A
PL

Integrated Report 2020

Responsible financing

GRI:
TCFD:

BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. understands economic responsibility as responsible long-term financing of the economy as well as maintaining ethical and lasting relationships with Clients and stakeholders.

  • 103-1
  • 103-2
  • 103-3
  • TCFD Metrics and Targets Disclosure C
  • TCFD Metrics and Targets Disclosure A

Commitments of BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. under economic responsibility – one of the four pillars of the CSR and Sustainability Strategy

  • Investments and financing with a positive impact
  • Ethics of the highest standard
  • Integrated management and monitoring of ESG risks (environmental, social and governance risks)
a2 a2

We have identified a number of Sustainable Development Goals which include: supporting economic development, innovation and industry, supporting the development of sustainable cities and communities and cross-sectoral partnerships for sustainable development.

The Bank’s Sustainable Development Goals in the field of economic responsibility

1 1

Economic responsibility is an important topic for all companies of the BNP Paribas Capital Group. They conduct operations in accordance with the highest standards and guidelines of the BNP Paribas Group.

A key dimension of the Bank’s responsibility is its support for the development of the economy, achieved through responsible financing. We understand ‘responsible financing’ as dedication to the highest ethical standards, monitoring the social, economic and environmental aspects of transactions concluded by all our Clients, as well as offering products and services which respond to global challenges and local market conditions (and thus respond to the changing needs of our Clients).

Our balanced approach is based on lasting and ethical relationships with Clients and stakeholders. We want to have an impact on our area of business, we are therefore involved in initiatives which promote responsibility in the financial industry and in business.

We are now facing unprecedented economic changes. As the Bank for a changing world, we want to keep up with them, to understand the challenges and needs of our Clients, to support their development plans and inspire them to choose new and ambitious goals. BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. aims to responsibly support and stimulate the development of innovation in Poland, as well as the expansion of domestic enterprises to foreign markets.

Financing based on ESG criteria

The economic responsibility of BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. entails long-term support for the development of the economy through financial support for individual and corporate projects. At the same time, we aim to monitor the CSR risks faced by our Clients. The Bank focuses especially on financing ESG sensitive sectors. Financing decisions are preceded with analyses of the social, economic and environmental impact of a given company and project. We offer products which meet today’s challenges in the field of sustainability. More information about our responsible products can be found in further sections of the present chapter.

BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. has identified nine sensitive sectors based on environmental, social and corporate governance risk:

  • coal-based energy
  • mining
  • defence and security
  • forests – wood pulp
  • forests – palm oil
  • nuclear energy
  • agriculture
  • fuel – unconventional oil and gas
  • tobacco

In each of these sectors, the Bank implements The CSR Policy and Guidelines with respect to the relevant Clients. In order to become our Client or obtain financing, an entity needs to meet a number of requirements set out in the Policy for a given sector. In addition, all current and potential Clients of the Bank who operate in the above-mentioned industries are informed about our CSR policy and about the analytical processes.

As regards the most harmful sectors, the Bank has made strategic decisions to withdraw services. Such sectors include the tobacco sector, which the BNP Paribas Group left in 2017. Another is the coal-based energy sector. In 2020, the BNP Paribas Group announced its gradual departure from financing the coal energy sector and entities significantly involved in coal infrastructure. Financing will stop completely in 2030. The first restrictions on cooperation with Clients operating in the coal sector were introduced as early as 2015. The Bank gradually withdrew from financing entities which did not plan an energy transformation to renewable sources.

In addition, continuing the restrictions introduced since 2017, the Bank completely seized financing for the fur industry from 2020.

Our Clients undergo detailed analyses carried out by the Bank’s experts to ensure their compliance with the principles of sustainable development. In 2020, BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. conducted 225 CSR analyses.

In addition to cyclical risk analyses for particularly sensitive sectors, ESG risk is also assessed in credit processes for corporate Clients. In 2019, we established the socalled “second line of CSR control” in the Corporate Credit Risk Department. It focuses on possible ESG risks in the operations of current and potential Clients. This aspect is later included in the overall risk assessment of a Client. If a high level of ESG risk is detected, the Client’s rating can be lowered.

