Description of content | Scope of application of the policy and exclusions |
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Describes the Group’s policy on investing, providing financial products and services to clients operating in sectors such as oil and gas, energy production and transmission, mining, metals, soft raw materials. The policy is supervised by the ESG Risk Management Office.
Addressed IRO: Lack of protection of affected communities through lack of mechanisms to monitor and review compliance of the use of proceeds related to sectors and activities with high risk of impact on environmental and social issues, Financing of clients involved in activities considered prohibited, contrary to the Bank’s policies and ethical standards, may pose a risk to society. |
Bank, Santander Factoring, Santander Leasing, Santander TFI
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Policies related to affected communities (S3‑1)
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Policies related to affected communitiesS3-1Policies related to affected communities
Impacts and risks associated with affected communities
In the area of affected communities, we have identified our significant impacts in terms of their economic, social and cultural rights. These are indirect impacts through the business customers we serve, in particular those to whom we provide financing. This impact may be related to customers who operate in industries with high environmental and social risk, or those who act contrary to the law or ethical standards.

Communities that the Group has an impact on through the business customers it finances or serves:
- Local communities affected by investment projects financed by the Group (e.g. mining or industrial plants).
- Communities influenced by the Group’s business customers who operate in high-risk industries in a social and environmental context.
- Communities influenced by the Group’s business customers who do not comply with ethical standards or community rights (e.g. human rights).
In the Group, we are committed to conduct our business with respect for the rights of the communities affected by our activities, both directly and indirectly through cooperation with business partners and financing investments. Social responsibility is also an integral element of the Group’s strategy for 2024-2026, in which we commit to supporting society through education, counteracting financial exclusion and implementing social activities.
As part of our policies and standards, we strive to minimize the negative impact on communities, while strengthening activities that generate positive effects for them. We place great value on compliance with international standards on human rights and the principles of social responsibility.
The key policies that govern our approach to managing impacts on communities are those related to human rights, counteracting the negative effects of investments and involvement in the life of local communities. Some of them are available on the Bank’s website. The Management Board is responsible for implementing the policies (unless otherwise stated in the text).
Human rights are addressed first and foremost in the ”Responsible Banking and Sustainability Policy”. It addresses topics like the impact on communities through customers and our commitment to due diligence in managing social impact. It refers to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Equatorial Principles. The policy is approved by the Management Board and the matters regulated therein are discussed by the ESG Committee and the ESG Forum. In 2024, we recorded no serious human rights issues, nor incidents related to affected communities.
Policies to manage significant impacts, risks and opportunities related to communities
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Policies adopted to manage material sustainability mattersMDR-PPolicies adopted to manage material sustainability matters