An integral part of our strategy is the ESG targets. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are global sustainability targets set by the United Nations to be achieved by 2030, were our guidelines in formulating them. We create an ESG-oriented work place and educate the employees in that field. We will promote innovations, entrepreneurship, responsibility and diversity, the ESG-linked basics. In 2020, a group of 35-40 employees – ESG propagators in the bank – met on a regular basis and shared their expertise, as well as learnt from experts. We met almost 20 times. The CRO of the bank partook in most of the meetings. We avidly participated in regulation consultations and guidelines related to the ESG field. We popularize ESG topics in the organization. We added a special ESG section to the daily news review we send to 120 employees of the bank, including the members of the management board.
Our activities in the CSR area will be centred around 3 aspects:
We support the development of mathematical skills of children and adolescents. We trust that such knowledge affects a high level of competence in adult life and facilitates a good start in professional career. Mathematical thinking also helps in decision-making on personal finance issues. We believe that everyone, regardless of their place of residence and origin, should have equal access to quality education. Through the activities of mFundacja, we will continue to strive to equalize opportunities for students, irrespective of their stage of education and place of living. We will organize national competitions and grant programs.
We want to provide the users with knowledge on how to safely use internet and mobile banking as well as make our clients aware of cybercrime threats. For this purpose, we will continue with our social campaigns, informing how to avoid the unwanted consequences of the online activities and protect the finances.
| Strategic target | Target position | Execution by mBank Group |
|---|---|---|
| We support the development of mathematical skills and equalise the education opportunities of the young people | Organisation and support of local contests and grant prgrammes | In 2020, during the 7th edition of the “mPower” („mPotęga”) grant programme, we granted a total of PLN 938,994.75 to 152 educational programmes from across Poland. Moreover, we granted PLN 5,000 to each of the two projects that received the largest number of votes in an online poll. Most grants have been awarded to schools in small towns located across the country. In this way, we contribute to creating equal opportunities for schoolchildren from small towns. We have estimated that the projects founded in 2020 had 13,000 direct recipients. |
| Equal opportunities in the access to the high-quality education | In 2020 in cooperation with the „Szkoła z Klasą” Foundation we published a teacher’s book entitled “Known and Unknown: Great Polish Mathematicians. Math Lesson Plans and More”. Since November 2020, the book can be downloaded for free at http://www.mjakmatematyka.pl. The book has been downloaded over 2,000 times by the end of 2020.
“Child’s Play Maths” („Dziecinnie prosta matematyka”) – distribution of a new book published by mFoundation – We distributed almost all copies of the book, published in 2019 but distributed also in 2020, i.e. almost 50,000 copies. The digital version has been downloaded over 20,000 times. Online Festival of Mathematics – At the heart of the project laid the “Mathematics Counts” („Matematyka się liczy”) website: beginning from mid-December, we published new educational materials, organised online meetings, interviews, vlogs, online debates, and podcasts. All materials involved innovative, inspiring and effective methods for educating and teaching math. |
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| We want to provide the users with knowledge on how to safely use internet and mobile banking. We make our clients aware of cybercrime threats | Protection of customers’ data and funds | Clients and employees use the support of the Security Operations Center team which strives to counteract new types of cyberattacks. SOC operates 24/7, all year round.
Already since 2018 mBank clients can use the CyberRescue service, providing specialist assistance in secure use of the internet, free of charge. CyberRescue helps among others in the case of digital identity theft and malware attacks. Specialists are available around the clock and can be accessed by email, telephone and even Messenger. During pandemic, when everyone spends more time online, we introduced the most comprehensive security package on the market, “CyberOchrona+”. |
| Social educational campaigns | In 2020 (in Q1 and Q4) we ran our nationwide social campaign promoting cybersecurity entitled “People Are Awesome” („Ludzie są niesamowici”). |
We want to encourage the behaviours that help to stop and reverse adverse climate and environmental changes. We will pursue an active credit policy towards clients who seek financing for pro-ecological industrial, infrastructural and housing investments, including special programs directed to renewable energy sources and issue of green bonds. We will implement investment strategies in instruments based on ESG analysis and offer product solutions that build the pro-environmental awareness of consumers. We will implement credit policy for industries relevant to EU climate policy and strive for further presence in the WIG-ESG index.
