Continuity through sustained growth
Since its start in 1898, Rabobank Group has grown from a collection of small, cooperative rural banks into a prominent all-finance service provider in the Netherlands and a leading food & agri bank with international operations. Hence, our Strategic Framework portrays Rabobank Group as 'the global food & agri bank with its roots in the Netherlands'. It identifies a number of principles that determine our strategy for the years ahead.
All-finance service provider in the Netherlands and global food & agri bank
Under the Strategic Framework 2005 - 2010, Rabobank Group should remain a Dutch bank with a dominant market position in food & agri, among private individuals and in the small and medium-sized enterprises sector. At the same time, Rabobank remains a cooperative, although exceptions may be made for subsidiaries and equity investments. The Triple A rating must be ensured, underpinned by an annual net profit growth of at least 12%, a return on equity of at least 10% and a Tier I ratio of at least 10%. Rabobank Group's strategic course will be driven by sustained organic growth. Rabobank Group distinguishes three areas in which growth must be realised:
- growth in the Dutch all-finance market, above all through further strengthening of Rabobank's position in the top end of the private and corporate markets;
- continued international expansion as a leading international food & agri bank;
- further growth of and synergy between the Group entities.
The implementation of the Strategic Framework will enable Rabobank Group to provide optimum services to its clients both at home and abroad while maintaining its sound financial ratios and remaining a good and attractive employer. In addition, Rabobank Group will thus be able to advantageously position itself for a possible consolidation cycle in the European financial sector in the medium term.