Commitments of the BNP Paribas Group regarding its withdrawal form the coal sector:

  • The BNP Paribas Group has committed to withdrawing from cooperation with Customers involved in coal-based electricity production, coal mining and coal infrastructure in the EU and OECD countries by the end of 2030.
  • The Group also maintains its commitment to terminate cooperation with Clients who invest in coal energy.
  • BNP Paribas has committed not to commence cooperation with new Clients if their coal-related activity generates over 25% of revenues.

CSR sector policies

As a responsible financial institution, BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. monitors the level of environmental, social and corporate governance risk (ESG) for all of its Clients. In addition, as part of the BNP Paribas Group, the Bank pays particular attention to the financing of ESG sensitive sectors.

To this end, the Bank has identified nine sectors and has accordingly introduced CSR Policies – with specific requirements for Clients operating within them.

Coal energy sector

Coal-based energy greatly contributes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and is one of the main causes of climate change. Therefore, a balance should be struck between the growing demand for electricity, economic development and the need to reduce CO2 emissions. Such a balance is critical to limiting climate change. Restrictions on cooperation with Customers operating in the coal sector have been introduced since 2015. In 2017, BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. decided to discontinue the financing of projects related to coal mining, the construction of coal-fired power plants and CHP plants, as well as new power units. We chose to support only those companies from the coal energy sector which are actively involved in the transition to other types of energy (in accordance with the ”below 2°C scenario” of the International Energy Agency – IEA). In addition, BNP Paribas believes it is equally important that all companies in the coal energy sector meet the necessary requirements in the field of health protection, safety and environmental protection for the sake of future generations.

In 2019, the BNP Paribas Group set deadlines (2030 for the European Union and OECD and 2040 for the rest of the world) for cooperation with Customers form the coal industry, including coal-based energy, mining and infrastructure. Those wishing to continue cooperation with the Bank will need to resign from coal.

Mining sector

The mining sector supplies resources which have a major impact on the development of most economic sectors. The world’s population is increasing. It as a key factor in the growing demand for resources, especially combined with the growing expectations of developing countries as to advanced infrastructure as well as the high quality of products and services. Resources are being depleted and it is becoming increasingly difficult to extract them. A balanced approach to the mining sector needs to give careful consideration to the environmental, social and governance risks associated with the sector. The CSR policy towards the mining sector defines the requirements for mining companies and mining projects which wish to cooperate with the Bank. The Policy states additional criteria for mining enterprises and mining projects. In 2020, the BNP Paribas Group has committed to ending cooperation with Customers involved in the extraction of coal for the energy industry by the end of 2030 in the EU and OECD countries.

Defence and security sector

As a significant financial institution, Bank BNP Paribas recognizes the validity of the five major challenges and threats to the security of the EU as defined by the European Council: terrorism, the migration crisis, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, conflicts in regions and organised crime. Illegal arms trafficking, especially the illegal sale of small arms, is a key factor in four out of the five threats. While the Bank recognises the right of states to defend themselves and to protect their own national security, it is also conscious of the particular risks connected with the Defence and Security Sector.

The defence and security provisions listed in our Policy apply to weapons (including controversial weapons), military equipment, dualuse goods, internal repression, and internal security and police. The Policy defines a set of principles and guidelines regarding the Defence and Security Sector which must be followed by all organisational units of the Bank.

Forest sector – wood pulp

The demand for paper products will increase in the coming decade, which will affect global development. In connection with the wood pulp production process, the Bank has noted that heavy industry has a great impact on the environment (including water, soil and air pollution), but also on the health and safety of those employed by the industry and surrounding communities. Based on the paper production chain, shareholders believe that the greatest impact can be exerted at the level of forest management and wood pulp production. The Bank’s CSR Policy focuses on these two stages.

Forest sector – palm oil

The development of palm oil plantations may adversely affect local communities, climate change and the ecosystem. As a financial institution, the Bank wants to support responsible producers who apply sustainable development practices in the palm oil production sector. Therefore, we refrain from financing or investing in enterprises which activity contribute to deforestation or in enterprises which violate the rights of local communities.

Nuclear sector

As a financial institution, the Bank offers its products and financial services to government units which support the development of non-military nuclear energy. The Bank believes that the international community and countries which plan to develop nuclear power or build new power plants need to act in accordance with the requirements of safety and population protection, as well as environmental protection. The Bank’s CSR Policy aims to ensure that the projects financed by the Bank in the nuclear energy sector are properly monitored in terms of mitigating social and environmental impact.

