Newsroom

Despite complex geopolitical developments and macroeconomic uncertainty, sustainability-related investments in Switzerland totalled CHF 1,881 billion at the end of 2024 according to the Swiss Sustainable Investments Market Study 2025 – an impressive 13% increase from the previous year.

Today sees the publication of UBP’s fifth annual Sustainability Report. It covers our strategy, progress and achievements in terms of both our investments and our own operations, and also outlines our next steps.

UBP made a strong debut in the Switzerland-wide Bike to Work Challenge this May. Over 110 colleagues pedalled with determination, collectively covering more than 26,000 kilometres.

Sustainable finance, which aims to invest in a way that is aligned with environmental and social objectives, needs to find a second wind.

As part of UBP’s Corporate, Social and Responsibility (CSR) activities, Geneva colleagues were recently offered the opportunity to volunteer for a local soup kitchen.

As extreme weather events pose increasing financial risks, investors play a critical role in integrating physical climate risks into investment decision-making and supporting systemic resilience measures.

UBP employees have a long tradition of taking part in community engagement projects. Recently, our colleagues at UBP Monaco participated in several CSR activities.

From 9–12 December, Building Bridges attracted over 3,000 professionals from banks, insurance companies, big corporations, governments, international organisations, NGOs and academia for more than 70 plenary sessions, discussions, and workshops. Combined with over 6,000 viewers online, attendance at the 2024 edition of Switzerland’s leading sustainable finance event reached a record high.

Artificial intelligence has been discussed at previous climate conferences: as early as 2021 in Glasgow, there were discussions about both the benefits of AI, and the probable need for additional resources to power it.

Our CSR Team in Hong Kong organised a “Summer of Wellness” programme for colleagues –  an initiative that demonstrates UBP's commitment to fostering a culture of health and well-being, not only within the organisation but also in the local community.

In early 2023, Nicolas Barben was appointed UBP’s Group Head of ESG Solutions within the Wealth Management division. We spoke to him about the role of regulation, the evolution of client interest in sustainability, and the performance of sustainable solutions, as well as his top priorities.

UBP’s Head of Sustainability, Robert de Guigné, reflects on UBP’s progress in advancing the sustainability agenda since his arrival in August 2022, and outlines what’s next for the Bank as the sustainable finance agenda evolves rapidly in and beyond Switzerland.