privéwinst

Privéwinst (Dutch for "private profit") is a term used to describe private gain obtained by an individual or private entity from activities linked to a role that carries a fiduciary or public duty, or from the use of organizational resources for personal benefit. It denotes a form of profit or advantage that is not aligned with the interests of the organization, its stakeholders, or the public.

In practice, privéwinst can arise in multiple contexts. In the private sector, it can take the form of self-dealing or related-party transactions, where a person in a position of trust uses company resources or moves business to entities in which they have a personal interest. In the public or semi-public realm, concerns about privéwinst focus on corruption risks such as kickbacks, bribery, or favorable treatment of contractors or partners with whom the official or employee has ties.

The concept is often discussed in relation to governance and integrity. Many jurisdictions address privéwinst through rules on conflicts of interest, fiduciary duties, and anti-corruption provisions. Corporate governance codes and internal compliance programs are commonly used to prevent, detect, and remedy improper private gains, including disclosure requirements, oversight mechanisms, and sanctions for misconduct. Clear separation of duties, arm’s-length transactions, and robust audit trails are typical controls.

Privéwinst is contrasted with legitimate private profit earned through entrepreneurship or compensation that aligns with the organization’s value creation. It remains a focal point in discussions about ethical leadership, accountability, and the protection of public and shareholder interests.