DZ Bank AG (2024)

DZ BANK has signed up to the Equator Principles (EP) since 2013, and as an EP Financial Institution (EPFI), DZ BANK has committed to implement the EP within its overall ESG framework, policies and procedures.

Relationship managers are primarily responsible for the implementation of the EPs, including categorization. If a project assessed as within the scope of EP, the account manager is required to do the initial assessment by analysing and commenting on the compliance with each Equator Principle. In addition, DZ BANK’s internal questionnaire has to be filled out in order to get the EP categorization. This input and analysis is then reviewed by a credit analyst as part of the credit approval process.

In addition, DZ BANK has established an EP committee headed by a senior representative of the ESG policy unit of DZ BANK. It consists of experienced relationship managers from both DZ BANK’s head office and international offices who cover relevant loan products. The main roles of the EP Committee are to:

1. Review the EP categorisation for projects with higher ESG impacts and, where appropriate, provide guidance on implementation of the EPs.
2. Answer any questions from relationship managers in relation to the EPs; and
3. Engage with the EP Association (“EPA”, who manage the EPs) and answer any external questions.

As part of DZ BANK’s overall ESG framework, policies and procedures, EP4 has been integrated into DZ BANK’s internal credit approval and monitoring processes. EP Learning Tool has been provided to all employees who deal with projects and EP.

DZ BANK has been actively contributing towards EP initiatives through the following:

• Participation in the EP Associations Annual Meetings held every year;
• Participation in the EP workshops whenever it is held; and
• Contribution to EP working groups