Agri-food sector

Agriculture is a key sector in terms of employment opportunities and GDP. It provides livelihoods for millions of people, both in developed and developing countries. Investing in agriculture is one of the most effective strategies to reduce hunger and promote sustainable development. However, without proper management, the development of agriculture could have adverse effects on local communities, ecosystems or climate change. Therefore, the Bank monitors Customers who represent this sector by verifying compliance with the requirements of the CSR Sector Policy.

BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. supports the agri-food sector and therefore provides a wide range of financial products and services for entities in this industry. Our services and products are addressed to highly responsible farms and processing companies, whose goal is to provide consumers with healthy and safe products while ensuring that production adheres to the principles of sustainable farming.

Fuel sector – unconventional oil and gas

BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. is highly involved in the energy transformation. Our goal is to contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. This aim is reflected in the Bank’s loan portfolio and steps taken to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.

Therefore, the Bank has developed a coherent policy on financial products and services for the oil and gas industry in the field of unconventional oil and gas. Thus we have committed to refrain from financing exploration and production projects in the field of unconventional gas and oil, as well as from financing entities whose operations rely on unconventional oil and gas resources (including trade, transport, transmission). Oil production from unconventional resources currently accounts for c. 10% of global oil and gas production. This percentage is expected to increase.

The negative impact of unconventional production can be mitigated by implementing the best possible practices. BNP Paribas assesses resources and projects related to various unconventional sources of oil and gas in line with the best practices of the industry. Thus, we determine the specific environmental impact of the aforementioned projects.

Withdrawal from the tobacco sector

In 2017, the BNP Paribas Group made a global decision to discontinue financing and investing in the tobacco industry, including manufacturers, planters and wholesalers whose main operations are tobacco-related. Since 2018, in line with the decision of the Group, the Bank has been implementing the withdrawal process from financing the tobacco sector.

Our new financing and investing regulations result from the BNP Paribas Group’s commitment to financing the economy while maintaining a positive impact on all stakeholders.

Withdrawal from the fur industry

Since 2020, Bank BNP Paribas has ceased funding for the fur farming sector, thus implementing restrictions which had been gradually introduced since 2017.

In addition, the bank adheres to the following Policies of the BNP Paribas Group.

  • The Ocean protection policy defines criteria for the funding of enterprises which might affect the environment and ocean biodiversity. At the same time, we actively support initiatives based on sustainable economy, which respect marine ecosystems and human beings.
  • Human Rights Policy. The BNP Paribas Group is committed to the protection and respect for internationally recognised human rights. We strive to ensures that these rights are respected in all areas of the Bank’s activities and in all countries where we operate. BNP Paribas maintains the highest ethical standards in all relationships: with its employees, enterprises which constitute a part of its supply chain, Customers and local communities.

To find out more about the Sector Policies of the BNP Paribas Group, visit this page.

Responsible products and services

Responsible products and services should meet the needs of Customers, be available to vulnerable groups and have a positive impact on the environment. BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. wants to counteract exclusion and support entrepreneurship and energy transformation by offering responsible and sustainable products.

More information about ecofriendly products and services can be found in the Environmental Responsibility chapter.

Children are interested in all aspects of the adult world from an early age. Payment cards and bank accounts are no exception. We are convinced that we should build on that interest to teach children responsibility in money management, and to get them acquainted with the financial products and services that they will inevitably be using in the future. Therefore, in 2020, we launched an offer addressed to parents and children: the “Independence Account”. The launch was accompanied by an educational campaign entitled “Mission: Independence”, which supported parents in building their children’s financial awareness and helping them to gain independence.

For children under 13, we prepared the „Little Mr/Ms Independent Account” which can only be used for accumulating savings. For older children, the accounts have (almost) the same functionality as they do for adults. Likewise, depending on age, the offer of cards varies. Children under 13 can receive a traditional „Little Mr/Ms Independent Card” or an innovative „Little Mr/Ms Independent Microcard” which can be placed in a convenient green armband (provided by the bank along with the Microcard). Older children can receive the “Adulthood Card”. We also offer a special deposit of PLN 100 to PLN 5,000 at an interest rate of 0.5 percent (3-month deposit).

