To Robeco, embedding environmental, social and governance factors in the investment
process is a key element of responsible investing. Robeco starts from the principle of enhanced
engagement, which means that it enters into an active dialogue with corporations acting in
violation of the principles of the UN Global Compact, and that it has the option to exclude such
corporations from its investment portfolios should the dialogue not yield the desired outcome.
Robeco gradually implemented this strategy in 2010 and 2011. Based on the analyses it
performed, Robeco has now initiated dialogues about violations of the UN Global Compact
principles with 68 corporations. In 2011Robeco welcomed the London Pension Fund
Authority (LPFA) as its first non-Dutch client for active dialogue and voting in shareholders'
meetings. Robeco uses a classification system for investment funds.This system was developed
in collaboration with Sustainalytics, an independent research company. The classification
shows the extent to which an investment fund makes responsible investments. To find out
more about the outcome of the updated classification that was performed in 2011please visit
the Robeco website at www.robeco.com.
Robeco CSR policy
Robeco took further steps in 2011 to implement sustainability practices in its operations
management, for instance by using sustainability criteria in selecting suppliers. Robeco also
formulated a policy for community involvement and donations in the year under review.
This policy is meant to encourage Robeco employees to become actively involved in socially
responsible projects, with Robeco providing financial support to these projects.
Rabobank Private Banking responsible investments
In 2011, Private Banking continued to work towards achieving the ambition to have responsible
investment practices become the norm across the investment services spectrum. Fund houses
are being asked, for instance, to sign the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, to use the
UN Global Compact as their frame of reference in the investment process and to define an
exclusion policy for controversial weapons. At present, 71 of offered investment funds meet
all the criteria, 16% meet some criteria and 13% meet none. Private Banking enters into a
dialogue with the funds that do not yet meet all the criteria in order to steer them in the right
direction. Information about responsible investing is shared with advisers and clients for them
to consider in their investment decisions. They can use a fund selector that has been adjusted
specifically for this purpose. The selector shows to what extent an investment fund meets
Private Banking's responsible investment criteria. As part of the selection process, more and
more ESG information is being provided to advisers so as to respond more adequately to the
growing need for information on responsible investing.
As a member of the Dutch Association of Investors in Sustainable Development, Private Banking
took part in the Sustainable Investment Week in November. This initiative is meant to draw
advisers'and clients'attention to socially responsible and sustainable investments.
Charity Desk and Habitat for Humanity
The Charity Desk helps high net-worth individuals achieve their social ambitions. The Rabo
Charity Management team has already assisted some 85 clients who plan to donate or leave
their assets to charities. This increased these clients'commitment to their donations, thereby
boosting the impact. Rabo Charity Management's client services are fully made to measure
and laid out in a personal Charity Plan.
In 2011the Charity Desk and Habitat for Humanity organised a trip to the Philippines with
clients of Schretlen Co, where built homes for the local community.
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