Cooperative identity
Mission and aspired role of Rabobank Group
Taking its cooperative basis as a starting point, Rabobank Group puts the common interests of
people and communities first. Based on its commitment to those interests, Rabobank Group
aims to be a driving, innovating force that contributes to the sustainable development of
prosperity and well-being. Our goal is to help people and communities achieve their current
and future ambitions. Supplying the best possible financial solutions and strengthening mutual
collaboration are the means to achieve that end. As part of this mission, Rabobank Group wants
to be the most customer-oriented and innovative financial institution in the Netherlands. At an
international level, Rabobank Group aspires to be the best food and agribusiness bank, with a
strong presence in the world's major food and agriculture countries. To this end, Rabobank
Group harnesses the knowledge and experience it has accumulated in the Netherlands and
many other countries over the years. Rabobank Group also wants to achieve global excellence
in sustainable banking, as befits a bank with its identity and position in society.
Cooperative goals
The cooperative structure means specifically that Rabobank Group's first and foremost duty is
to serve the interests of its customers by:
- providing those financial services considered best and most appropriate by our customers;
- ensuring continuity in services with a view to protecting the long-term interests of our
customers; and
- showing commitment to our customers and their environment, so that we can help them
achieve their ambitions.
Cooperative structure
Rabobank's cooperative structure and local ties have set it apart for over 110 years. The 139 local
Rabobanks and their more than 7.6 million customers, including their 1.9 million members,
form the heart of the cooperative. The local Rabobanks, for their part, are members and
shareholders of Rabobank Nederland, the umbrella cooperative that advises the branches and
supports their local services.The structure of Rabobank Group is typified by strong mutual
relationships originating in its cooperative roots, even though the subsidiaries and associates
are not structured as cooperatives themselves.
Pursuant to the Dutch Financial Supervision Act, Rabobank Nederland monitors aspects such
as operations, solvency, liquidity and outsourcing at the local Rabobanks. In addition, Rabobank
Nederland acts as the holding company of a number of specialist Dutch and foreign subsidiaries.
Rabobank Nederland has an employee base of about 6,800 FTEs.
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Annual Report 2011 Rabobank Group
