‘Sustainable, simple and close to the customer. We will continue on that course’
Dear customers, dear reader,
2022 demonstrated more than ever how volatile and unpredictable today’s world is. The war in Ukraine, resulting in fast-rising energy prices with an accompanying rise in inflation, led to violent swings in financial markets and also directly affected everyone’s purse. The need for a bank that is close to its customers is more relevant than ever.
Our purpose is no empty slogan. With its clear goal, Argenta distinguishes itself from the rest of the market – with every day that passes, in every product and every service that we offer. With a close-to-customers, simple offering, Argenta makes banking and insurance as accessible as possible so that customers understand their finances and insurance and can take soundly based decisions: this makes customers more financially resilient, now and in the future. In addition to the digital channel for everyday transactions, our network of 406 branches across Belgium is available as a trusted partner for personal advice.
Argenta’s customers manifestly appreciate our choice to stay very deliberately close to the customer: we reached second place in the rankings of banks in Flanders for retail customers within just a few years. And our impressive NPS score of 43 proves that our customers are satisfied.
It comes as no surprise that the environment and the climate are the greatest current challenges to which we as a society have to find solutions. Sustainability has long since ceased to be an issue for Argenta: sustainability is closely integrated into our strategic approach, it’s part of our DNA. Our logo – the green apple – has been symbolic of sustainability for decades. Thanks to our day on day investments in sustainable renovations, climate-friendly mobility and sustainable investment and insurance products, we truly commit to that green image. ‘We do what we say’ is in our DNA, but as of recently we also say what we do to a much greater extent: entirely in line with the EU’s new reporting requirements. In addition, we have our ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) ratings measured externally and have found with justifiable pride that we invariably obtain the highest scores outside the bank as well.
Did you notice that we did not open the foreword to this Activities and Sustainability Report 2022 with a flood of facts and figures? Yes, of course, Argenta delivered a very sound financial result again in 2022. And yes, of course, those of you who like to see tables, financial overviews and earnings ratios will find them all in the proper place in this report. First and foremost, however, this annual report tells Argenta’s story: why do we do what we do every day. At our branches and our head office, we formulate clear responses to the needs of our customers. That means you.
It is said that prizes go to the deserving. Last year, our display cabinet was full of trophies from the consumer association TestAankoop (Best Bank, Best Buy for the Green Package, Best Pension Savings Fund) and the financial products guide Spaargids (gold in the branch network Bank Award, silver in the Bank Award in general, bronze in the digital Bank Award, bronze in the savings bank Bank Award) and we were awarded a Golden Effie Award for our ‘I don’t save, I invest’ campaign. Phenomenal recognition, but Argenta will never be self-satisfied. When we look at our customer satisfaction, our figures, and our awards, we know that Argenta is making the right choices.
Sustainable, simple and close to the customer. And we will continue on that course. With every day that passes. We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our branches (even if you’re not a customer yet).
Marc van Heel Chairman of the Board of Directors
‘In an unpredictable world, Argenta is doing what is exceptional in the financial sector: taking care of its customers and employees in a thoroughly responsible manner to ensure that they are resilient in that unpredictable world.’