Achmea Bank signs agreement with NVVK to provide swift support to customers with debt problems
Achmea Bank today signs the Amicable Debt Assistance (“Minnelijke Schuldhulpverlening”) agreement with NVVK, the Dutch trade association for debt assistance and social banking. By joining this agreement, Achmea is taking a new step in strengthening the financial resilience of its customers and sustainably resolving problematic debts.
Why Achmea Bank is joining
In view of its social responsibility, Achmea Bank considers it essential to offer customers facing financial difficulties quick clarity and peace of mind. The agreement contains arrangements that ensure that people who start a support process with their municipality, do not face additional pressure from progressive collection measures. The agreement also establishes a uniform approach within the banking sector, enabling debt-assistance processes to be handled more efficiently.
Pierre Huurman, Chairman of the Managing Board of Achmea Bank: “For people dealing with debt, peace of mind and clarity are essential. By temporarily suspending collection measures and collaborating more quickly with debt counsellors, we help customers move towards a sustainable solution sooner. This fits with the role we want to fulfil as a bank and as part of Achmea.”
What the agreement entails
Under the agreement, Achmea Bank commits to cooperating - provided there are no obstacles to it doing so - with amicable debt arrangements for customers who have requested debt assistance. Once a notification from an NVVK counsellor is received, Achmea Bank temporarily suspends collection and enforcement measures. This gives customers room to work together with the debt counsellor towards an appropriate and sustainable arrangement.
Collaboration with NVVK
The arrangements align with the national approach, as coordinated by the Dutch Banking Association. The agreement applies to residual mortgage debts and other non-business debts, such as consumer loans or overdrafts. The uniform working method enables debt counsellors to act more quickly, benefiting both customers and creditors.