A chiral C2-symmetric 1,2-diamine based on a 1,1′-bi(tetrahydroisoquinoline) scaffold was found to be an efficientligand for the enantioselective NiII-catalysed Michaeladdition of malonic esters to conjugated nitroalkenes. The reactions proceed with 92–99 % yield and 91–99 % enantioselectivity even at elevated temperatures. The solid-state structure of the catalyst precursor revealed intramolecular