The Luxembourg bank, , in the same year launched its sustainable development programme. The aim is “to transition towards sustainable and responsible finance, offering products and services that, together with our clients, enable us to have a positive impact and to prepare solid ground for future generations,” says CEO Marcel Leyers in a statement.

Among the improvements it says are four funds from the bank’s Invest Patrimonial range, which have earned a LuxFLAG ESG certification. These funds are meant to be accessible to all, regardless of experience and budget, BIL states. The bank--in part collaborating with the government--also enables its clients to improve their footprint by offering solutions to renovate homes, install solar panels and purchase electric vehicles. 

The group--which counts over 2,000 employees of which 1,800 in the grand duchy--also looks back at the efforts it invested in its workers’ well-being. 49 nationalities and nearly as many women (46%) as men (54%) make up the company’s employees. BIL in 2021 provided upskilling to its employees (27,720+ hours total) and is a signatory of the IMS Diversity Charter. IMS is an NGO that accompanies its members in their transition to a more sustainable future.

But it is not just within its own structure that the company has undertaken changes. As of 31 December 2021, the bank had €800m--10.5% of its portfolio--invested in ESG bonds.

For 2023, the group aims for 20% of its portfolio being made up of ESG bonds, increasing the target to 30% for 2025.