Responsible Banking Governance

With the aim of managing our Responsible Banking Strategy, at a Group-level we have a Responsible Banking, Sustainability and Culture Committee, while, at a local level, we have the Responsible Banking Committee Mexico. One of the major goals of these bodies is to strike a balance between the Bank’s business and its contributions to society and the environment.

Responsible Banking, Sustainability and Culture Committee

At a Group level, specific bodies of governance have been chosen to oversee and coordinate the core issues relating to sustainability. Responsible Banking policies are authorized by the Board of Directors, and they are then transposed and subsequently approved by the Board of Directors in each region.

The Responsible Banking, Sustainability and Culture Committee (RBSCC) assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the Group’s responsible business strategy and sustainability activities within Santander.

The Responsible Banking Forum supports the work being done by the Committee, in addition to supervising the sustainability strategy and overseeing the roll-out of the Responsible Banking Agenda within the Group. This Forum is composed of senior directors.

Responsible Banking Committee Mexico

The Responsible Banking Committee drives the implementation and monitoring of the Responsible Banking Strategy across the Bank, in addition to ensuring the execution of any mandates involving this issue from the Board of Directors.

Its objective is to ensure good governance, fair and transparent relationships with employees and customers, positive contributions to the community, and environmentally friendly businesses, not to mention safeguarding the Bank´s financial stability and health.

The Responsible Banking Committee is tasked with:

Responsible Banking Principles, Frameworks and Policies

Our principles, frameworks and policies guarantee that we behave responsibly in everything that we do. We have consolidated our Responsible Banking governance in order to continue doing things well while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

Responsible Banking Corporate Framework

Created in 2021, and authorized by the Board, the framework’s common principles, roles and responsibilities, key processes and governance help drive us towards a more sustainable business model that delivers on our purpose to help people and businesses prosper.

Policies and Guidance

The Group’s policies and guidance set the standard for all units and business. We systematically review the scope of policies relating to the integration of ESG criteria to ensure compliance with international best practices.

Core Policies to Integrate ESG Criteria into our Business Model

General Code of Conduct^{A, B, C}

Brings together the ethical principles and rules of conduct our employees must follow and is central to our compliance function.

Corporate Culture Policy ^{A, B, C, D}

Establishes the guidelines and standards to ensure a consistent group culture.

Responsible Banking and Sustainability Policy ^{A, B, C}

Outlines our Responsible Banking and Sustainability principles, commitments, objectives and strategy with regard to our stakeholders including human rights protection.

Environmental, Social and Climate Change Risk Management Policy ^{A, B, C}

Details how we identify and manage environmental, social and climate change risks in oil and gas, energy, mining and metals, and in soft commodities.

Financing for Sensitive Sectors Policy ^{A, B}

Provides guidelines for assessing and determining our involvement in industries that pose a reputational risk.

A. Policies approved by Board of Directors.
B. Updated early in 2023.
C. Available on our corporate website.
D. Includes Banco Santander’s Diversity & Inclusion Principles and the Corporate Volunteering Standard.
E. Includes principles for managing conduct risk with customers. These principles are publicly available on our corporate website.
F. Includes principles on the responsible behaviour of suppliers. These principles are publicly available on our corporate website.
G. Our tax strategy and an extract of our Tax policy are available on our corporate website.

icon mano click Review Core Policies to Integrate ESG Criteria here.

other polices that support our resposible banking strategy