TlB Annual Report 2009 - Triodos Bank

Triodos Bank Germany
On 1 December 2009 Triodos Bank
opened a branch in Frankfurt, Germany,
representing an important milestone in
the bank’s history. While the launch marks our
Frankfurt office becoming an official Triodos
branch, it’s not the start of our work in the
country. Triodos Bank has been active in
Germany as Triodos Finanz GmbH, since 2005,
building a loan portfolio of eur 64 million as a
representative office.
Germany is Europe’s biggest economy with a
tradition of sustainability. The country plays a
leading role in dealing with environmental
issues, pioneering renewable energy and
re cycling initiatives in particular. While other
sustainability banks already operate in Germany,
their market share is less than 1%. With demand
from a knowledgeable and engaged audience, a
general disenchantment with the high-street
banking industry, and a strong social and
environmental tradition, we believe there is
plenty of room and exciting opportunities for a
German branch of Triodos Bank to succeed.
In December about 400 people attended a
glittering opening event in a former church in
Frankfurt to mark the occasion. They heard
from some of our existing borrowing customers,
and enjoyed a discussion between
academic, political and economic experts about
transforming capitalism to create a more
sustainable future.
We have plans for the future. With the help of
over 20 co-workers Triodos Bank will offer a
variety of savings products for German
indivi duals, businesses, foundations and
charitable organisations. The existing loan
portfolio will grow. We also plan to expand our
product portfolio in 2010, to include a current
account for business customers, investment
funds for individuals as well as institutional
investors.
Frankfurt, 24 February 2010
For more information:
www.triodos.de
www.95fragen.de
blog.triodos.de
Georg Schuermann,
Managing Director
Alexander Schwedeler,
Managing Director
TRIODOS BANK - ANNUAL REPORT 2009 35