Case Study Deutche Bank

Deutsche Bank was founded in Berlin in 1870 as a specialist bank for foreign trade by Georg Siemens and L. Bambeger. During the early years major projects included the. Northern Pacific Railroad in the US and the Baghdad Railroad in Iraq. During WWI the Deutsche Bank lost most of its foreign assets and had to sell of many holdings. At the same time, however the bank helped to establishment of the film production company, UFA, and the merger of Daimler and Benz.

Darker days fell upon the Deutsche Bank after Hitler came to power, instituting the and the Deutsche Bank dismissed its three Jewish board members, and in subsequent years, took part in the confiscation of Jewish-owned businesses. The bank itself fell into German government hands during which time it provided banking for the Gestapo and loaned the funds used to build the Auschwitz and IG Farben facilities. It later contributed to a $5.2 billion in compensation fund following lawsuits brought by Holocaust survivors.

In October 2001, Deutsche Bank was listed on the New York Exchange. It was later named one of the major dirvers of the collaterized debt obligation market during the 2004-2008 housing bubble.

In spite of Deutsche Banks’ involvement in these historical issues, it has recently made a commitment to both social endeavors and to the environment. Deutsche Bank has invested in social projects such as StreetSmart, a campaign to raise money for charities for the homeless in the UK, and Surviving Winter, a campaign to help older and vulnerable individuals stay warm and well. Deutsche Bank has a commitment to long-term environmental sustainability. This includes reducing waste and working towards becoming more carbon neutral, and supporting innovative new technology. Since 2008 all electricity needs in the UK were met with renewable energies, and 85% of Deutsche Bank staff are now part of the Bin the Bin recycling initiative, reducing unrecyclable waste by 72% in two years.

Analyze:

How do each of these companies address sustainability?

How does the focus on sustainability provide a strategic position for the company, if any?

Analyze why the company engages in social activities.

What form of corporate governance best fits a sustainable company?