nl 
en 
All major insurers now recognise sustainability as core to investment strategy, but stronger execution and transparency are still needed.
Utrecht, July 3rd, 2025 — Dutch insurers have never been more aligned in their commitment to responsible investment. The revised 2025 edition of the Benchmark on Responsible Investment by Insurance Companies in the Netherlands, published today by the Dutch Association of Investors for Sustainable Development (VBDO), shows a sector that is stepping up with real ambition and converging around shared sustainability goals.
Keeping it close
“Insurers in scope have never been so close in score. Keeping in mind the benchmark’s methodology has been thoroughly revised since last year, that’s still a very positive development. Or perhaps even more so,” said Angélique Laskewitz, Executive Director of VBDO. “It shows that every insurer is seriously integrating sustainability into their investment policy and that responsible investment is now a given, not a niche.”
This year’s benchmark reveals remarkable progress, particularly in biodiversity and social inclusion. All insurers assessed now have a formal biodiversity policy, representing a significant leap from 32% in 2023. Every insurer also recognises the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and is acting at the policy level to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Sector leaders
Top-ranked insurer a.s.r., which is spearheading the benchmark’s ranking, attributes its leadership to the consistent theme-based approach. Raquel Criado Larrea, Head of Responsible Investments: “Being ranked number one in this year’s VBDO benchmark is a strong recognition of both our responsible investment policy and the work we’ve put into practice.
Over the past few years, we’ve broadened and deepened our approach across our four focus themes and in the area of impact investing. This top ranking shows that we don’t just set ambitions, we deliver on them, in both policy and execution, and across our entire portfolio.”
Among small insurers, DSW stood out for its transparent investment choices and clear focus on sustainability. “Our compact size helps us stay agile and deliberate in what we invest in, and why,” a DSW representative noted. “This strong foundation, combined with our focus on responsible ownership and measuring progress, means we can take concrete steps forward in sustainability.”
Expected improvement
Despite this sector-wide momentum, the report also identifies areas for growth. Insurers need to develop more concrete plans for fostering inclusive workplace cultures and better align active ownership strategies with specific sustainability goals. Furthermore, more rigorous transparency is required regarding portfolio composition and the rationale behind investment decisions, which is crucial for strengthening sustainability credibility and stakeholder trust.
“Embedding sustainability in governance and policy is just the beginning,” added Laskewitz. “Real impact requires that insurers ask: What do we own, why do we own it, and how does it contribute to a sustainable world?”
As insurers face mounting expectations from regulators, stakeholders, and society, the benchmark offers a clear signal: responsible investment is no longer optional; it is the standard. And while the bar is rising, so too is the collective will to meet it.
