What does it really mean for a bank to lead with purpose? It’s easy to talk about sustainability, but it’s the actions, both big and small, that tell the real story.

For NLB Banka, this is not just a corporate checklist; the NLB Group is strategically dedicated to shifting the mindset of its staff in every country it operates, including Montenegro. From ethical banking practices to green financing and community investments, the bank is proving that responsible business isn’t just possible—it’s profitable and necessary.

At its core, NLB Banka operates with a deep commitment to ethical integrity and compliance. This isn’t just about following rules; it’s about setting a higher standard for transparency, trust, and accountability. The bank has embedded sustainability into its governance, ensuring that financial decisions are not only profitable but also guided by the highest principles of sustainability.

But principles only matter when they can be demonstrated through actual impact. That’s where NLB Banka stands out:

Support for the Next Generations – Through scholarships and education initiatives, the bank is investing in young people and the future of Montenegro.

Backing Green Innovation – Programmes like “Help Frame” are empowering local entrepreneurs, including Montex Elektronika’s groundbreaking MOKOS platform, designed for early fire detection. Later on in its fourth season, the initiative continues to support forward-thinking companies tackling critical social issues such as youth overuse of digital technology, peer violence, gender equality, poverty, and the challenges of dementia. Out of 300 participating companies across NLB’s six markets, 55 reached the final stage, with three winning projects receiving significant financial support. In fact, Alicorn, a digital agency from Montenegro, received an award for their innovative solution, Zuno Games, in the fourth edition of the programme.This platform leverages the engaging nature of games to inspire students and promote active learning in an educational context. This programme continuously demonstrates that enterprises in Montenegro are prepared to tackle the region’s most pressing social issues, showcasing substantial potential for both business and regional development, while making a meaningful impact in sustainability efforts.

Operational efficiency - In daily operations, the Bank is working on reducing the negative effects on the environment. An active approach to sustainable development resulted in a reduction in electricity consumption by 6%, fuel by 18% and paper by 12%. CO2 consumption in its operations, also decreased by 9% in 2024 compared to 2023. NLB Banka replaced its fleet with vehicles with low carbon dioxide emissions in 2024. Energy-efficient solutions are used in the reconstruction of business premises.

Martin Leberle, President of the Management Board of NLB Banka Podgorica, puts it simply: "We have a great opportunity to leave our mark and provide a better quality of life for future generations. Adria has the potential to lead by example, and we are committed to playing our part on this path."

Greener Future Through Green Investments and Financing

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for NLB Banka—it’s how the bank operates, from energy-efficient offices to financing projects that generate real environmental impact. The bank actively drives green finance by integrating ESG criteria into investment decisions, prioritizing funding for low-risk, environmentally conscious projects to help accelerate the region’s transition to a greener economy.

NLB Banka has committed to not financing coal-fired energy, instead directing resources toward green projects in its home region. As the first bank in Montenegro to sign an SME Go Green agreement with the EBRD, NLB Banka is facilitating increased green investments by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Montenegro. Through a €3 million loan from the EBRD, supported by the EU’s Western Balkans Investment Framework, the bank is financing sustainable technologies in SMEs, with at least 25% of supported companies owned or managed by women. Successful projects are eligible for a 10-15% investment refund, further incentivizing sustainable business practices.

Through this program, NLB Banka will contribute to the financing and increase of investments in the green economy, including energy and resource efficient investments, as well as projects in the field of renewable energy sources. This will simultaneously lead to a reduction in negative environmental impacts, a higher degree of climate sustainability and resilience to climate change risks.

In addition to corporate initiatives, NLB Banka is expanding green financial products, offering:

• Loans for the purchase, construction, and renovation of energy-efficient buildings.
• Loans for electric/hybrid vehicles, energy-efficient equipment, and solar panels.
• Collaboration with the EBRD’s GEFF program, providing green loans for individuals with a 10-15% investment return.
  Recognised for ESG Excellence

NLB Banka’s commitment to sustainability has gained widespread recognition. For the third consecutive year, it was named Best Bank in Montenegro by Euromoney, which also awarded it Best Real Estate Bank in 2024. Additionally, The Banker named NLB Banka "Bank of the Year" for 2024, a prestigious accolade in the financial world.

Beyond these banking awards, NLB Group’s sustainability leadership has been recognised by Sustainalytics, a global leader in ESG research and ratings. With an improved ESG risk score of 16.0, NLB was ranked as having a low risk of significant financial impacts due to its strong management of ESG issues. In 2025, Morningstar Sustainalytics placed NLB among the top-rated ESG companies worldwide, awarding it Top Regional and Top Industry (Bank) distinctions. These awards rank NLB among the 432 best-rated companies in Europe and 42nd out of 1,027 banks globally, underscoring its leadership in responsible banking.

ESG Adria Summit and NLB Partnership

For three years in a row, NLB Banka has been a proud partner of the ESG Summit, a space where bold ideas and conversations that shape the region’s sustainable future take place. Biljana Braithwaite, CEO of Sustineri Partners, organiser of the Summit, reflected on the impact of this partnership: "NLB Banka is showing that responsible banking is not just an aspiration set in corporate policies and statements, it’s an achievable reality. NLB Bank has been our partner throughout the years and their commitment to sustainable development and responsible investment sets a powerful example for others to follow.”

For NLB Banka, the journey is far from over. And for the rest of us, it’s a call to think bigger, act bolder, and demand more from the institutions that shape our world.