By 2030, over 50% of the assets we manage will be invested sustainably.
One of the most important measures is integrating sustainability criteria into the entire investment process. Put sustainability at the heart of the investment process and investment decisions. Define your sustainability criteria taking into account current regulatory requirements, measure your current impact and align the product portfolio with sustainability criteria. Discuss with your customers how they can invest their money sustainably. Review your existing products and partnerships and establish new ones. Beyond climate issues, topics such as biodiversity, access to water and diversity are becoming increasingly relevant. In addition to reducing negative impacts, you can increasingly offer investments with a positive impact on the SDGs. Keep your customers informed about their options.
Financial service providers act as 'enablers' in the sustainable transformation of our economy. Develop specific products yourself or through partnerships that support this sustainable transformation, such as investments in sustainable production facilities or projects that address biodiversity loss. This requires building up internal expertise and establishing customer demand.
There are two main areas of focus in stewardship: proxy voting and engagement. Develop your stewardship strategy, including the sustainability targets you want to achieve. Determine measures to achieve these targets and how you use your voting behaviour for transformation. Make a targeted selection of companies that you would like to support in their sustainable transformation. Offer your clients the opportunity to influence the sustainable direction of the companies they have invested in through dialogue with management bodies. You can also implement stewardship strategies through partnerships.
Where reliably available, collect data on the sustainability of investment products. Indicate the data collection method, scope and uncertainties of the data. Make these available to specific target groups to prevent greenwashing. Transparent communication about the sustainability performance of financial products is crucial. Ideally, align your internal incentive systems with your objectives. Provide clear and understandable information about your sustainability practices, including reports on the sustainability risks and opportunities of your investments. This enables customers to make informed decisions and strengthens confidence in sustainable financial investments.
Switzerland has positioned itself internationally as a pioneer for sustainable financial services. Banks, pension funds, asset and investment advisers and insurance companies play an important role in promoting this positioning by offering and making sustainable financial investments. By incorporating sustainability criteria into their investment strategies and those of their clients, Swiss financial service providers can strengthen their reputation, minimise risks, promote long-term growth and achieve a positive social and environmental impact.