Independence, however, is not just about access to banking. We therefore launched “Mission: Independence”. Its aim is to help parents build their children’s independence and financial awareness. “Mission: Independence” includes educational support on the misjasamdzielnosc.pl platform, where we gradually ittroduce children to the world of finance through entertaining educational games.

To find out more about “Mission: Independence”, visit HERE.

“Mission: Independence” is a part of the “Mission: Education” program. The initiative encompasses various educational projects addressed to both children and adults. More about the “Mission: Education” program can be found in the Social Responsibility chapter.

The Bank offers an account for NGOs (addressed to social organisations and micro non-profit institutions) with basic services included free of charge. By signing a single agreement with the Bank, an organisation receives: a current settlement account in PLN, a deposit account, term deposit accounts, access to mobile and online banking systems, the comprehensive support of a banking adviser and preferential conditions for additional services.

At the end of 2020, the Bank had opened 32,401 Non-Profit Business Accounts. The product is very popular. We have received many awards for its implementation, including Leader of Responsible and Sustainable Development in the SMART CSR Project category, awarded by the “Rzeczpospolita” daily newspaper.

In 2018, BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. was the first financial institution in Poland to launch a banking offer addressed specifically to social economy enterprises. Thus, we support entities that, in addition to generating profit, set social and/or environmental goals for themselves and reinvest profit in the implementation of their social mission.

BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. analyses the needs of various social groups, including foreign citizens. In response to the growing number of Ukrainian citizens living in Poland, we have taken steps to make our offer more accessible to them.

At BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A., citizens of Ukraine can easily open the ”Account Open to You”. It has been created for Clients who value transparent and simple solutions in banking. Only one document is needed to open the account – a passport or a residence card. The Bank has also created a website and advertising materials in Ukrainian.

In 2020, the offer of our Bank’s Brokerage Office included products supporting Socially Responsible investing (SRI):

  • Fidelity Funds Sustainable Water & Waste Fund,
  • BlackRock GF Sustainable Energy,
  • Templeton Global Climate Change Fund,
  • NN (L) Globalny Odpowiedzialnego Inwestowania,
  • Fidelity Funds Sustainable Strategic Bond,
  • BNP Paribas Sustainable Multi-Asset Balanced,
  • BNP Paribas Sustainable Multi-Asset Growth,
  • BNP Paribas Sustainable Multi-Asset Stability,
  • NN Polski Odpowiedzialnego Inwestowania,
  • BNP Paribas Energy Transition.

The Funds invested directly or indirectly in the bonds or shares of issuers who met the sustainability criteria (whose products and services contribute to solving environmental and social development problems), as well as in derivatives of these assets.

BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. took part in the “Reforest’Action” campaign. Its aim was to plant one tree for every EUR 1,000 of socially responsible investments. The initiative was connected with the issue of structured certificates: Eco-Friendly Companies, Eco-Friendly Companies II, Climate Investements, IClimate Investments II. In October 2020, thanks to the Bank’s Customers, over 14,000 trees were planted in Lipusz (Pomeranian Voivodeship), where a large portion of the forest was destroyed by a storm in 2017.

In 2020, in order to face new global challenges, BNP Paribas Wealth Management started a pilot project called “myImpact”. The aim is to bring an innovative approach to our Clients' investments. We want to raise awareness when it comes to sustainable investments, we also wish to spread knowledge about ESG criteria and promote investments which contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals under the 2030 Agenda. The „myImpact” questionnaire enabled BNP Paribas Wealth Management Clients to define their values and priorities, thus encouraging them to consciously plan investments and financial decisions which exert a positive impact on the natural and social environment.

In December 2020, in order to build our Clients’ awareness of ESG factors in investment decisions, analysts from the Investment Advisory Team of our Brokerage Office organised an investment webinar for our Clients, entitled: ”ESG (environment, social responsibility, corporate governance) – a new trend in investments or an irreversible change ”. The webinar was devoted to the issue of ESG trends and standards. It explained how to make investment decisions based on ESG criteria.

Products and services supporting the energy transformation and combating climate change

For more information on green products and services, see the Environmental Responsibility chapter.

Initiatives for responsibility in the financial industry

We actively promote good practices in the Polish financial industry. In addition to internal initiatives and the implementation of relevant policies, we bring issues of social responsibility (which are important to us and our Clients) to the attention of the entire industry. We are among the initiators of a selfregulation project for entities from the financial industry: the Declaration of Responsible Sales. The project was launched by a number of financial institutions, including: BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. and ANG Spółdzielnia. The project leader is the Polish Consumer Federation. For more information, see the Transparency and communication with Clients chapter.