We will measure and gradually reduce our total carbon footprint. We will limit electricity and energy consumption, thanks to progressive replacement of the current equipment with more modern ones, introduction of innovative solutions in our buildings, use of office space in energy-efficient buildings with high thermal insulation parameters. We will save water and sensitize employees to the need for rational use of it. We will reduce the use of paper and office supplies, modifying business processes in order to further digitize documents. We plan to successively replace our car fleet with low-emission vehicles, and take care of their regular service and technical condition. We will establish a supplier selection and cooperation system that takes ESG aspects into account.
| Strategic target | Target position | Execution by mBank Group |
|---|---|---|
| We limit our indirect impact | Credit policy regarding industries relevant to the EU climate policy | In 2020 we have been applying the policy, which limited the possibilities of financing high-emission (carbon-intensive) projects and indicated areas preferred for financing at the bank, including renewable energy installations and electric vehicle charging stations. |
| Eco products in each Client segment | RES financing: in 2020 we have increased a limit for financing renewable energy (RES) installations under the Renewable Energy Sources financing policy up to PLN 4 billion.
In 2020 we have introduced two non-plastic payment cards: virtual eCard dedicated to internet purchases and classical debit card, but with no plastic form – Mobile MC. In 2020, Wealth Management actively promoted thematic strategies launched in late 2019: Megatrends and the Sustainable ESG Strategy. These efforts paid off, with assets managed under both strategies amounting to approximately PLN 200 million and PLN 110 million, respectively. At the end of 2020, ESG Strategy assets accounted for 45% of assets in investment strategies with a comparable investment risk level. |
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| mBank in the WIG-ESG index on the WSE | mBank has been a member of the index in 2020 | |
| We limit our direct impact | Measurement and reduction of our carbon footprint | In January 2021 we have organized workshops together with external specialists on measuring the carbon footprint of our organization. We have identified the main emission sources for the Group. We are working on the improvement of the calculation process at the bank in order to consistently incorporate the GHG emissions of our corporate loan portfolio’s in the calculations. |
| Reduced footprint of our car fleet | Over 2020 we have reduced mBank’s car fleet by 26 vehicles. | |
| Waste segregation & recycling | At mBank we strive not to throw away the unnecessary equipment, but rather to give them a second life. In 2020 we have sold 3,200 pieces of fixes assets to our employees. During the auctions organised in cooperation with DESA Unicum we managed to dispose additional 6,000 pieces of redundant pieces of furniture. | |
| Reduction of energy consumption | We have contracted the purchase of energy from renewable sources which acquired EKO Premium Tauron certificate for the largest facilities of the headquarters in Warsaw (Wieża mBank) and Łódź (Przystanek mBank) for 2021.
The design of our new office buildings accommodates highest standards of multicriteria certificates, e.g. BREEAM Excellent – Przystanek mBank Łódź, Wieża mBank in Warsaw. |
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| Suppliers’ selection by ESG standards | The Principles for suppliers participating in the procurement process, which are applied at mBank, incorporate ESG standards. Every supplier participating in procurement or performing a contract with mBank is required to acknowledge these guidelines at the moment of accepting the general terms of the tender offer. |
We are a signatory to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. In accordance with them, we want to grow in a sustainable manner, make the world a better place and contribute to the prosperity of our stakeholders: customers, employees, investors, partners and the society.
Investment in health serves the achievement of this goal. Therefore we will continue our cooperation with the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, which has been providing hospitals and clinics with modern medical equipment for 29 years. We want to conduct inclusive banking and be accessible to customers with disabilities. We have introduced a service for people with hearing impairments in sign language. We will adjust mBank’s transactional services to the needs of visually impaired people. Our outlets and headquarters will be adapted for people with reduced mobility. We speak about our products and services using clear and simple language in accordance with mKanon. We will be guided by ethical values in our dealings with the customers. We also want to promote equality and diversity in our organisation, assisting development of women and eliminating pay inequalities in the same positions. We will carry out activities that support women entrepreneurs.
| Strategic target | Target position | Execution by mBank Group |
|---|---|---|
| We support organisations which promote social welfare | Continuation of the cooperation with The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity | The 28th Grand Finale was the third Grand Finale with mBank as the official partner bank of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP). mBank and its clients raised over PLN 15 million for the charity, including PLN 3 million donated by the bank itself, thus contributing to the record-high result of the fundraiser. Retail clients can also support WOŚP all year round, by donating how much they like every month to a dedicated savings goal in the app or online banking. Thanks to their joint efforts, mBank’s clients donated over PLN 1.2 million to the charity in 2020. The charity uses this money to buy insulin pumps for pregnant women. In April, 2020, mBank donated PLN 500,000 to the Relief Fund of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. It supports hospitals and healthcare facilities in saving lives and bolstering recovery of people ill with COVID-19. We also encouraged our clients to donate. Using quick payment solutions, they donated PLN 1 million in total to this Relief Fund. mBank was also the patron of the Academy of the Finest of Arts by the 26th edition of Pol’and’Rock Festival, which was held online. |
| We are available for customers with disabilities | mBank maintains and supports the model of serving clients with disabilities introduced in 2018.
