As part of our materiality analysis, we continuously identify and assess the expectations and requirements of relevant internal and external stakeholders. Regarding this, we surveyed several internal and external stakeholders in 2021. This process serves to determine the topics which are necessary for the understanding of the business performance, the business results, the situation of the company, as well as the impact of its activities on non-financial aspects. This enables us to identify opportunities and risks for our core business activities at an early stage and translate them into concrete fields of actions. 

The results of the materiality assessment determine the scope of the non-financial statement in our annual report. In 2021, our materiality analysis is based on a 4-step approach which combines quantitative with qualitative analysis formats:

A) Desktop research:
In order to narrow down and to cluster the topics as a valid basis for the interviews, we conducted a preliminary analysis. This was based on the approach used in previous years:

• The basis was formed from identified topics of our past materiality analysis 
• These were compared with relevant market standards 
• Afterwards, feedback from our most important ESG rating agencies was incorporated, as well as 
• A comprehensive benchmarking of our peer reports was conducted 

B) Verification through in-depth interviews
The selection of internal and external stakeholders was made along our most important entitlement groups.

Appropriate guides were prepared for the interviews. Afterwards, in the interviews, the respective stakeholders were asked:

• To rank the materiality of the shown ESG topics (for the stakeholders?)
• To assess the impact of the Deutsche Börse on these ESG topics and 
• To identify opportunities and risks from these topics 

The materiality analysis resulted in the following evaluation of the queried topics:

C) Assessment
Subsequently, an external validation of the results took place, which were then confirmed by our sustainability committee, the Group Sustainability Board.

D) Final Verification
In a final step, the results were externally verified.