“Ethics in Finance”: competition

The idea behind the ”Ethics in Finance” competition, organised by the Banking Ethics Committee, is to promote ethical attitudes in the world of finance and to raise awareness of the important role of ethics in building the financial sector. By involving young people who are passionate about the financial sector, we have a chance to streamline and improve the system. The basic requirement for competition essays is to present innovative proposals for changes aimed at protecting and implementing ethical values in the world of finance. The competition is organised in cooperation with the Financial Observatory in Geneva, the organiser of the international edition of the competition. In 2020, BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. was among the six sponsors of the competition.

BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. has been actively involved in the process of promoting ethical financial management for many years. The best example is its support for the “Ethics in Finance” Competition. In 2020, the Banking Ethics Committee organised the 8th edition of the Competition and the Bank is one of the sponsors. In cooperation with the Bank, we promote responsible approaches to the world of finance and encourage bank employees to reflect on possible ethical dilemmas which they could face. We also stress the importance of the presence of ethical standards in laws and regulations. Shaping the ethical culture in banks is a continuous process. To ensure its success, it is necessary to involve bank employees in the discussion on of ethics within the sector.

Agnieszka Wicha Secretary of the Banking Ethics Committee at the Polish Bank Association (ZBP)

Cooperation with the Banking Ethics Committee of the Polish Bank Association

The Bank’s experts are involved in industry initiatives aimed at raising the level of ethical standards within the sector. They actively participate in the Banking Ethics Committee of the Polish Bank Association. In 2020, as in previous years, Marta Jedlińska, Director of the Compliance Monitoring Department, represented the Bank in the Committee. She was also nominated to be its member for the 2020-2023 term and to serve as the Vice-President of the Presidium. In 2020, the Committee worked on an annual report on the compliance of banks with ethical standards, the organisation of another edition of the ”Ethics in Finance” competition, the analysis of complaints within the sector from an ethical perspective and the popularisation of the “Recommendations of the Banking Ethics Committee on Shaping Ethical Culture”. During the new term of office, the Commission will focus on the following aspects: the revision of the Code of Banking Ethics, ethical challenges in the area of digitisation and new technologies, the 2019 report on relations between banks and their stakeholders, and on other initiatives shaping the ethical culture in banks.

“Not-Irresponsible“ Conference

Since 2016, we have been supporting all editions of the “Not-irresponsible” conference, dedicated to responsibility in the financial industry. “Not-irresponsible” is a project which arose from the need to promote financial responsibility. The conference was first proposed by the ANG Group (former ANG Cooperative) and the Not-Irresponsible Foundation (established by ANG) which deals with the topics of business ethics, responsible sales, financial education and support of entrepreneurship among youth. The ANG Group is an organisation of financial intermediation. Its organisational and legal structure is unique on the market, as it is an employee-owned joint-stock company which unites over 900 financial experts from all over Poland. ANG’s business partners are major financial institutions in the country. The ANG Group makes every effort to be a socially responsible company and to operate in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.

The subject of the online conference on October 20-29, 2020 was ‘jealousy’ in (not)irresponsible life and business. The participants considered whether jealousy destroys relationships and whether the pandemic will aggravate such processes or become a turning point towards a better world. One of the panels, entitled ”Ambition, competition and cooperation”, was attended by the President of the Management Board of BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A., Przemek Gdański. He explained the importance of cooperation in today’s competitive world and the negative effects of unjustified competition. His talk is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92waLUl1mW4

The subject of this year's conference was 'jealousy', one of the deadly sins which we have been using as a point of departure in discussions about important business challenges for several years. Regardless of our religious views, the metaphorical power of the deadly sins allows us to discuss what is good and what is bad in business (especially in the financial industry) from both a philosophical and a practical perspective. BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A. has been our partner for many years. Our cooperation is close, not only because of the support we receive, but - above all - because of the Bank’s understanding of key values in business. This year, the participation of the President of the Bank, Przemek Gdański, stressed the importance of cooperation between leaders in today's world as opposed to individual ambitions. Such actions lead to positive changes in the world. It is important that business, while striving for economic success, remember about the need to work towards the common good. The financial industry, due to its unique social role, has enormous influence. This was clear during the pandemic, when industry leaders, including BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A., supported Clients, especially entrepreneurs, in this difficult period. None of us are perfect but it is important to focus on self-betterment for our own benefit and for the benefit of others. The Bank and Przemek Gdański are clear examples that it is worth the effort.

