Governance
We are committed to openness and transparency in how the foundation is governed and how our resources are managed.
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Governing bodies An overview of the foundation’s Board of Directors and General Assembly.
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Statutes Find the foundation's statutes
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General information About the foundation
We publish information about our governance, activities and grant-making practices to ensure transparency into how the foundation is managed and how resources are allocated.
Most of our governance documents are available in Norwegian only. This includes our strategy, annual reports, financial investments, ethical guidelines, and grant-making procedures. You can access these documents through the links below.
We also publish a full overview of grants awarded, as well as our art acquisitions and instrument acquisitions as part of our commitment to transparency.
Governance information in Norwegian
- Strategy
- Annual reports
- Ethical guidelines
- Grant-making procedures
- Financial investments
- Full overview of awarded grants
Financial management
Our assets are divided into the following capital elements: Shares in DNB, which comprise the Foundation’s basic capital (130 mill. shares), other financial investments and socially beneficial investments.
Our financial investments should ensure a satisfactory return and enable the foundation to meet its future obligations related to philanthropic activities. We follow the same ethical guidelines as the Government Pension Fund (the Pension Fund), and in accordance with the UN Global Compact. A yearly screening of the portfolio is conducted by an external and independent advisor.
Principles of DNB ownership
We are the largest private shareholder of DNB, with an ownership of ca. 9 percent. The core of our ownership is our basic equity of 130 mill shares.
We will carry on as a stable and long-term owner. Our ownership relies on DNB enduring as Norway’s most significant financial group and maintaining its active role in development of Norwegian society.
The Foundation’s work objectives within charitable activities hinge on strong, stable profits. Therefore we want DNB’s activities to be run with good profitability and low risks. We do not want goals of short-term and long-term share price developments to be achieved to the detriment of solid, reliable dividend payments.
We will actively seek positions in DNB’s governing bodies commensurate with our shareholdings, as deemed appropriate with regard to our goals and ambitions. Our ownership in DNB must be followed up by active participation, including demands on key aspects of the concern’s activities.
Risks
An evaluation is made annually regarding risks of losses, oversights or deficiencies in the Foundation and its activities. Risk-reducing measures are initiated when this assessment uncovers needs for improvements. The risk situation is periodically presented to the board.
Whistleblowing channel
Sparebankstiftelsen DNB has established a whistleblowing channel to allow employees and others to raise concerns about improper activities or misconduct and report them without fear of retaliation.
The instrument collection
Dextra Musica is a collection of some of the world’s most prominent stringed instruments; all the instruments are on loan to musicians.
The art collection
Sparebankstiftelsen DNB’s collection of significant works of art can be seen at museums all over Norway.
