Corporate Governance

BNG is a public limited company. BNG's corporate governance is primarily determined by statutory provisions regarding company law, including the dual structure regime and the bank's articles of association. We apply values of openness and responsibility in our management. Our governance structure safeguards financial health and strengthens our social contribution.  

CRD V en Three Lines of Defense

BNG complies with the CRD V guidelines on governance, remuneration and data publication. These obligations have been implemented in Dutch legislation under Article 134b of the Prudential Rules (Wft) Decree.

BNG operates according to the Three Lines of Defence model. This is an organisational model for managing risks within financial institutions and is therefore an important part of governance at BNG. Separate charters have been drawn up for the second- and third-line functions. These charters describe the tasks, areas of activity, responsibilities and powers of the functions concerned. They also describe the relationship between the functions and other parts of the organisation.

Remuneration policy

The remuneration policy is within the framework of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, the Banking Code, and the Regulated Remuneration Policy. This ensures that remuneration is in line with our ethical standards and governance principles.

  • The remuneration of members of the Supervisory Board is determined by the General Meeting and is not dependent on BNG's results. Supervisory Board members do not receive any shares or rights. BNG does not provide them with any personal loans or banking products.
  • The remuneration policy for statutory members of the Executive Committee is also determined by the General Meeting, partly in accordance with government policy for state-owned enterprises. The Senior Executives in the Public and Semi-Public Sector (Standards for Remuneration) Act does not apply to BNG, as the bank is a public limited company.
  • The remuneration policy for employees has been determined by the Executive Committee and, in some cases, also by the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board has taken note of the remuneration policy for other employees.

Relevant codes and guidelines

Code banks

The 2021 Banking Code is part of future-oriented banking and focuses on the social role of banks. It includes guidelines for integrity, risk management and governance. Together with the Social Charter and rules of conduct, this code emphasises the responsibility of banks to operate in a service-oriented and sustainable manner.

View the Banking Code (in Dutch)

Corporate governance code

BNG follows the principles of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. Our regulations, codes and rules are in line with this code. Any deviations are disclosed in the annual report in accordance with the ‘comply or explain’ principle. This ensures that our corporate governance remains transparent.

View the Dutch Corporate Governance Code

EBA Guidelines on internal governance

BNG follows the principles of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. Our regulations, codes and rules are in line with this code. Any deviations are disclosed in the annual report in accordance with the ‘comply or explain’ principle. This ensures that our corporate governance remains transparent.

View the EBA on internal governance

EBA Guidelines on sound remuneration policies

Institutions must apply a sound remuneration policy for all employees. For employees who have a material impact on the risk profile (identified employees), there are specific requirements for variable remuneration. The remuneration policy must be gender neutral.  

View the EBA Guidelines on sound remuneration policies

Joint ESMA and EBA Guidelines on the assessment of the suitability of members of the management body and key function holders

The guidelines stipulate that all institutions must assess the members of the governing body. They provide criteria for assessing individual and collective knowledge, skills, experience, reputation, honesty and integrity, and independence of mind.

View the Joint ESMA and EBA Guidlines on the assessment of the suitability of members of the management body and key function holders 

CRD V

Article 96 of the Fourth Capital Requirements Directive (CRD IV, now amended by CRD V) requires financial institutions to explain on their website how they comply with the requirements of Articles 88 to 95. This is laid down in Dutch legislation in Article 134b of the Prudential Rules (Wft) Decree. This directive concerns requirements for governance, remuneration and data publication. In the compliance document, we explain how we comply with these requirements.

View the CRD V

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct for employees provides guidance for their actions. In addition, the code shows what behaviour stakeholders can expect from BNG. In addition to the code of conduct, BNG has internal regulations for various topics. For the sake of transparency, a selection of these can be found below in Dutch.   

BNG | Bank of added value - Corporate Governance