Artur Nowak-Gocławski
Chairman of the Board, ANG Group

Support for Customers during the COVID-19 pandemic

As a public trust institution, we make every effort to ensure the continuity of our organisation’s activity and the maximum security of its employees and Customers. This is why, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank has undertaken a variety of measures to improve the functioning of the organisation. We also support the health service and other entities involved in the fight against coronavirus and minimising its negative effects. For more information on the Bank’s commitment to combating the effects of the pandemic, see the Social Responsibility chapter.

  • enabling remote working on a mass scale (both for employees of the headquarters and branches), if the nature of the work allows it; Over the course of 2020, since mid-March, a basic and recommended form of work organisation in the Bank was remote working; in organisational units, in which such form of work was not possible for whole teams, work organisation was based on an interchangeable system (split-team), where teams were divided to separate people executing the same duties; at the end of 2020 about 90 percent of the headquarters’ employees worked remotely. On average 85% of the headquarters’ employees worked remotely since the beginning of the pandemic.
  • providing tools for remote work, among others replacement of desktops and terminals in branches with laptops, increase of the Internet limit in company mobile phones;
  • equipping the Bank’s branches with protective plexiglass, masks, gloves, disinfectants;
  • in order to ensure the safety of employees and customers, in the period from 18 March to 8 May, the number of people in the branches was reduced, opening hours were shortened, a dedicated service hour for seniors was introduced, and selected branches, including the cashiers, were temporarily excluded from service due to employees' child care responsibilities. As of 11th May this year, standard customer service hours were restored in the branches. At the end of 2020, 7 branches were excluded from service. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, an average of 99% of the branches were accessible to customers with appropriate safety rules;
  • enabling employees to carry out PCR test in ALAB diagnostic laboratories, at the Bank’s expense tests – if there is a reasonable suspicion that the employee may have had contact with another employee or customer who was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection;
  • preparation of online educational materials for employees' children to support them in organising children’s time;
  • remote recruitment of new employees, virtual welcome training #NiceToSeeYou for new employees;
  • providing telephone psychological support and mental health materials on the Worksmile Wellbeing Platform (formerly Fitqbe);
  • all educational and pro-employee initiatives have been transferred to an online platform, i.e. organisation of CSR Days, Children’s Day, training offers, webinars (including remote work organisation, COVID-19 pandemic);
  • a special section in the internal Echonet network dedicated to information about the coronavirus;
  • marketing campaigns of #stayhome – promoting the Bank’s personal account, without leaving home.

From the beginning of April 2020, the Bank has provided its customers with the possibility of deferring the repayment of principal and interest or principal only repayments (the so-called „loan moratoria”, “non-statutory/private moratoria”) in a convenient remote process. Since 1 October 2020 only statutory moratoria have been available.

As at the end of 2020, the number of loans and advances subject to moratoria was 43.3 thousand with the Group’s total gross balance sheet exposure value of PLN 7,251,102 thousand, of which PLN 3,374,952 thousand related to individual customers, PLN 3,095,593 thousand to business entities and PLN 780,557 thousand to leasing and other receivables. Total gross value of loans and advances subject to statutory moratoria was PLN 135,935 thousand. The balance of expired moratoria at the end of 2020 amounted to PLN 6,949,777 thousand, and the balance of active moratoria – PLN 301,325 thousand.

Detailed information on moratoria provided by the Bank and the Group in 2020 were presented in Credit Risk Note in the Stand-alone and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.

In the middle of January 2021 non-statutory moratoria were reintroduced. Moratorium assistance facilities will be provided to customers until March 31, 2021.

In addition, the Bank actively joined the Polish Development Fund’s (PFR’s) fundraising program for the execution of the PFR Financial Shield Program for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in relation to the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic in Poland as part of the government’s anti-crisis shield. Under the program the Bank purchased on 27 April the PFR0324 bonds for PLN 1 billion, on 8 May the PFR0325 bonds for PLN 1 billion, on 25 May the PFR0925 bonds for PLN 1 billion and on 5 June the PFR0627 bonds for PLN 1 billion. Thus, the Bank’s total exposure to the Polish Development Fund (PFR) bonds amounted to PLN 4 billion. Additionally, the Bank acquired PLN 6.38 billion of bonds issued by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) for the COVID-19 Counteraction Fund.

