In 2007, the Policy CC Rabobank Group approved a proposal for the formal integration of Corporate Social Responsibility in the bank's lending process. As, CSR also implies socially responsible financing. To that end, CSR guidelines have been drawn up and finalised for use in the lending process. Under these guidelines, assessments of corporate loan applications include a check if a client's activities are stated on the list of CSR-sensitive activities and if the client satisfies policies or directions on specific issues in any sector or country.
Insofar as it concerns private individuals financing is provided only if it is sound from a customer's point of view as well. Customer protection and duty of care are high-priority principles. Financing applications will be considered only if a complete picture can be made of a client's current profile. To protect any client from irresponsible financing - overcrediting - the consequences of a loan for his financial position are carefully explained to him. In 2007, Rabobank Group endorsed the CHF code of conduct on mortgage financing issued by the Contactorgaan Hypothecair Financiers and incorporated it in both its credit policy and its lending processes. The code is a joint effort between banks. The chief adjustments to Rabobank Group's credit policy resulting from the CHF code concern the provisions on calculating a consumer's maximum borrowing capacity and the possibility to deviate, on proper grounds and in special cases, from those provisions. Additionally, Rabobank Group provides aftercare, i.e. maintenance and information during a loan's term.