CHAIRPERSON’S FOREWORD

If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this past year, it is the need to balance both short- and long-term needs to face the challenges that threaten our societies and economies. In many ways, the pandemic has shown us just how much all lives across the globe are interconnected. Actions in one area can have profound impact halfway across the world. This is most certainly true when it comes to climate issues and sustainability. We cannot continue to take our environment for granted. We owe it to the coming generations to ensure that our actions today improve, rather than destroy, their chances of living in a healthier and more sustainable environment on our planet. As individuals and as companies, we have to shift the way we think to address urgent immediate needs without abandoning future goals and targets.

At EFG Hermes, we have been making steady, determined progress towards full integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in both our investment decisions and our operations as a whole. This has helped us respond to the pandemic within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), rapidly deploying mitigation measures and ensuring the health and safety of our staff while also maintaining returns for our shareholders and partners.

Our Foundation for Social Development has been at the forefront of emergency response to the pandemic, making sure that grassroots development partners receive the necessary support while continuing with work on the Foundation’s signature integrated development work. The Foundation’s dedication and stewardship was recognized in October 2020 for service to the community by Global Finance, one of the foremost financial magazines in the world.

On the business side, I am immensely proud to report that EFG Hermes has been recognised as a Sustainability Champion by the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) in acknowledgement of our leadership and advocacy on sustainability issues within the financial services community.

As we cautiously look forward to 2021, we have confidence that EFG Hermes will continue both to provide value for our shareholders and to work towards a more sustainable future for our children and future generations.

As always, I thank you for your continued support and I humbly present you with EFG Hermes’ 2020 Sustainability Report. Sincerely yours,