" As a financial institution of systemic importance, we are not strictly focused on business topics. In addition to good business results that contribute to the economic development of the region, we improve the social threads of the environment in which we live and contribute to a better and better quality of life for all its inhabitants. We put sustainability in the broadest sense at the center of all our business decisions and actions. From the financing of green projects, the introduction of green loans and the support of innovative ideas for the sustainability of the region, all the way to the promotion of inclusivity, sports, culture and cultural heritage ― there are many reasons why NLB Bank is one of the leaders of sustainable development in the region. In an era when many financial institutions are just beginning to seriously engage in ESG initiatives, NLB Bank's multi-year commitment stood out, our efforts and results were recognized by the professional public and this resulted in the winning of two more prestigious awards this year, awarded by the prestigious financial magazine Euromoney. The awards for the best ESG and CSR bank in Montenegro bring us an incentive, but also an additional responsibility, to continue on the same path in the future, to leave better traces and contribute to a better future for generations to come. I am very proud when I see the motivation, dedication and commitment of our team that adopts and follows NLB values to create a better home, our country" , he said President of the Board of Directors of NLB Bank, Martin Leberle, on the occasion of winning the "Euromoney" awards.
The record-breaking results that NLB Bank continuously records in the field of sustainability and social responsibility derive from the great commitment of its employees, as well as the strong support of the NLB Group, which is a member of the United Nations Alliance. Net Zero Banking Alliance, which aims to align credit and investment portfolios with achieving net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. They introduce and develop a number of green services and solutions, offer green loans for corporate investments in the energy efficiency of office buildings, reduce the carbon footprint and renewable energy sources, take care of their own carbon footprint, support and promote sports, culture and socially vulnerable groups. They recognize their responsibility to help the economy outside of banking, as the project showed #OkvirPomoći in its third edition, during which they encouraged thinking and discussion about the sustainable future of our home region, but also rewarded numerous sustainable ideas and thus enabled their realization.
NLB Bank is dedicatedly working towards the goal of integrating the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking in all its activities. They also intensively deal with the green strategy: the Group decided not to finance energy from coal, but on the other hand to finance green projects in its home region.
NLB Bank directs a significant part of its funds each year to numerous sponsorship and donor activities. The two most important activities in the domain of social responsibility were realized in the last quarter of 2022 and in the middle of 2023, through donations in the total amount of EUR 150 thousand. The recipients of the donation were decided by its employees, and assistance was received by numerous institutions, associations, humanitarian organizations and groups that gather and care for the most vulnerable categories of society.
Euromoney magazine, based in London, belongs to a group of globally influential financial magazines, which has been publishing global information intended for financial experts and top managers since 1969. The annual "Euromoney Award for Excellence" has existed since 1992, as the first of its kind in the global banking industry. The fact that more than a thousand banks from all over the world submitted their applications for this year's selection also confirms that these are truly flattering awards. The process of selecting the winners is quite complex and rigorous, and in addition to financial indicators, the market position, innovation, degree of digitization and quality of relations with clients of the nominated banks are evaluated.
NLB Bank achieves its greatest success so far, winning as many as three Euromoney awards for excellence this year: the award for the best bank in Montenegro, the award for the best ESG bank and the award for the best CSR bank. It will remain committed to developing existing ESG practices and collaborating with stakeholders and partners to innovate future initiatives that align with the national vision and have a positive impact on society.
More information is available on the Euromoney website: www.euromoney.com
