Celebrate the DSI anniversary event Posted on March 25, 2024 at 8:41 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan On October 4, 2024, we celebrate a milestone: the 25th anniversary of Stichting DSI! For a quarter of a century, we have been dedicated to strengthening and maintaining public trust in the investment sector. And we’re going to celebrate that! Expertise and integrity: our pillars for your success In a world where the financial sector is constantly evolving, one thing remains constant: the crucial role of the professional. At Stichting DSI, expertise and integrity have been at the forefront for 25 years. This forms the solid foundation of our upcoming DSI event on October 4 at the Beursgebouw in Amsterdam. Sign up for the event here! Register here! Discover the future of investing: digitization and sustainability During our anniversary event, we will focus on two key themes: the rise of digitization and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the role of the investment industry in sustainability. We have three inspiring keynote speakers: Jos Heuvelman from AFM, Jorissa Neutelings from ABN AMRO, and Erik van Houwelingen from Van Lanschot Kempen. Together with them and an interactive panel, we will delve into current developments with a strong emphasis on integrity and ethics. As AI and algorithms take over the role of investment advisors, questions arise: how do you ensure ethics? And how can you be certain that investment products are genuinely green and not just greenwashing? These pressing questions will be at the heart of our discussions. Meet our key-note speakers Jos Heuvelman joined the AFM Board on September 1, 2018. He is responsible for overseeing the retail market, including lending, saving, investing, insurance, and pensions, as well as asset management. Heuvelman is also active at ESMA. Previously, he spent over thirty years at De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), where he held various management positions and supervised large banks. His extensive experience in financial supervision now strengthens the AFM. Jorissa Neutelings is the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at ABN AMRO Bank. She is responsible for Digital Customer Experience, Digital Innovation, Data & Analysis, and the Design & Build of all digital channels. The common thread in her career is the customer. Her mission is to build lasting customer relationships in a sustainable way to optimize value for both the customer and the organization. She views digitization as the key route to helping customers more simply, quickly, and personally. Erik van Houwelingen is on the Executive Board of Van Lanschot Kempen and is Chairman of the Executive Board of Kempen Capital Management. Additionally, he is Vice-Chairman of Dufas. He has extensive experience in asset management and pensions, with a strong focus on the transition to sustainable investing being a major priority for him. We will soon announce the names of the panel members. An intimate setting for valuable interaction With only 100 available spots, we provide a setting where interaction is key. Each attendee can make a valuable contribution to the discussions and work together on the challenges within our sector. Seize this unique opportunity to participate and sign up now for our anniversary event on Ocotber 4 and celebrate 25 years of Stichting DSI with us!
Join the webinar on greenwashing on March 28th Posted on March 4, 2024 at 2:35 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and DSI Foundation warmly invite you to an upcoming webinar on March 28, where our guests speakers from DSI, EY and ACCA will join the lively conversation on greenwashing. The speakers will delve into the most important issues that emerged from conversations with industry professionals while researching the recent white paper from DSI on Greenwashing: Let’s be real! Sign up here for the webinar! Register here! The event will focus on its eight calls to action, addressing the issue of greenwashing in the investment industry from the perspective of professionals within the sector. The webinar will provide insights that could be overlooked by policymakers during the process of creating new rules for the financial sector. With this paper, DSI wants to actively contribute to the lively discussion around greenwashing, and the implications for the financial sector, regulators and legislators. The webinar will also focus on recent work by ACCA and the CISI on coming reforms to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Requirement, particularly in relation to greenwashing. If you would like to discover more about DSI Greenwashing, please click here. Webinar Registration The webinar will take place online via Zoom and will be conducted in English. Registration is required for participation. You can register using this registration link: ZOOM LINK. If you encounter any issues with registration or have other questions, please contact DSI at communicatie@dsi.nl. We look forward to seeing you there! More information about CISI: click here More information about ACCA: click here More information about Sustainable Finance Disclosure Requirement: click here
