Why Novalnet’s New ESG Rating Matters More Than a Certificate

In November 2025, Novalnet received a B – Gute Nachhaltigkeitsperformance rating in the ESG assessment conducted by Synesgy (CRIF). On paper, it’s a certificate. In practice, it reflects something far more important: how the company is run, how responsibly it behaves, and how much merchants can trust it as a long-term partner.

In the payments industry, trust isn’t abstract — it’s operational. It affects risk, reliability, compliance, and reputation. A strong ESG performance simply makes those fundamentals visible.

What ESG Really Means — Beyond the Acronym

ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—is often described as a checklist or a corporate slogan. But its purpose is straightforward: to assess whether an organisation operates responsibly, transparently, and sustainably.

In the payments sector, this becomes especially relevant because merchants depend on providers for far more than transactions. They rely on them to manage financial flows, protect data, comply with regulation, prevent fraud, and remain stable under pressure.

A solid ESG rating signals that:

• internal operations are well controlled
• risks are understood and actively managed
• the company behaves responsibly toward people and data
• the organisation is built for long-term stability, not short-term wins

For merchants choosing a payment partner, these factors matter as much as features or pricing.

Novalnet’s Results in the 2025/2026 Synesgy Assessment

Synesgy’s evaluation uses internationally recognised sustainability and governance standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). These frameworks look at how organisations perform across all three ESG pillars—not in theory, but in day-to-day operations.

Novalnet’s results for the 2025/2026 cycle:

• ESG Performance Index: B – Gute Nachhaltigkeitsperformance
• Synesgy Integrity Index Score: 92/100
• Issuing Body: Synesgy / CRIF GmbH
• Validity: 16 November 2025 – 02 December 2026

These scores reflect strong performance in governance, responsible business conduct, and operational transparency.

What Stands Behind the Rating

The certificate didn’t come from a single initiative but from steady, structured work across the organisation.

1. Governance and Risk Management

As a BaFin-licensed payment institution, Novalnet already operates within one of the strictest regulatory environments in Europe. This includes:

• clear internal controls and accountability
• independent audits
• secure handling of financial and customer data
• robust AML, fraud-prevention, and risk-monitoring systems

For merchants, this means fewer operational risks, stronger platform stability, and a partner that treats compliance as a continuous responsibility—not a checkbox.

2. Social Responsibility Inside the Organisation

A secure payment platform isn’t built by systems alone. It requires a stable and capable workforce behind it. Novalnet’s practices include:

• a safe and inclusive working environment
• ongoing employee development
• ethical conduct guidelines
• transparent internal processes and communication

These fundamentals influence how reliably the organisation performs, especially in high-stakes financial operations.

3. Environmental Awareness and Responsible Operations

Payments may be digital, but the organisations behind them still have a footprint. Novalnet’s environmental efforts include:

• responsible use of energy and resources
• efficiency in daily operations
• awareness of environmental impact

For merchants — especially those preparing for upcoming sustainability reporting requirements — partnering with a payment institution aligned with global environmental expectations is becoming increasingly important.

4. Alignment With International Standards

Novalnet’s ESG approach is built on globally recognised frameworks such as GRI, SDG, and ESRS, ensuring that its efforts are measurable, comparable, and transparent. This structured approach also supports long-term improvements rather than one-off initiatives.

Where This Leaves the Company — and Its Partners

The renewed ESG rating isn’t simply a recognition of past work. It’s an indicator of how the organisation intends to operate in the future: responsibly, transparently, and with a focus on sustainable growth. It reinforces Novalnet’s position as a payment partner that values integrity as much as performance.

For merchants, that translates to a relationship grounded in stability, governance, and long-term reliability — qualities that matter in every economic cycle.

If You’d Like to Learn More

Whether you’re looking to understand Novalnet’s ESG practices, governance standards, or the safeguards embedded into the payment platform, the team is always available to share more.

Alexander Burba

Alexander Burba is a Performance Marketing Specialist at Novalnet AG in Munich, where he leads digital acquisition and brand initiatives. His work focuses on optimizing Paid Media, Brand Awareness and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to increase visibility, drive qualified leads, and strengthen brand positioning. With over 7 years of experience in B2B SaaS, FinTech, and IT marketing, Alexander has supported international teams in Germany and Ukraine, serving clients across the EU, US, and global markets. He combines data-driven strategy with cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable growth for Novalnet and its partners.