Varma

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CSR programme targets and measures

On the basis of the materiality assessment, we defined Varma’s CSR targets, indicators and measures.

For Varma, responsible operations means first and foremost securing solvency, disruption-free implementation of pension provision and promoting workability.

Responsible investment means that investment decisions and ownership guidance take into account aspects relating to the environment, society and governance (ESG). Responsibility is an integral part of our investment operations and ownership practices. Our target is to embed ESG practices deeper into investment decisions and ownership. More detailed information on our 2015 responsible investments is available in the section on responsible investment.

Environmental aspects are already being broadly taken into account in real estate investments. In 2015 we chose mitigating climate change as a special focal area. We aim to reduce our carbon footprint in our operations, delivery chain and investments.

Varma implemented the WWF’s Green Office environmental management system in its Salmisaari office building in the beginning of 2016. The goal is to improve the office’s ecological footprint.

Varma is appreciated as an employer. We want our personnel to benefit also from our workability management competence. We take care of Varma employees’ well-being at work and competence, and we regularly measure employee satisfaction.

CSR is visible in the organisation

As of the beginning of 2016, Varma’s Executive Group includes a member with responsibility for CSR issues. Varma has also appointed a CSR Manager who co-ordinates CSR measures and communication, in addition to which a responsible investment expert works in Investment Operations.

Varma is a member of the Finnish corporate responsibility network FIBS and Finland’s Sustainable Investment Forum Finsif (in Finnish).

CSR reporting will be developed in 2016

The requirement of transparent business operations and open communications are highlighted when it comes to a company like Varma, which handles social security and common pension assets. The communication and reporting of our responsible operations will be our key development areas within CSR.

Varma will publish its first CSR report for 2016 in conjunction with its annual report, and it will be based on the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) framework. In 2016, we will start reporting on CSR as part of our interim reports. As regards investments, Varma has published an UN-based responsible investment UN PRI report since 2014.

Read more about Varma’s CSR.

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The year in brief

In 2015, Varma’s return on investments stood at 4.2 per cent. The value of investments increased to EUR 41.3 billion. Premiums written increased clearly, and operating expense efficiency also showed positive development. Solvency capital was strong at EUR 10.0 billion.
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President & CEO review

2015 was a good year for Varma, and we succeeded well according to all key indicators: we maintained our strong solvency position, our premium income increased, we processed pension applications faster than before and our operational efficiency is at a competitive level.
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Lower earnings-related pension contributions for customers

Varma is a solvent company. That means the best client bonuses in the sector and lower pension contributions for our customers. Our modern digital services provide our customers with a comprehensive set of tools that enable them to take care of their pension matters easily.
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Varma for entrepreneurs

Varma is a solvent company and thus a safe choice. Varma’s extensive services, provided through various channels, make attending to insurance matters easy.
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Pension cover

The number of pensioners and the euro amount of pensions paid is constantly rising at Varma. Our task is to pay pensions correctly and on time to an increasing number of pensioners.
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Workability and good working life

Workability management promotes companies’ competitiveness and productivity and the societal goal of longer careers. Our workability services improve employee well-being and working life at our client companies.
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Varma’s targets and strategy

Varma's core task is to secure pensions. Our main goals of strong solvency, good development in premiums written, high quality pension services and efficient operations, also stem from this.
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Operating environment

The economic year 2015 ended in a climate of turbulence. Uncertainty in the global economy is again on the rise.
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Solvency

Varma’s strong solvency secures pensions. Thanks to its high solvency, Varma has been paying very competitive client bonuses for several years now.
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Fixed income investments

The return on fixed-income investments remained slightly negative, at -0.4 per cent. They accounted for 30 (32) per cent of investments and had a market value of EUR 12.3 (12.8) billion.
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Equity investments

Equity investments performed the best of all asset classes. They accounted for 45 (41) per cent of Varma’s investments and yielded a return of 8.8 (9.1) per cent.
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Real estate investments

Varma’s real estate investment portfolio amounted to EUR 3.9 (3.8) billion at the end of 2015, and the total return stood at 3.3 (3.8) per cent.
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Other investments

Other investments accounted for 17 (20) per cent of Varma’s portfolio.
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Varma’s investment principles

With EUR 41.3 billion in investment assets, Varma is Finland’s largest private investor. We invest the assets to secure present and future pensions.
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Targets and measures

On the basis of the materiality assessment, we defined Varma’s CSR targets, indicators and measures.
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Personnel

Varma’s success is based on competent personnel efficiently handling our customers’ pension cover. Customer focus is at the core of Varma’s expert work and operational development. Service that is appreciated by our customers is the result of broad competence and co-operation.
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Responsible investment

Responsibility is an integral part of our investment operations and ownership practices. In 2015, we looked into the responsibility of our hedge funds and decided to determine the carbon footprint of our investments.