Greenwashing: let’s be real! Posted on February 15, 2024 at 10:00 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan Greenwashing has entered the investment industry lexicon with a vengeance in recent years. With the dramatic growth of ESG investing it is perhaps not a surprise that many products do not (yet) meet the claims of investment providers. Through the whole value chain financial organizations are considering how to protect themselves from accusations of greenwashing. With European regulators set to issue a joint report on greenwashing in May 2024, regulatory risk – with financial and reputational consequences – is set to be “top of mind” in the coming years. The current legislative focus seems to be fully aimed at transparency as a silver bullet solution. Shouldn’t policy action be more direct? And what about all the pledges and commitments that have been made by CEO’s and boards? Shouldn’t there be a more constructive dialogue within the investment firms about the the road to a carbon neutral economy and what choices and tradeoffs need to be made to get there? Explore in our whitepaper the call-to-action items that reflect the most important issues that emerged in conversations with industry professional. Download the whitepaper © Stichting DSI | With this whitepaper, DSI aims to actively contribute to the lively discussion on greenwashing. The recommendations can be taken to heart by both the financial sector, regulators and legislators. DSI outlines eight calls for action This white paper is a result of multiple round tables that DSI organized together with EY over the course of 2023. It reflects the most important issues that emerged in conversations with industry professionals. These professionals are specialists in marketing, compliance and investing, and work at banks, pension funds and asset managers. They deal with the issues discussed on a daily basis and provide insights that could be overlooked by policymakers during the process of creating new rules for the financial sector. With this paper, DSI wants to actively contribute to the lively discussion about greenwashing. The recommendations can be taken to heart by both the financial sector, regulators and legislators. For more information Would you like to learn more about this topic or would you like DSI to also engage in discussions about greenwashing within your organization? Please visit our page about Greenwashing or contact DSI via Floris Mreijen, Director, at 020-620 74 12 or through our contact form.
25th anniversary DSI Posted on January 11, 2024 at 2:17 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan 25 years of integrity and expertise With the very best wishes for the new year, we proudly announce our anniversary year. In 2024, it will mark the 25th anniversary since the establishment of the DSI Foundation as a self-regulatory initiative within the financial sector to promote integrity and expertise. The past 25 years have often been turbulent times for the financial sector, where expertise and integrity (or sometimes the lack thereof) were crucial. The DSI Foundation has consistently contributed to advancing integrity standards and providing guidelines to enable professionals to serve their clients optimally, thereby strengthening trust in the sector. In a constantly evolving world, professionals must not only stay informed about regulations but also possess technical knowledge through continuous education. A moral compass requires regular recalibration. Through our commitment to certification, guideline development, awareness, and collaboration with stakeholders, we aim to contribute to promoting integrity in the financial sector. At its core, our mission remains true to our founding principles in 1999: advancing an upright and knowledgeable financial sector. What can you expect from us in the anniversary year? Publication of a whitepaper on Greenwashing: Analysis based on various roundtable discussions conducted in collaboration with EY on the current issue of Greenwashing and its impact on integrity in the financial sector – more information Event on Integrity and Expertise: In the second quarter, we will be organizing an event focused on integrity and expertise, bringing together professionals in the financial sector to discuss current issues and celebrate our 25th anniversary. Introduction of the AML Register: DSI will introduce a new register focused on Anti Money Laundering. For the professionals working daily on identifying and addressing financial crimes and promoting an integral business operation. Integrity Week: As part of our commitment to promoting integrity, we, as a partner, participate in the Integrity Week. During this event, we share our insights and experiences to increase awareness of integrity and disseminate information to our stakeholders. Among other initiatives, we continue to dedicate ourselves to integrity and expertise within the financial sector. On behalf of the DSI Foundation, we invite you to celebrate the anniversary year with us and participate in our activities and initiatives in 2024. We will keep you informed through our website, LinkedIn, and (quarterly) newsletters!