Clients can consent to the processing of data on their disability also while talking on the phone with mBank’s consultants and, in special cases, during a chat or video chat. When contacting the support centre, the clients who gave such consent are automatically connected to dedicated consultants. Clients with hearing disabilities are offered the option of video calls in the Polish Sign Language. They are redirected to the bank’s employees who know the Polish Sign Language, so no assistance from external interpreters is needed. We continue our co-operation with the Polish Association of the Deaf, which provides sign language interpreting for clients and consultants at branches. Just like in the previous years, we continue the good practice of cyclical training. Together with the Integration Foundation we organise the “Sensitivity to Disabilities” („Wrażliwość na niepełnosprawność”) training. This year, due to the pandemic, we offered 50 people to take part in this event online. Presently, our employees have the chance to learn about the history of the Polish Sing Language and its basics. This training, also in an online version, was offered to a group of 30 people. When designing new versions of the online banking system, we rely on the knowledge and experience of our employees with disabilities. We educate our employees. We also write a blog dedicated to disabilities addressed to all mBank employees. In 2020, we launched activities aimed at promoting diversity and openness at mBank. We invited employees with disabilities and employees who have disabled people in their family and neighbourhood to share their experiences. One of our employees who, being a person with disability, enjoys working at mBank, told his story in an interview published on the intranet. To mark the Day of Persons with Disabilities, we presented the Integration Foundation’s “Savoir Vivre Towards Disabled” to all employees. |
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| We act ethically | In 2020, we introduced changes to the Policy on counteracting mobbing, discrimination and other unacceptable activities. Employees can report irregularities – violations of laws, internal regulations or our ethical principles – to the Ethics Officer, as well as through the mSygnał (whistleblowing) abuse application.
In 2020, similarly to the previous years, mBank adhered to the Code of Banking Ethics adopted by the Polish Bank Association (PBA). The Code of Banking Ethics includes two parts: the Code of Best Banking Practice and the Code of Bank Employee Ethics. The Code of Banking Ethics is available on the website of the PBA: http://www.zbp.pl/dla-klientow/poradniki-i-rekomendacje. |
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| We communicate with the clients in an earnest, clear and uncomplicated way | Together with bank ING, we initiated the establishment of a working group for simple communication within the Polish Bank Association. The result of this work is the banks' declaration regarding simple communication which was joined by 19 banks by the end of 2020. The declaration reflects the intent of the banks which strive to use simple language and write clear, fully comprehensive for the reader texts. The group prepared also the first edition of the document “Good practice of banking simple communication” („Dobre praktyki prostej komunikacji bankowej”) which was adopted by the Management Board of the PBA in March 2021, and the group is now working on a subsequent edition. | |
| We care about diversity and equal opportunities | Support for women’s entrepreneurship | In 2020 we sent to our female corporate clients a special letter which included the latest book by Anne Applebaum „Matka Polka” (“Polish Mother”). Up until now we have organised cyclical seminars called “mBank is a woman” („mBank jest kobietą”) for such clients on a semi-annual basis. |
Stakeholder dialogue
In addition to meeting legal requirements in this area, we want to engage in a close dialogue with our stakeholders. We select relationship building methods that suit different groups, but we always try to ensure mutual benefits and open communication.
Selected organizations mBank is a member of:
- Česká bankovní asociace
- CFA Institute
- EFMA SARL
- CCI France Pologne
- IAA Polska. International Adevertising Association
- Institute of International Finance
- The Institute of Internal Auditors IIA Polska
- International Project Finance Association
- International Swaps and Derivatives Association
- International Trade & Forfaiting Association
- Izba Domów Maklerskich
- Polish Association of Listed Companies (SEG)
- Polish Business Roundtable
- Polish Private Equity and Venture Capital Association
- Polish Supply Management Leaders
- Polskie Towarzystwo Badaczy Rynku i Opinii
- Polish National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce
- Polsko-Niemiecka Izba Przemysłowo-Handlowa
- Polish-Swiss Chamber of Commerce
- Employers of Poland
- SBA
- Sdružení pro bankovní karty
- Stowarzyszenie Klub 500
- ACI Polska – the Financial Markets Association
- UN Global Compact
- The Polish Bank Association
- Interactive Advertising Bureau Polska
- The Association of Polish Maritime Industries