Pilot project with external experts

We launched the pilot project in response to the recommendations of the Ottow Committee, which evaluated our fit and proper assessment process. Its aim was to strengthen the independence and professionalism of the process, as well as its public support.

DNB and the AFM each engaged their own external experts, whose tasks and activities were identical. We selected the experts on the basis of their governance experience and expertise.

They were involved in initial assessments for both propriety and fitness. They had access to the assessment file, took part in the assessment interview and participated in subsequent deliberations. They were engaged at the supervisory authority's request, meaning the appointee could not request their involvement. However, if an appointee were to object to the involvement of an external expert, that objection would be granted.

External experts were also involved in reviewing desk-based initial assessments in terms of their substance and the process. These assessments did not involve an interview. The external experts functioned independently and made their own judgements.

The pilot project also involved the appointment of a confidential adviser. Complaints about an appointee's treatment or procedural conflicts could be submitted to the confidential adviser, who was not involved in forming a judgement on the substance of the assessment.

If an appointee should disagree with a provisional or definitive decision, they could present their views and file an objection. The confidential adviser was not involved in this.

Lastly, the pilot project also involved the appointment of an external chair of our appeals committee, who was responsible for orderly proceedings during an appeal hearing. This person monitored the process, overseeing the careful gathering of all relevant facts to get to the heart of the matter.

All external experts were appointed for the duration of the pilot project.

Update:

In consultation with the AFM, DNB has decided to extend the pilot with the external chair of the appeals committee as well as the pilot with the external confidential advisor until at least August 2022.

Diana Monissen and Jaap van Manen have been appointed as confidential advisers. You can contact them at vertrouwenspersoon@smclaren.com. This email address is for the sole purpose of establishing the initial contact. You can ask to be called back or emailed by the confidential adviser. It is therefore not intended for the exchange of documents. The confidential adviser will provide you with a different email address if desired.

We will again assess both elements of the pilot at the end of the extension period.