Human rights
In addition to complying with the legislative frameworks of all the countries where it operates, Intesa Sanpaolo is committed to identifying, mitigating and, where possible, preventing potential human rights abuses linked to its activities, as required under the latest UN guiding principles (Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights). In this context, Intesa Sanpaolo is committed to continuously improving its human rights management activities.
The Group has adopted a specific Group policy on human rights (approved in December 2017 by the Board of Directors), taking up and developing the principles already present in the Code of Ethics.
In the above-mentioned document – Principles on Human Rights – Intesa Sanpaolo declares that:
- it is committed to help safeguard human rights in accordance with the principles of the Universal Declaration of 1948 and in subsequent international conventions on civil and political rights and on economic, social and cultural rights
- it recognises the principles set out in the ILO (International Labour Organisation) fundamental conventions, particularly the right of association and collective bargaining, the ban on forced and child labour and the elimination of discrimination at work
- it contributes to the fight against corruption, supporting the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) guidelines and the anti-corruption principles issued by the United Nations in 2003, including through a “zero tolerance” approach to any cases of corruption.
The policy framework defines areas of responsibility towards each stakeholder, from employees, customers, suppliers to the community.
The implementation and progressive extension of human rights protection is monitored through:
- the verification of the implementation and governance of the Group’s Code of Ethics, which may include a third-party assessment based on the international guideline ISO 26000, with specific reference to areas related to human rights;
- the sustainability reporting, prepared annually, which involves stakeholders and includes objectives and related measurement metrics, and is subject to a limited review by an independent external auditor;
- the analysis of key human rights areas of interest, which identifies, based on applicable principles of international conventions and according to criteria of proportionality and relevance, the relevant corporate regulations and the potential impacts of business activities on stakeholders;
- the management of reports of alleged non-compliance, through the Group’s website or dedicated mailboxes (including: Whistleblowing, Code of Ethics, Sexual Harassment, Complaints and Dispute Resolution).
Taking into account the outcomes of these monitoring activities, Intesa Sanpaolo undertakes to:
- assess the need for any updates to the policy;
- define action plans to prevent and mitigate potential negative impacts on its stakeholders;
- issue, if necessary, additional documents concerning specific rights and activities.
Intesa Sanpaolo has published the Modern Slavery Statement which describes the measures used to combat the risk of slavery in its activities and in its supply chain. This Statement describes the efforts to combat modern slavery during the reporting period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 (Financial Year 2024) and is made in accordance with the requirements of section 54 of the UK's Modern Slavery Act 2015 and section 13 of the Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018.
The Statement, published annually, applies to the following companies within the Group that are required to produce a Statement under the UK Modern Slavery Act and the Australian Modern Slavery Act:
- Intesa Sanpaolo Wealth Management S.A.
- Intesa Sanpaolo Protezione S.p.A.1
1 Until 30 November 2024 it was called “Intesa Sanpaolo Assicura S.p.A.”
| Modern Slavery Statement - Archive | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 | |
The commitment to sustainable development also aimed at pursuing respect for the environment and human rights is also evident in the choice to join relevant international initiatives that promote dialogue between businesses, supranational bodies and civil society.
Intesa Sanpaolo adheres to the principles of the United Nations Global Compact which provide the development of policies for the fight against corruption, for the protection of human rights, workers' rights and respect for the environment and is committed to pursuing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals with concrete and tangible results.
The commitment to human rights is primarily respected within its own reality, but is also promoted towards its stakeholders.
The theme therefore finds space in the attention to people (health and safety, fight against harassment, freedom of trade union association, equal opportunities, parenting support, disability support, family life and home-work conciliation and supplementary pensions), towards customers (privacy, fight against robberies, financial inclusion), suppliers, in commitment to the community and the environment.
In the training platform dedicated to the Group's people, a training line dedicated to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is available.
Our commitment on SDGs
The link between human rights and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is strong. The objectives and results of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group
Membership in international initiatives
The international initiatives to which the Group adheres to pursue sustainability objectives, respect for the environment and human rights.
Last updated 23 June 2026 at 17:39:06
