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Sustainability

Ethical corporate conduct towards our business partners, employees, shareholders and the general public constitutes an integral part of our corporate governance principles. We apply very high ethical and legal standards at all times, both as reflected in our strategy and practised in our day-to-day business operations. As a financial services company, we are continually aware of the fact that the Hannover Re Group’s public image is characterised to a considerable extent by the demeanour, acting and behaviour of each and every one of our representatives and employees. Sustainability and social responsibility are not at odds with our strategic goal of continuously striving to be one of the best - in other words, one of the most profitable - reinsurers in the world. To the contrary: in our view, successful business operations are the basis for being able to play a positive role in society - how else could we pay taxes, steadily increase our number of employees, or support charitable projects?

We regularly take part in sustainability surveys (e.g. SAM Research, EIRIS), in order to receive feedback and make our commitment to sustainability known. We are pleased that the Hannover Re share is already held by various funds which have a focus on sustainable investment. To us, this proves that we are headed in the right direction.

Responsible underwriting and careful risk management are essential for safeguarding our business quality in the long term and for maintaining and increasing our company value. Owing to its focus on sustainability, Hannover Re has never once had to show a deficit since it was founded in 1966, meaning it has never incurred a capital loss, either. In addition to this, in the past our share often represented one of the stocks with the highest dividend yield in the reinsurance industry. Our aim is to continue to act responsibly. Going forward, we will therefore keep up

  • supporting our clients in correctly assessing and controlling risks and making use of opportunities for technical improvement;
  • being a fair and reliable partner to society at large;
  • openly communicating our commitment to sustainability;
  • creating a healthy working environment for our employees and
  • supporting defined research and cultural projects outside Hannover Re.