National Bank of Canada credits commitment to environmental, social and governance principles for success through the pandemic
The pandemic was instrumental in bringing out the essence of many companies, both positive and negative. For organizations that have fostered a culture of people-centric service, supporting their clients and employees through the uncertainty came naturally.
One of those organizations is National Bank of Canada. Their on-the-ground presence and a commitment to auto dealerships ensured the sustainability of their operations, without causing any disruption to established business practices in the automotive sales and financing market, says the company leadership team.
“Even when they were temporarily closed, the dealerships had our support,” said Nathalie Laforest, Senior Manager Merchant Relations for Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces of the financial institution. “Our teams regularly made calls to inquire about needs and address any requests, offering informed solutions.”
“The managers of partner-dealerships also observed this personalization of interactions during the pandemic, while our interaction continued to be applied in person when circumstances permitted,” said Laforest. “This strong presence allowed us to mentor new recruits hired by dealerships that experienced significant staff turnover during the pandemic.”
The company was equipped to deal with challenges even before the pandemic, as “commitment to environmental, social and governance” (ESG) criteria was implemented as an integral part of the management ethos of National Bank of Canada, says the company.
“The bank has a team entirely dedicated to ESG objectives, which reflect a strategy of sustainable development and responsible investment, linking a company’s financial performance to its environmental and social impact,” said Christian Turcotte, Director of Retail Products and Financing Solutions, based in Montreal. Designated as a top employer by the institution that promotes diversity and inclusion in Canada, National Bank of Canada leadership says it is proud to share its mission: making a positive impact on peoples’ lives.
“National Bank also has one of the largest business development teams in the country in consumer-goods financing,” said Laforest, “A unique dynamic that brings together many employees in the field across Canada.
“Part of our role is to develop relationships with car and RV dealerships from the Pacific to the Atlantic to promote the variety of our financial programs.” — Natalie Laforest
“Part of our role is to develop relationships with car and RV dealerships from the Pacific to the Atlantic to promote the variety of our financial programs,” said Laforest. “Proposals that refer to great agility and demonstrate an availability that is recognized in the industry.”
“This presence is matched by customer support where our advisors, financial analysts and disbursement specialists are accessible to dealers daily,” said Laforest. “We are known for our prompt service. We see this efficiency in the field during our regular dealership visits. Customers are pleased to be able to count on a quick response.”
These initiatives also work towards a greener economy. Committed to many UN global initiatives, National Bank joined the Net Zero Banking Alliance and is aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. These projects include waste management, greenhouse emission reduction and environmental risk prevention.
National Bank of Canada was founded in 1859 to offer financial services programs to individuals, businesses, and institutional and government organizations across Canada and around the world. As a major Canadian financial institution, it is also one of the most profitable banks in the world based on return on investment, said Turcotte.
“Socially, we want to enrich communities by maximizing the potential of individuals in the community. This notion takes into account the well-being of our employees and the community. Through sponsorships, donations and fundraising, we pursue this commitment in several initiatives across the country,” he said.
In terms of governance, National Bank primarily focuses on a robust risk management structure, says the company, targeting responsible business practices. This culture aims to promote long-lasting relationships with customers, employees, and their communities from coast to coast. It’s a policy that puts people at the heart of its actions.
