VDK Bank’s policy against nuclear weapons protects its clients from investments, even in funds outside of their direct control.
One of the funds advertised on the VDK Bank website (DCNA-invest) came up in the latest Don’t Bank on the Bomb research as holding bonds of Safran, a French nuclear weapon producing company in our Perilous Profiteering report. This was based on a snapshot of bond holdings from earlier in the year, and we are pleased to confirm that the fund divested. VDK is no longer listed in the report.
All of the funds that VDK manages on its own behalf follow their policy not to invest in companies associated with the production of nuclear weapons.
VDK Bank excludes the entire armaments industry from its investment universe, including all types of nuclear weapon producers. This applies to all funds VDK manages on its own behalf. VDK also works diligently to make sure that funds it offers to clients which are managed by others, also apply the same policy.
When VDK became aware that Safran was added to this external fund’s portfolio, the bank took measures to get rid of those holdings without delay.
VDK Bank’s policy is a model for others to follow. Clients of VDK should be proud of the diligent approach of the staff and leadership to do everything they can to prevent exposure to nuclear weapon producers- even in funds outside of their direct control. VDK Bank is confident its policies contribute to the end of nuclear weapons, and its clients should be confident in VDK.