Profile of Rabobank Group
Rabobank Group is an international financial services provider operating on the
basis of cooperative principles. Its operations include retail banking, wholesale
banking, asset management, leasing and real estate. In the Netherlands, its focus is
on all-finance services and, internationally, on retail and wholesale banking and
food agri. The organisation employs more than 60,000 staff in 43 countries.
Rabobank Group comprises the independent local Rabobanks plus their central
organisation Rabobank Nederland and its (international) subsidiaries. Rabobank
Group's structure is characterised by strong internal ties, that stem from its
cooperative roots.
Local Rabobanks, Rabobank Nederland and Rabobank International
Mission and ambition
Rabobank Group has the highest credit rating, Triple A, awarded by the well-known
international rating agencies Standard Poor's, Moody's and Dominion Bond Rating Service.
In terms of Tier I capital, the Rabobank Group is among the world's twentieth largest
financial institutions.
Together, the 174 independent local Rabobanks employ around 29,000 staff and form the
densest banking network in the Netherlands. Rabobank has over 1,100 branches and operates
more than 3,100 cash dispensing machines. The local Rabobanks serve millions of Dutch
clients, both private and corporate, with a comprehensive package of financial services.
The local Rabobanks and their members and customers make up Rabobank Group's
cooperative core business. Firmly rooted in society, committed, near-by and a leader.
Clients can become members of their local Rabobank. In turn, the local Rabobanks are
members and shareholders of Rabobank Nederland, the supralocal cooperative organisation
that advises the banks and supports their local services. Rabobank Nederland also
supervises, on behalf of the Dutch central bank, the solvency, liquidity and administrative
organisation of the local Rabobanks.
Rabobank Nederland is the holding company of a number of specialised subsidiaries in
the Netherlands and abroad. Rabobank International is Rabobank Group's wholesale bank
and international retail bank. It employs more than 10,000 staff world-wide and serves its
customers from 29 countries.
The Rabobank Group puts the common interests of people and communities first. Based on
its commitment to those interests, the Rabobank Group aims to be a driver and an innovator
that contributes to the sustainable development of prosperity and well-being. Its goal is to
help people and communities achieve their present and future ambitions. Strengthening
mutual collaboration and supplying the best possible financial solutions are the means to
achieve that end.
Based on this mission, Rabobank Group's ambition is to be the largest, best and most
customer-driven and innovative financial institution in the Netherlands.
In the international environment, Rabobank Group aspires to be the best food agri bank,
with a strong presence in the world's major food agriculture countries. For this purpose,
Rabobank Group uses the experience it has accumulated in the Netherlands over many
years. In addition, Rabobank Group aims at global excellence in sustainable entrepreneurship
and banking, as would befit its identity and position in society. Rabobank Group works hard
to embed corporate social responsibility in its core activities even further.
22
Rabobank Group Annual Report 2007