Between 2023 and 2026, a.s.r. commissioned historical research by expert agency Stad en Bedrijf into the colonial and slavery past of its legal predecessors. The research shows that legal predecessors of a.s.r. actively contributed to enabling the colonial and slavery system. They insured slave ships, colonial commodity flows and commercial interests directly linked to slavery and forced labour.
The research shows that between 1720 and 1802, Stad Rotterdam concluded a total of 236 insurance contracts covering 167 voyages transporting enslaved people. As an insurer, Stad Rotterdam enabled both large and small traders to limit their financial risks. In doing so, it facilitated the trade in enslaved people from Africa. This was not a matter of incidental involvement; the insurer formed part of the system of slave trading and profited from the exploitation of enslaved people.
In addition, the research describes how other legal predecessors of a.s.r. were intertwined with the colonial system in what is now Indonesia. For example, 4 other legal predecessors were connected to the Cultivation System well into the nineteenth century. They were involved in the opium trade and forced labour on coffee and sugar plantations.
On 30 June 2026, a.s.r. published the results of the study. CEO Ingrid de Swart said, among other things: ‘The research provides insight into a horrific chapter in our history. Our legal predecessors contributed to a system that caused profound injustice to so many people. a.s.r. offers its apologies for this. We face our past and take our moral responsibility for its meaning in the present and the future.’
For a.s.r., the report marks the starting point for further dialogue and further exploration of how we can give meaningful substance to our apology. This requires listening, reflection and concrete follow-up actions. For this reason, a.s.r. wishes to continue this dialogue with employees, affected communities and societal partners.
Are you affiliated to an academic institution and are you interested in conducting further research on this topic at a.s.r.? This is possible. Our archive will be made available – strictly for academic research – for this purpose. If you are interested, please contact curator Sigrid Vegter