Rabobank Group turned in a good performance
in an economically difficult year in 2003. Results
were better than expected, thanks to our strong
market position, the hesitant recovery of the
stock exchanges and growth in lending. In the
year under review, new steps were taken to further
define the ambition of market leadership.
Strengthening Rabobank
Members make the difference
It is time for a
bank that does
things differently
20 Rabobank Group Annual Report 2003
Plotting a course from
2003 into the future
Rabobank Group has set four strategic priorities in order to achieve its
market leadership ambition.
1.Strengthening the co-operative Rabobanks, Rabobank Group's core
business, by further putting our house in order in the domestic market.
2.Strengthening our position as Allfinanz Group.
3. Developing new (international) opportunities for growth and
strengthening our equity position.
4.Strengthening synergies and co-operation within Rabobank Group.
Strengthening the position of the local Rabobanks should be the first
step in the drive to achieve market leadership. Along with good, inno
vative services and products with the best possible price/quality balance,
other important factors include increased selling power, cost reduction
and the further underpinning of the co-operative member base.
The possibility of becoming a member of Rabobank is an important
distinguishing feature in the markets for financial services.That is why
membership is still growing in popularity. Over the past three years,
membership has more than doubled, from 550,000 to 1.36 million at
year-end. If membership makes the difference to the clients, to
Rabobank, members make the difference.They are more loyal and
purchase more services and products than other clients. Also, the
members are an important source of growth and inspiration for the
Bank because they give their opinion on the quality of the services and
'In the TV commercial, I have to explain that Rabobank has members who are able to
Rabobank is a bank with a story. A good influence what the bank does. And the
story, a relevant story. To some people, consequences of that are clear. For
Rabobank's background is perhaps rather example, Rabobank is the largest provider
strange, but it is certainly unique. After all, of mortgage loans in the Netherlands and
