Culture Award 2025 - Commitment that makes a difference

• At the Culture Award 2025, Commerzbank employees were honored for exceptional commitment in the categories of Growth & Transformation, Responsibility & Integrity, and Diversity & Inclusion.
• The team from Mannheim received a special award for its exemplary efforts during an act of violence, and the Bremen team was recognized for its life-saving assistance in an emergency.
• Additional awards were presented to the "Fraud AI" team for innovative solutions in fraud prevention and the "WiTNESS" initiative, which empowers women in the finance and technology sectors.
• The award ceremony held at the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt brought together colleagues from around the world.

On March 3, 2025, the team at Commerzbank’s Mannheim branch demonstrated exceptional responsibility and exemplary teamwork in an extraordinary situation. After a rampaging driver drove through the neighboring pedestrian zone, the employees at the nearby branch responded calmly. While one employee took care of pedestrian safety, the managers, together with security personnel, HR, and the works council, coordinated internal processes.

The outstanding efforts of all Mannheim colleagues impressed the jury of the "Responsibility & Integrity" category so much that they awarded, for the first time, a special recognition as part of the Culture Awards. The Mannheim team vividly demonstrated how responsibility, compassion, and mutual support can be exemplified during challenging moments.

Along with around 30 top three nominees, they were invited to the grand award ceremony held at the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt in late March. There, they were welcomed by Sabine Minarsky, Chief HR Officer, and Andreas Thiessen, Area Head for Segment Management Private & Corporate Clients, hosts of the event. Additionally, colleagues from Singapore, Łódź, Prague, and Sofia, as well as members of the jury teams, attended the award ceremony.

Sabine Minarsky warmly welcomed the evening's participants: "I am delighted that the nominees are coming from all over the world." At the same time, she expressed her gratitude to those who submitted nominations: "Without you, the stories and projects we are celebrating today would not be visible."

"It is impressive every year to see the entries we receive and the commitment behind them," emphasized Andreas Thiessen. "This is what Team Yellow stands for. You are role models for colleagues across the entire bank. You should be very proud of yourselves," he added.

Prevention Through Innovation

Detecting fraud before it happens – that’s the mission of the “Fraud AI” team. The solution represents a groundbreaking advancement in fraud detection and prevention. AI-powered models and data-driven approaches enable the identification and rejection of potentially fraudulent applications during account opening. Recently, they added customer account monitoring, which analyses existing transactions and flags suspicious activity before harm occurs.

Through their efforts, the team helps prevent losses caused by fraud while enhancing trust and security for customers. “Fraud AI” exemplifies how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand – to the benefit of both customers and the Bank. For this, the team earned first place in the Growth & Transformation category.

Life-Saving Teamwork

Teamwork that saves lives: In April 2025, a customer collapsed in the lobby of a branch. The Bremen employees acted with remarkable composure in this critical situation. Without hesitation, they used the defibrillator and succeeded in resuscitating the customer, saving their life.

This act required not only quick thinking but also exceptional courage and responsibility. Their dedication illustrates how closely they identify with Commerzbank’s values and live them in their everyday working lives. For their courage, readiness to act and solidarity, the team was crowned the winning team in the Responsibility & Integrity category.

Networking for Empowerment and Solidarity

Empowering women in the finance and technology sectors—that is the mission of the “WiTNESS” initiative, launched by a Commerzbank IT employee. Through an innovative series of events, this initiative has created a platform that supports women in these industries by broadening their perspectives, developing leadership skills, and achieving success. “WiTNESS” connects Commerzbank colleagues and external guests to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional empowerment for women.

The initiative provides an environment where women can explore creative solutions, pursue personal development, and engage in meaningful dialogue. At the same time, it enhances Commerzbank’s visibility as a pioneer for equity and opportunity in the industry. For her exceptional dedication, the initiative’s founder was awarded in the “Diversity & Inclusion” category.

Celebration and Rewards

Alongside the honour of receiving their awards, all winners enjoyed a unique reward package: each received Commerzbank shares valued at approximately 500 euros and an additional day off from work. The festive atmosphere and engaging conversations allowed guests to celebrate their successes and conclude the evening on a high note.