NCI accredited for PE Compliance Professional Posted on December 19, 2023 at 2:59 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan For the Continuing Professional Education (PE) program of the DSI Register Compliance Professional, the DSI Accreditation Committee has approved the program of the Dutch Compliance Institute (NCI). Previously, the PE-programs of NIBE-SVV and The Ministry of Compliance were also approved for this register. Ready to enroll? Starting from the beginning of 2024, you can do so directly on the websites of the training institutions. Continuing Professional Education 2024 The Continuing Professional Education program for 2024 kicks off on January 1, 2024, covering all registers. We recently unveiled the new objectives for 2024. Once the PE 2024 program is available at the training institutions, you can get started. Enroll directly with the respective training provider. Refer to the list below for all providers of PE programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in your field through PE 2024. Find more information at www.dsi.nl/en/pe2024.
Challenges for Investment Professionals regarding greenwashing Posted on December 12, 2023 at 1:53 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan DSI and EY are joining forces in 2023 for roundtable meetings on greenwashing in the financial sector. We aim to facilitate a constructive dialogue among professionals in the investment industry, discussing recent developments and their impact on investment practices. Previous meetings In previous sessions, held in June and September, the focus was on legal, compliance, and marketing aspects of greenwashing. Participants extensively discussed the definition of greenwashing and how organizations interpret this concept. They also reflected on the Progress Report of the European Supervisory Authorities dated June 1st. Read more about these meetings here. Challenges for Investment Professionals During our third meeting on November 22nd, investment professionals collectively discussed challenges related to ESG investing and greenwashing. The growing demand for transparency regarding companies’ sustainable results (and the regulations surrounding them) poses challenges for investment professionals. One of these challenges is the sometimes limited availability of the right data. On the other hand, it was also noted that more data might not necessarily be the solution to the problem of greenwashing. Training During the meeting, investment professionals emphasized the importance of effective communication. It’s crucial to be transparent about the dilemmas surrounding ESG investing. An investment that was previously classified as sustainable may no longer be so later, partly due to regulatory changes. Investment professionals need a basic level of expertise in the ESG field. DSI can play a role in setting standards for competence and integrity. Awareness and future whitepaper It’s essential for organizations to create greater awareness of greenwashing across various sectors. The findings from the three sessions will be compiled into an informative whitepaper, to be shared with the industry in the first quarter of 2024. Contact information For more information about these meetings, you can contact Floris Mreijen, the director at DSI, and/or Mark van der Lecq, the lead legal at DSI.
DSI Anti Money Laundering (AML) Register Posted on December 12, 2023 at 10:19 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan In close collaboration with the industry, DSI has decided to launch a new register specifically targeting professionals dedicated to preventing financial crime: the DSI Anti Money Laundering (AML) register. This register provides uniform quality standards for AML professionals actively involved in the fight against financial crimes. Roles in Financial Crime Financial institutions such as banks and investment firms play a crucial role in preventing money laundering and financing terrorism. This is commonly referred to as the gatekeeper function. The number of professionals engaged in combating financial crime has significantly increased in recent years. These individuals work in areas such as Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Anti Money Laundering (AML). DSI is developing this new register specifically for the AML professionals. What is a DSI AML Professional? The DSI AML professional operates within the financial sector and is tasked with preventing their organization’s involvement in money laundering. The professional focuses on the proper application of the Wwft and possesses in-depth knowledge of customer research (KYC and CDD) and transaction monitoring. The DSI AML professional also has the skills to effectively act in their role as a money laundering combatant. Uniform Quality Standards with an Independent Register A key consideration for establishing this register is that AML professionals need to demonstrate proven expertise. Regulators are increasingly attentive to this requirement. Currently, various training programs are available in this field, varying in depth and assessment. Our discussions with DSI-affiliated businesses reveal a need for uniform quality standards for this professional group. These standards should be set and monitored by an independent and expert certifying authority. DSI believes that such an initiative aligns well with the existing DSI certifications for investment and compliance professionals. Through the new register, DSI aims to ensure a baseline level of expertise and integrity for this professional group. In addition to uniform training requirements for entry into the register, there will also be an obligation for ongoing education. Finally, DSI’s code of conduct and disciplinary procedures will apply. Current Status In January, the final terms for the new registry were approved by the DSI Accreditation Committee. Subsequently, these terms were shared with providers of financial crime training programs. The first accreditation request is currently being processed by DSI. The Compliance Advisory Committee and Accreditation Committee will evaluate this request. It is expected that the registry will launch before the summer of 2024. Contact Information For inquiries about the new register, feel free to contact Mark van der Lecq (Lead Legal DSI) via our contact form.