In the GOonline and BiznesPl@net internet banking systems, the Bank enabled entrepreneurs to submit applications under the anti-crisis shield and the financial shield of the Polish Development Fund (PFR). The Bank’s clients, who benefitted from the PFR  Financial Shield 1.0 for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises received support in the form of financial subsidies for the total amount of PLN 5.05 billion. The total amount paid out by the PFR to enterprises under Shield 1.0 was PLN 60.5 billion.

In the middle of January, the Bank’s clients were provded with the possibility of benefit from Financial Shield 2.0 through the Bank.

Other activities for customers are described below:

  • possibility of remote document processing for customers,
  • creating a GOmobile account remotely with video verification technology to confirm customer’s identity,
  • honouring documents submitted by registered mail or courier service as well as by scans,
  • possibility of remote disbursement of a loan tranche,
  • remote cash loan disbursement process – from the moment of application to the agreement signing and disbursement of funds,
  • remote handling of dispositions for cash loans, credit cards and the Allegro limit,
  • encouraging payments with cards, BLIK, Apple Pay and Google Pay,
  • increasing the limit for contactless payments (up to PLN 100) without the need to provide a PIN number for Mastercard and Visa cards,
  • enabling to open a bank account without leaving home by video-verification (using the GOmobile application and a mobile phone equipped with a camera),
  • a series of webinars, addressed to microentrepreneurs, on how to run and promote small business on the Internet,
  • enabling the arranging of visits to all branches of the Bank via the Booksy booking application, and from November 2020 the possibility of making appointments also through the Bank’s website. The new possibility can be used by both individual customers and micro companies, as well as people who are not yet customers of the bank but would like to take advantage of its offer,
  • implementation of the Autenti e-signature service in Wealth Management,
  • facilitating safe parking and travel with the GOmobile application (possibility of remote purchase of city card and parking fee),
  • possibility to deposit cash outside the bank branches in Planet Cash and Euronet cash machines all over the country,
  • under the Bank’s Misja Edukacja (Mission: Education) program, the Bank prepared a series of educational webinars, offering tips on how to easily and safely manage your finances without leaving home. The first workshop was held in October 2020.
  • total limit of loan repayment guarantees under the BGK: PLN 12 billion, including: de minimis guarantee scheme (since the beginning of April): PLN 4 billion (of which PLN 2.1 billion available), liquidity guarantees (since the beginning of May): PLN 8 billion (of which PLN 6.8 billion available) and the Agricultural Guarantee Fund guarantees (since the end of July): PLN 0.12 billion (of which PLN 0.06 billion available),
  • customer support within the framework of the anti-crisis shield and the financial shield of the Polish Development Fund (PFR),
  • a personalised approach to the renewal of credit lines for micro-enterprises,
  • possibility of remote submission of applications and orders through the Business Service Centre and Business Service Zone,
  • possibility of remote processing of documents for customers, including honouring documents submitted by registered mail or courier service, as well as scans,
  • possibility of remote disbursement of a loan tranche,
  • organisation of webinars in the field of labour law (including subsidies to employees' salaries) and regarding the financial subsidy program for companies, and in cooperation with the SPCG Law Firm also a series of webinars on legal aspects of other support solutions proposed by the government during the epidemic,
  • enabling entrepreneurs to sign documents electronically on the Autenti platform, as well as to conclude a lease agreement in a car dealership by using an e-signature,
  • supporting entrepreneurs by co-financing their advertisements on OLX.
  • declaration of participation in the PFR 2.0 Financial Shield. By providing access to electronic banking systems, the Bank helps clients quickly and securely access financial subsidies offered to companies in nearly 40 industries that have had to curtail or suspend operations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Applications for subsidies under the Shield 2.0 will be accepted by the Bank starting January 15, 2021, and from January 18, 2021 the Bank will be accepting applications for the possibility of deferring loan repayments for up to 3 or 6 months.

For more information about the Bank’s support for Customers from all segments during the pandemic, visit this page.

Previous topic

Perspective

Next topic

Distribution channels

Search results