Deutsche Bank AG (2025)

As a signatory to the Equator Principles, Deutsche Bank applies the risk identification, assessment, management and reporting requirements of the Equator Principles to in-scope project-related finance transactions. In line with Deutsche Bank’s environmental and social due diligence requirements, the bank’s business units are initially responsible for identifying environmental and social risks, determining if a transaction falls into the Equator Principles scope and gathering due diligence documentation. To support business units, internal Equator Principles implementation guidance and trainings were developed, which specify the requirements for project categorization (A, B or C), due diligence and guidance on referral to Chief Sustainability Office Environmental and Social Due Diligence function. The function is responsible for assisting business units in assessing environmental and social issues and associated risks. For eligible projects, the function either conducts an in-house review of project documentation during due diligence and monitoring phases, or requests an independent external consultant to do so for higher-risk projects, as required by the Equator Principles. The due diligence process and post-transactional monitoring involves discussions of critical issues with clients and tracking of remediation actions. If the project related environmental or social risks are deemed to pose a moderate or material reputational risk, the transaction will follow the escalation process explained under the Reputational Risk Framework section.
Deutsche Bank is part of various Equator Principles working groups on issues such as biodiversity, maritime assets, scope of application and governance with a view to contribute to the Equator Principles development and future progress.