Week of Integrity Posted on December 6, 2023 at 9:57 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan As a proud partner of the Week of Integrity, taking place from December 1 to 9, we emphasize the power of ethical behavior in the financial sector. DSI has undertaken various initiatives to highlight integrity in this sector. At DSI, integrity goes beyond being a core value; it is the guiding principle for our mission. We believe in a financial world where ethics and professionalism go hand in hand. DSI has taken various initiatives to bring attention to ethical behavior in the financial sector. This includes incorporating the Integrity Module e-learning into all our certifications and forming various collaborations with partners in the sector. DSI Activities in the Week of Integrity EY and DSI host a roundtable on greenwashing: EY and DSI organized roundtable discussions on Greenwashing. Insights will be shared in an informative whitepaper available to the sector. ➜ more information Stakeholder event on integrity and inclusion: Rabobank, KPMG, and DSI organized a stakeholder arena on integrity and inclusion. Perspectives from various sectors were discussed based on statements and questions. ➜ more information Devil’s dilemmas of investment professionals: Watch our live webinar on the devil’s dilemmas of investment professionals. Discover the learning outcomes and practical applications of statements discussed during the DSI Disciplinary Committee. ➜ more information What is the Week of Integrity? The annual event, held in December, is a crucial multi-stakeholder initiative. It promotes knowledge sharing and stimulates discussions about integrity in workplaces and boardrooms, regardless of the type of organization. What can employees, officials, and managers expect? And what responsibility do politicians bear, both nationally and internationally, for companies with international interests? The commitment extends beyond just one week in December; on the contrary, the organization aims to unite people throughout the year in their dedication to integrity. Every day, efforts are made to make integrity an integral part of the behavior of individuals, organizations, and businesses. The Week of Integrity highlights the power of ethical behavior in the financial sector. Explore DSI’s initiatives.
DSI Introduces Supervisory Board Posted on December 5, 2023 at 1:42 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan DSI has made a significant change in direction. Starting from October 26, 2023, DSI has implemented an entirely new governance model with a Supervisory Board and a managing director. The Evolution of DSI’s Governance Model When DSI was founded in 1999, a governance structure was chosen that included industry associations from the sector in the board. These associations represented their members in the board. In recent years, DSI operated with a broad General Board with an independent chair. From the General Board, an Executive Board was formed, and the director was responsible for the daily management of the organization. In 2023, the General Board decided to establish a Supervisory Board with a managing director. This model, now common among smaller foundations and associations, aligns best with the renewed and downsized DSI. The involved industry associations will have a different role, as anchored in the new statutes. More information about the new governance can be found here: new governance DSI Composition of the Supervisory Board Our new Supervisory Board consists of five experts from the financial world, with the primary task of overseeing the policies of the managing director, Floris Mreijen. The composition of the Supervisory Board is as follows: Tanja Nagel (Chair) Tanja Nagel, with an extensive career in financial services, held top positions at renowned institutions such as Van Lanschot and Theodoor Gilissen Bankiers. Currently, she is a commissioner at EY Netherlands and a board member at Stichting Oncode and Stichting Capital Amsterdam. Additionally, she serves as a moderator at the Erasmus Governance Institute. Tanja Nagel was formerly the chair of the DSI board and will now be the chair of the Supervisory Board. Jaco Aardoom Jaco Aardoom, former CEO of Hof Hoorneman Bankiers, has extensive experience in fund management and the private banking sector. He previously served as division chair of Delta Lloyd Asset Management and was director of Investments at Ohra Insurance & Banking Group. His career began in 1988 as an account manager at Bank Mees & Hope. Theo Andringa Theo Andringa