Do Dutch Banks Invest in Peace?

On March 5th, the Fair Finance Guide Netherlands published new research on the sustainability policies of Dutch banks – read it here (Dutch). How strict are they when it comes to investments in weapons? Do they exclude controversial arms and arms trade with repressive regimes? And how transparent are they about their choices?

As PAX we are part of the Fair Finance Guide Netherlands because we are committed to a world without armed violence. Banks must stop investing in unethical arms companies today, because tomorrow, these investments could fuel conflict.

What is score of Dutch Banks?

Five of the eight banks investigated saw their sustainability policy scores decline compared to the previous 2023 study. Rabobank dropped from an average of 7 to 5, making it the biggest fall. ING also scored lower than in 2023. Triodos and Bunq, however, improved their policies. Triodos now ranks first, with ASN Bank in second place.

Banks perform particularly poorly in weapons policy. The study examines whether banks exclude investments in manufacturers of controversial weapons, such as cluster munitions, and whether they prevent investments in companies supplying arms to repressive regimes.

Rabobank scored the lowest on weapons policy with a 5, while ING and ABN Amro barely managed a 6. ASN Bank, Triodos, and NIBC completely exclude investments in the arms sector, thereby avoiding human rights risks.

Now, more than ever – with the rising number of wars and surging investments in the arms industry – it is crucial that banks strengthen their weapons policies and avoid funding unethical arms companies.