The financial sector will join forces with the government to invest in the Netherlands' earning capacity
The financial sector supports the establishment of an ambitious and independent National Investment Institution (NII). With an initial capital of approximately €7 billion, the NII, together with private investors, is expected to facilitate approximately €30 billion in investments. With sufficient investable projects, additional core capital, and the right framework conditions, the total investment volume could even rise to €80 to €100 billion by 2035 to support economic growth, innovation, and sustainability in the Netherlands. This is stated in the letter of intent signed today by the Dutch Association of Private Equity Firms, the Dutch Banking Association, DUFAS, and the Dutch Association of Insurers.
The four financial umbrella organizations are calling for an ambitious start and gradual expansion to work with the government to significantly increase the Netherlands’ investment capacity and, consequently, its earning power. The ultimate size of public and private capital depends largely on the availability of investable projects and sufficient core capital. To this end, the NII can, among other things, issue NII bonds backed by government guarantees of up to 100%.
Collaboration Across the Entire Financing and Investment Chain
According to the financial sector, a successful NII requires more than just capital. The four financial industry associations are calling for the use of the knowledge, expertise, and investment discipline that already exist in the market. In this way, the NII can become a catalyst that does more than just bring together public and private parties. It will also help share risks and enable investments that would otherwise be difficult to get off the ground—from early-stage innovations to fast-growing companies. In line with the Wennink Report, the focus for now remains on sectors that are crucial to the Netherlands’ future earning capacity: digitization and AI, security and resilience, energy and climate technology, and life sciences and biotechnology.
Support from VNO-NCW
The letter of intent is wholeheartedly supported by VNO-NCW, which has long advocated for a National Investment Institution that, with sufficient scale, contributes to the growth potential of the Dutch economy.
Pick up the pace
With this joint statement of intent, the financial sector also aims to move quickly and not wait for the formal establishment of the NII before getting started. In anticipation of the formal establishment, the sector intends to make the most of existing public institutions and structures to evaluate promising projects and funds. Where possible, members of the umbrella organizations could then begin implementing the first investment proposals and partnerships as early as 2027.
