Our own "guidelines"

Principles of an ethical investment policy

To safeguard the bank's long-term existence as a service provider for the Church, the bank's equity capital and the funds deposited with it must be invested safely, taking its liquidity requirements into account. In this regard, the investments must be made ethically and must not contradict the Church's mission.

The principles in detail

- Economic principles are to be observed in the investment of capital. - The bank's own funds should be used to promote the conciliar process for justice, peace and the preservation of creation. This is achieved in particular through the promotion of

... environmentally friendly products, technologies, energy and transport systems
... investment in disadvantaged areas and countries to overcome poverty and distress
... construction of housing, particularly for the disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors of society
... businesses which fulfil their stated objective to promote the role of women or to integrate disabled people

- The bank's own funds and deposits should not be used for the acquisition of shares or holdings in companies which...

... develop, manufacture or distribute nuclear, chemical or biological weapons;
... have significant holdings in companies which participate in the development, production or distribution of arms in accordance with the War Weapons Control Act;
... take part in illegal genetic research or genetic engineering;
... manufacture cosmetics that have been illegally tested on animals;
... use factory farming methods that are illegal or contrary to animal welfare;
... whose primary purpose is the commercial operation of gambling;
... whose primary purpose is the production of spirits, tobacco or other substances that cause addiction but are not listed as medicinal products;
... promote the marketing or commercialisation of sexuality;
... for any other reasons clearly contradict the Church's mission, e.g.:
- by cooperating with governments who suppress their
people on account of their religion, race, sex or origin;
- by supporting inhumane working conditions in connection
with ILO standards.

The Management Board is responsible for the interpretation and implementation of the investment principles.