Our policies

Basic CSR policy

Environmental policy

In order to “prosper together with the region,” which is one of its management philosophy, the Hokuhoku Financial Group will take the environment into consideration in its business activities, including sales activities.

1. 1.Compliance with laws and regulations on environmental protection. We will comply with laws and regulations on environmental protection.
2. 2.By providing financial products and services, we will actively support customers in addressing environmental issues.
3. 3.We will strive to lower our environmental load by pursuing resource conservation, energy saving, and recycling throughout our corporate activities.
4. 4.We will regularly examine the impact of our business activities on the environment and actively disclose information.
5. 5.We will actively cooperate with local communities and pursue environmental conservation activities.
6. 6.This policy is made known to all officers and employees of the group, and is also released to the public.

Human rights policy

As a super-regional financial group, Hokuhoku Financial Group (hereinafter referred to as “company group”) contributes to the prosperity of the region and its customers and works to realize a sustainable local community.
In light of the management philosophy of Hokuhoku Financial Group, the company group’s human rights policy pledges to work toward realizing a society in which the human rights of all stakeholders, including customers and employees, are respected through our business activities.

1. 1.Respecting international norms

   The company group respects international norms such as the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” the “ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work,” and the “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”

2. 2.Scope of application

   This policy applies to all officers and employees of the company group. We hope that all stakeholders, including customers and suppliers, will understand and comply with the intent of this policy.

3. 3.To officers and employees

   We will respect the human rights of our officers and employees and work to provide them with a comfortable working environment. While striving to eliminate all forms of discrimination, we will not tolerate any discrimination, harassment, or human rights violations on account of race, nationality, gender, age, creed, religion, disability, physical characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, or health status.
   Moreover, respecting the individuality and diversity of each of our officers and employees, we have built an environment in which the abilities of our officers and employees can be maximized, for example, by setting up a contact point for counseling.

4. 4.To our customers

   As a company that provides comprehensive financial services, we are aware of our potential for having a negative impact on human rights in various areas or being connected thereto.
   If any service we provide has an impact on the occurrence of human rights violations, we will take appropriate action as the company group and encourage our customers to do the same.
   We will also work with our customers to resolve human rights issues and request that they do not violate human rights.

5. 5.To suppliers (business partners)

   We request that our suppliers respect and do not infringe on human rights. If a supplier has a negative impact on human rights, we will respond appropriately as the company group and encourage suppliers to respect human rights.

6. 6.Management system

   We report the status of our efforts to respect human rights to the Sustainability Promotion Committee and improve and enhance them. The management system is revised as required.

7. 7.Human rights due diligence

   We strive to prevent or mitigate any negative impact on human rights through conducting human rights due diligence.

8. 8.Relief

   If it is discovered that any product or service provided by an officer or employee has caused a negative impact on human rights, or has been involved therein, we will respond appropriately as the company group and work to provide relief for the situation.

9. 9.Dialogue with stakeholders

   Regarding the initiative based on this policy, we will strive to improve and enhance our efforts to respect human rights through dialogue and consultation with relevant stakeholders.

10. 10.Education and training intended to promote respect for human rights

    We will provide ongoing education and training to help individual officers and employees deepen their knowledge and understanding of human rights in order to resolve all issues related to human rights.

Investment and loan policy for specific projects

Based on our management philosophy, the company group will actively support companies and projects that are considered to have a positive impact on the environment and society in order to improve the sustainability of regional economies and local communities.
At the same time, we will work to reduce and prevent negative impacts on the environment and society by establishing the following policies for investing in and financing a specific project and taking appropriate measures.

1. 1.Coal-fired power generation project

   As a general rule, we will neither invest in nor finance any newly built coal-fired power plant project.
   However, in the event we examine investing in or financing such a project on an exceptional basis, we will act prudently by fully taking into account the background and characteristics of each project, such as its power generation efficiency and impact on the environment, while being mindful of international guidelines, etc.

2. 2.Arms manufacturing project

   Regardless of how the funds are to be used, we will neither invest in nor finance any entity involved in a project for developing or manufacturing weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and inhumane weapons, such as anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions.

3. 3.Palm oil plantation development project

   In the event we examine investing in or financing a project for developing a palm oil plantation, we will act prudently by fully paying attention to the status of the relevant certifications, etc. to be granted for palm oil produced with consideration for the environment and society, and the status of efforts to consider the preservation of the environment and biodiversity.

4. 4.Deforestation project

   In the event we examine investing in or financing a deforestation project, we will act prudently by fully paying attention to the acquisition status of internationally-approved certifications, etc. consideration for the environment, and the occurrence of any problems with local communities.

5. 5.Human rights violations and forced labor, etc.

   We will neither invest in nor finance any entity deemed to be directly or indirectly involved in any act of human rights violation, including: i) human trafficking and other human rights violations; ii) child labor and forced labor; and iii) discrimination and harassment.