News overview

Top Dutch male DJs earn an average of € 900,000 more a year than female counterparts

There is structural inequality in the Dutch electronic music industry between the incomes of male and female DJs. While the sector is breaking international records, top male DJs earn an average of € 900,000 a year more than their female counterparts. These are among the findings of research by ABN AMRO, sponsor of DGTL Festival. The same inequality applies to up-and-coming DJs. Despite the presence of female talent and interest from fans, men are booked significantly more often at every level. To promote change, DGTL and ABN AMRO will be presenting the documentary Her Sound and a large-scale art installation developed by talented students of the DGTL Academy during the upcoming edition of the festival.

ABN AMRO extends partnership with STRAAT Museum

ABN AMRO is extending its partnership with STRAAT Museum for two years. The extension enables both partners to continue their commitment to equal opportunities in the arts sector, with a strong focus on female artists and on children and young people growing up in less advantaged circumstances.

ABN AMRO and Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam extend partnership by two years

ABN AMRO and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam are extending their partnership by two years, effective from 11 March 2026. In continuing the partnership, both organisations remain committed to advancing equal opportunities and to improving access to modern and contemporary art and design for a broad and diverse audience.

13th ABN AMRO Art Award at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

From 7 March 2026, Ivna Esajas will present Wayward Lines. Consent Not to Be a Single Being at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. The exhibition is part of the 13th ABN AMRO Art Award, which she won last year. Esajas invited artists Siomara Ratna van Bochove, Sondi and Jaasir Linger, as well as DJ LOVESUPREME, to contribute to the exhibition.

ABN AMRO introduces the Sport Scholarship to reduce the barrier to elite sport

New ABN AMRO ambassador Diede de Groot to compete in ABN AMRO Open 2026

Diede de Groot, the greatest female wheelchair tennis player of the past decade, will compete in the ABN AMRO Open again in 2026. Winner of the 2023 and 2024 tournaments, she missed the last edition due to injury but is now back in action. The wheelchair tennis tournament for men and women is being held at Rotterdam Ahoy at the same time as the ATP 500 tournament. Diede de Groot is also the new ABN AMRO ambassador for equal opportunities and inclusion.

Gender Pay Directive: new rules for equal pay by 2027

From 1 January 2027, the European Gender Pay Directive (GPD) will come into effect. This legislation requires companies to be transparent about pay differences between men and women. In the Netherlands, the directive will be implemented under the Equal Pay Transparency Act. Large organisations with more than 250 employees must report their Equal Pay Gap (EPG) annually, while medium-sized organisations with over 100 employees will need to report every three years. If a pay gap exceeds 5%, companies must take action to close the gap.

Working together on digital accessibility: Accessible Banking Week

Digitalisation offers countless opportunities, but not everyone can easily keep up in this rapidly changing world. Research shows that 1 in 6 people in the Netherlands sometimes needs help with everyday banking tasks, like applying for a new debit card. For people with disabilities, the challenges are often even greater. That’s why ABN AMRO is organising the Accessible Banking Week this year, which kicks off with an inspiring opening event dedicated entirely to digital equality.

Children’s Book Week and ABN AMRO launch free storybook and audiobook: ‘First step’

In the storybook and audiobook entitled ‘First step’, fifteen children and Dutch celebrities describe how a gentle nudge in the right direction changed their lives. In the Netherlands, an estimated 1.6 million children grow up in situations where activities like sports, arts, and culture are not a given*. ABN AMRO and its partners (which include Children’s Book Week) hope that the book will reach these children and inspire them to realise their dreams. The book generated such huge interest before its official launch that a second print run is under way and the book will soon be available in almost 300 Dutch schools.

Stress at home costs children from poorest families an average of € 1,800 per year in income

At schools where children suffer from more stress in the home due to financial worries, educational performance is lower. A stressful home environment not only brings down their academic results but can also negatively affect their mental health and their earning potential as adults. Conversely, reducing stress levels now can boost their future gross income by up to € 1,800 per year. These are the findings of the study ‘Inequality of opportunity in the Netherlands’, conducted among primary school teachers of children in Group 5 (the 8-9 year age range). This year was the fourth time SEO Economic Research carried out the study, commissioned by the Youth Education Fund (Jeugdeducatiefonds) and ABN AMRO Foundation.