The Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP is an independent body with its own Board of Trustees. Social partners, representing the employers and employees, nominate nine out of twelve members of the ABP Board of Trustees. The other three members are nominated by the thirteen pensioners that are part of ABP's Accountability Council. The Board members act independently from the organizations they represent and are responsible for ABP's performance, acting in the best interest of all participants. The chair is independent and nominated by the Board of Trustees. ABP's Accountability Council (Verantwoordingsorgaan) is a body with full authorization, incorporating 48 employees, pensioners and representatives of employers. The Council gives advice to the Board of Trustees on policy, either at the specific request of the Board, or of their own accord. A Supervisory Board with 5 independent members monitors the actions of the Board of Trustees. 'De Nederlandsche Bank' (DNB) is an important external institution that supervises ABP's Board.