Sustainability Pays for Bank Shareholders

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• Publié par: triodos-bank
• Nombre de lectures: 16
• Langue: English

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Sustainability Pays for Bank Shareholders

PR Newswire LONDON, September 11, 2012

LONDON,September 11, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

Join 21,500 shareholders throughoutEuropeand help influence banking's new future Transaction-fee free investing until2 November 2012 Invest in Triodos Bank with as little as one share at £58.62 (€74) per share Average return of 4.4%* over last five years

People are being offered the chance to join 21,500 other shareholders across Europein helping shape a more sustainable future for banking and take a stake (depository receipt) in Triodos Bank,Europe'sleading ethical and sustainable bank. For as little as £58.62 per share, depository receipts can be bought transaction fee-free until2 November 2012. The minimum investment is one depository receipt at the current share price of £58.62 or €74. Over the past five years investors have seen a steady, average return of 4.4%.* Over the same period, the share price of mainstream banks such as Barclays has seen significant volatility. Triodos Bank has experienced significant growth over recent years and is looking to raise more capital in order to continue growing and playing its pioneering role as a leader in sustainable banking. During the first six months of 2012, Triodos Bank's net profit grew to €9.9 million, up 31% against the same period in 2011. The bank's balance sheet total increased by 11% to €4.8 billion, against 7% growth over the same period last year.** Charles Middleton, UK managing director at Triodos Bank, said: 'Despite the ongoing economic crisis in some parts of the world, and perhaps prompted by recent scandals in UK banking, there is an unprecedented chance both to reinvent ailing systems and build on a growing movement of sustainable initiatives. 'This pattern of positive change is gathering momentum and, by taking a stake in Triodos, investors have the chance to share in our most fundamental belief: that money should be used to bring about positive change. Through our depository receipt offer, investors can help us change banking for the better while at the same time making a sound decision for their own financial future.' Triodos Bank has a BIS ratio, an important indication of its solvency, of 14.6% and a Core Tier 1 ratio of 14.3%. Triodos Bank has always maintained a strong capital position.** Middleton added: 'In line with our mission of making money work for positive change, we lend to and invest only in businesses delivering a positive social, environmental or cultural impact. We only lend 'real' money entrusted to us by our savers and investors, and use it only to back businesses we believe are striving to make a difference to the world. And we are 100% transparent about how our shareholders' money is used by publishing details of every business we lend to on the website http://www.knowwhereyourmoneygoes.co.uk.' AcrossEurope, Triodos Bank made around 22,000 loans to sustainable businesses such as Ecotricity, Cafedirect, Glastonbury's Worthy Farm and Hugh

Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage in the UK. Triodos Bank depository receipts not listed on any stock exchange to ensure the bank is not negatively impacted by market sentiment or diverted from its sustainable banking mission in the drive for profit. Neither does it engage in some of the other financial activities, such as sub-prime debt or complex financial derivatives. For more information on buying Triodos Bank depository receipts investors should visit http://www.triodos.co.ukfor a full prospectus, call [phone] or speak to their financial adviser.

Notes to Editors

*Average Return on Investment (RoI) per year in euro over the 5 years to 31.03.2012. All returns are calculated by VWD Group, an external group which provides an independent calculation. The RoI is based on a pro-rata share of net asset value and assumes reinvested dividends ** http://www.triodos.com/en/about-triodos-bank/news/press-releases/half-year- figures-2012/

About Triodos Bank Depository Receipts

Shareholders can sell their depository receipts at any time. The depository receipts are not listed on any stock exchange. Instead, Triodos Bank N.V. maintains a Euro-denominated matched-bargain market, which ordinarily means depository receipts can be bought and sold within a month. Very large stakes may take longer. No shareholder may hold more than just under 10% of the total number of Depository Receipts in issue to prevent any one shareholder exerting undue influence over Triodos Bank's mission and objectives. Depository Receipts are denominated in Euro, and dividends are paid in Euro. The return on investments made in Sterling is therefore also subject to movements in the exchange rate between Euro and GB pounds. Triodos Bank believes it is crucial that its mission and independence are protected. All of Triodos Bank's ordinary shares are held in a special trust called the Foundation for the Administration of Triodos Bank Shares, or SAAT to use its Dutch abbreviation. This body ensures that decisions about financial profit are not made at the expense of Triodos Bank's social and environmental goals. Shares in Triodos Bank are held by investors through Depository Receipts. SAAT issues these Depository Receipts for Triodos Bank Shares to individuals and institutions. As well as issuing Depository Receipts, SAAT exercises all of the voting rights for Triodos Bank Shares. Triodos Bank Depository Receipts Important Notice Investment decisions must only be made on the basis of the Prospectus, and not on any information provided in this press release. Investment in the underlying investment instrument is intended to be for the long term and income from the investment may fluctuate. Investing in Depository Receipts is not the same as investing money in a bank account as the investor's capital is at risk and the investor may not get back the full amount that he/she invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. It may be difficult to sell or realise the investment, or to obtain reliable information about

its value or other risks to which it is exposed and the investor may not get back the full amount invested. Independent financial advice should be obtained if a potential investor is unsure about whether to invest.

About Triodos Bank

Triodos Bank only finances enterprises which create social, environmental or cultural added value. Key sectors include organic food and farming, renewable energy, social housing, and fair trade. Transparency is a core value and Triodos publishes details of every business it lends to.A range of personal savings accounts is offered, and full banking services are available for businesses and charities. Triodos Bank is an independent bank founded inthe Netherlandsin 1980. Its principles and independence are protected through a special shareholding trust. The UK office opened in 1995 and is based inBristol. Triodos Bank offers a range of personal savings accounts as well as other investment opportunities. The Triodos Online ISA currently pays up to 2.52% AER and the Triodos Online Saver Plus pays 2.52% AER including a 1.5% 12 month bonus. Ethical savings bonds paying up to 3.75% AER are also available, as well as the Ethical Junior Cash ISA paying 2.01% AER. Full terms and conditions for these products can be obtained from http://www.triodos.co.uk.