategy

Responsible investment (RI) is an important element of NN Group’s strategy and its commitment to contribute to the well-being of people and the planet. NN’s RI Policy Framework, adopted in 2014, reflects our commitment to various international and sector-specific standards and initiatives. A key part of our approach to responsible investing is that, where possible, we aim to mitigate the negative impacts of our investments on sustainability factors. Focusing on environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration helps us to better align our core business with the broader expectations of society.

Investing with positive impact

Having a positive impact on society is part of NN Group’s responsible investing approach.

More about investing with positive impact

Restrictions

NN's responsible investment (RI) criteria are based on our NN values.

More about restrictions

Active ownership

NN Group believes that active ownership contributes to good corporate governance.

More about active ownership

SFDR

NN Group and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).

More about SFDR

How we approach responsible investment

Our Responsible Investment Framework Policy sets out our vision and approach to integrating ESG factors into our investment process and being an active owner. The policy applies to both proprietary and client assets.

  • Proprietary assets are those assets held for our own account – assets that are on the balance sheet and for which we bear the investment risk. These comprise the general account investment portfolio of the insurance entities, the assets of NN Bank and the holding assets of NN Group.
  • Client assets are those assets where the policyholders bear the investment risk. These include on- and off-balance sheet assets. On-balance sheet assets are separate account assets, which mainly consist of unit-linked portfolios and certain group pension business activities of our insurance entities in the Netherlands. Off-balance sheet assets are the assets managed by our insurance and bank operations, which offer customer propositions such as defined contribution pensions and (retail) investment products.
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    NN Group is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), an international initiative that seeks to promote responsible investment among investors. NN works to support its own business activities and the real economy to be net zero by 2050.

    Our seven responsible investment principles

    Seven key principles emphasise the measures we take to integrate ESG into our investment process, for the benefit of all our stakeholders. For more information on our responsible investment policies and activities, refer to our financial reporting section.

    We consider ESG aspects that are often beyond the scope of traditional financial analysis, but can have a significant impact on long-term performance.

    Voting at shareholder meetings is one of the best ways to let our voice be heard and promote our policy standards. By voting, we encourage companies in which we invest to comply not only with local legal requirements, but also with international governance standards.

    We use our influence to encourage companies to adopt appropriate ESG practices. Internationally accepted standards provide a starting point for our dialogue and engagement with companies.

    We engage with policymakers to develop sustainable government policies and a more sustainable global financial system. We often work with other investors, as this can be more effective.

    We aim to include, not exclude, entities for investment consideration. However, we may use restrictions to set a minimum standard, in recognition of law and/or international consensus.

    Climate change, resource scarcity and demographic change are global sustainability challenges that we, and our customers, care about. We consider investment opportunities that offer solutions to those challenges whilst meeting our investment criteria.

    Public disclosure of progress is important to the credibility of an organisation as this enables stakeholders to better understand how we manage relevant ESG and sustainability issues. Transparency is also an important driver for continuous improvement.

    Governance

    Our RI Committee steers our responsible investing efforts. The committee advises the Management Board on updates to the RI Policy Framework and the restrictions list. The RI Committee oversees the process of aligning the proprietary investment portfolio to the Paris climate goals, and defines related action plans and targets.