Governance

Rabobank is a cooperative bank. It has a strong connection with society and organises customer services as closely to its customers as possible. Customers of Rabobank in the Netherlands can become a member of Rabobank. Many of our customers become members because they feel involved in their local area. Together with other members and employees of Rabobank, they dedicate themselves to a stronger society. By now, more than two million customers have become a member of Rabobank!

Members involvement

Since Rabobank was founded in the Netherlands at the end of the 19th century, members form the foundation of Rabobank. Members play an important role in the bank’s governance and their input gives guidance to Rabobank’s development and social contribution.

The members have a say and staggered representation in the governance of Rabobank.

General Members’ Council

The General Members Council (ALR) is Rabobank’s highest decision making member body. The ALR consists of one member from each local supervisory board. The ALR currently has 78 members and meets at least two times per year.

The GMC safeguards that Rabobank gives noticeable, tangible and visible expression to its cooperative identity. Important topics that the GMC has a say in or has a right of advice on are Rabobank’s strategic framework and identity, material investments, the main points of the budget, and the annual report. GMC-members have a strong connection with the members. They gather insights in advance from local members’ councils, among others, and render account for the decision-making and their own position afterwards. Members of the Supervisory Board Rabobank (SB) are appointed by the GMC and the chair of the Supervisory Board chairs the GMC. The Supervisory Board appoints the members of the Managing Board.

Managing Board

The Managing Board monitors the company’s targets, strategy and results. It is also responsible for compliance with all legislation and regulations, risk management and the financing of all activities. The Managing Board acts in the interests of the organization, its clients and employees in performing its duties. The Managing Board is accountable to the Supervisory Board and the General Members Council.

Supervisory Board

The Supervisory Board oversees the policies pursued by the Managing Board and the general procedure at Rabobank and its affiliated entities. The Supervisory Board also monitors compliance with all applicable rules. The General Members Council appoints the members of the Supervisory Board. Any perceived conflict of interest must be avoided.