I
InternetLoyaalSparen, which is a savings product for clients with savings in excess of EUR 20,000, was
offered more actively. Clients wishing to use their capital for the realisation of their societal aspirations,
can avail themselves of the services of the Rabo CharityDesk, the centre of expertise for charity gifts
within Rabobank Private Banking.
Tailored services and knowledge products for the food agri sector
The food agri sector has traditionally been an important customer base to Rabobank. Local Rabobanks
intend to give agricultural entrepreneurs the best possible service, with tailored financial services and
knowledge products. In 2008, several new services were developed to help clients and account managers
develop entrepreneurship. An example is the introduction of the 'Dairy farming Tailor-made' programme,
that helps entrepreneurs make the right strategic choices and account managers to operate more
professionally as strategic discussion partners.The programme includes seminars and strategic sessions of
account managers and small groups of dairy farmers. By way of analogue, the sequel to the programme
De Wereld van Jip ('Jip's World') was presented for the horticultural and fruit farming sectors. Rabobank
paid a great deal of attention to its visibility in the agricultural world through presentations, free publicity,
advertising campaigns, sponsoring and attendance at fairs. Various Rabobank studies on themes
including the ornamental plant trade, poultry farming, care farms and pig farming, were an important
source of knowledge for account managers and their clients.
Increase in SME clients; successful services and campaigns
In 2008, Rabobank showed a strong performance in the market for the small and medium-sized
enterprises sector. The dynamic market conditions resulted in an increase in both client numbers and
amounts due to customers. The Rabo WelkomService® was developed especially for new corporate clients.
This service offers an orderly and simple switchover path, with personal account managers overseeing
the entire process for the client. As a result of the Financial MOT campaign entitled 'Haal privé meer
voordeel uitje zaak'('Greater personal benefits from your business'), the number of'entrepreneur in
private'clients grew significantly. In order to give corporate clients a quick overview of their financial
performance against that of industry peers,'Uw Cijfers en Trends®'was introduced. This tool is an
extension of the familiar Rabobank Figures and Trends, which has been presenting up-to-date industry
knowledge for more than 30 years. In 2008, a few local Rabobanks began a pilot for a start-ups
community on the Internet. On this dedicated website, start-ups can get advice and exchange
knowledge, experience and contacts quickly. Rabobank boosted its international corporate image
with its'Internationaal zakendoen'campaign.
At year-end 2008,15,000 (7,500) clients used the services of Bizner, the Internet bank for entrepreneurs
that had been established in 2007. In the year under review, Bizner introduced time deposits with a fully
flexible term and a news portal with network options where, entrepreneurs can inform, inspire and
advise each other.
Loan portfolio growth from strong increase in corporate loans
In 2008, the domestic retail banking business achieved 10% growth of the private loan portfolio.
Total lending amounted to EUR 268.3 (244.1) billion, of which 69% was to private individuals, 21% to
the trade, industry and services sector and 10% to
the food agri sector. Loans to private individuals,
virtually all of which are mortgages, increased by
7% to EUR 184.5 (172.1) billion, although growth
was lower than in 2007 due to the cooling
mortgages market. Lending in 2008 was driven by
corporate financing. The increase in the number of
clients in the small and medium-sized enterprises
sector, combined with higher demand, caused
lending to the trade, industry and services sector
(TIS) to grow by 21% to EUR 55.7 (46.1) billion.
Lending to the food agri sector was 9% higher,
at EUR 28.1 (25.8) billion, with the primary agricultural sector accounting for the greater part. These loans
increased by 9% to EUR 23.5 (21.6) billion, with the fruit and vegetables sector and the dairy and animal
protein sectors as the main contributors.
Lending by sector
in billions of euros
300
Food &agri
TIS
Private individuals
200
100
50
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
31
Report of the Executive Board