has extensive experience in the retail investment sector. He currently works as a director and investment team member at the asset manager NNEK. Additionally, Theo was the chairman of the Association of Asset Managers & Advisors for 12 years. In this capacity, Theo was also a board member of DSI. Erik Luttenberg Erik Luttenberg, former statutory director of asset manager Kempen Capital Management, has extensive experience in financial services. Currently, he is active as a director at KPN pension fund, at Eumedion, and as a director and supervisor at several investment institutions. Daniëlle Melis Daniëlle Melis, with a background in the banking sector and a specialization in corporate governance, earned her stripes at MeesPierson, NIBC, and Rabobank, and in the governance domain as the chair of the Nyenrode Corporate Governance Institute. Currently, she is a board member and also a member of the investment advisory committee of the General Pension Fund Stap, and she holds directorships at Triodos Bank, PGGM Investments, and Blue Sky Group. Until November 1, she was a member of the Disciplinary Committee of DSI, a role she relinquishes with her appointment to the Supervisory Board. Thanks to Former Board Members With the introduction of the Supervisory Board, DSI bids farewell to the board members who have diligently led the organization in recent years, thanking them for their efforts to make the financial sector more reliable and competent. In the coming months, the members of the Supervisory Board will be introduced more extensively through personal interviews. We invite you to stay informed about the latest developments around DSI and its initiatives through our newsletter and LinkedIn channel.
Overview of DSI Participants Posted on December 5, 2023 at 1:36 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan At DSI, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration to enhance the reliability of the financial sector. Our DSI Participants form the backbone of this collaboration and play a crucial role in strengthening integrity and professionalism in the industry. We want to provide more insight into who our DSI Participants are and why participating in DSI is essential. Overview of DSI Participants For a complete overview of our over 300 DSI participants, you can visit our DSI Participants page. Who Are the Participants? Our DSI Participants are companies and organizations in the financial sector dedicated to the highest standards of competence and integrity in their field. This includes a wide range of institutions, from financial service providers and banks to asset managers and investment firms. While each participant is unique, they all share a common goal: to increase the reliability of the financial sector. The importance of participants for DSI Participants are invaluable in promoting transparency and trust in the financial world. By joining DSI, participants demonstrate their commitment to the highest ethical standards and the competence of their employees. This contributes to enhancing the reputation of the entire sector and the reliability of professionals working within it. Benefits of DSI Membership As an organization participating in DSI, you enjoy various benefits, including: Trust and Recognition: Involvement with DSI emphasizes a participating organization’s commitment to integrity and professionalism, building trust with customers and stakeholders. Expertise and Support: DSI provides support and resources to help organizations maintain the highest standards in the industry, including certifications, the Continuing Professional Education program, the DSI Public Register, the code of conduct, and accredited training providers. Networking Opportunities: Participating organizations gain access to an extensive network of like-minded professionals and organizations, offering valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth. Efficient Oversight Tools: Through our dedicated employer portal, employers can access necessary figures and data for internal and external use at any time. This allows them to manage the real-time status of employee certifications. How can an organization become a participant at DSI? The process of becoming a participant at DSI is simple and accessible. If a company holds an AFM license, the organization can join DSI and become a participant. Registration can be done through this registration page. For more information on registration, interested organizations can also contact Nana Asante, Relationship Manager at DSI, via the contact form on our website.