We develop initiatives around two pillars: responsible wealth management (accompanying clients in shifting capital flows towards a more equitable future and a healthier planet) and responsible citizenship (taking sustainability actions within our corporate activities). When it comes to the climate, we have set ambitious long-term net-zero targets, complemented by near-term goals and concrete steps towards achieving them.

Julius Baer’s purpose is to create value beyond wealth. And because we recognise the important role the financial sector has in transitioning to a more sustainable world, this purpose is also echoed in our sustainability strategy. Our strategy guides us in enabling a shift in capital flows towards a more equitable future and healthier planet for the generations to come. To achieve this, we focus on two of the most critical global challenges in transitioning towards a sustainable economy: addressing the overuse of natural resources, and addressing the underuse of human resources.

Holistic approach

To support us in addressing these challenges, we pursue a holistic approach that brings together responsible wealth management and responsible citizenship. Our sustainability framework enables us to harness new market opportunities while mitigating risks and engaging stakeholders. It is structured around two pillars: responsible wealth management and responsible citizenship.

Solid heritage and robust governance

For 130 years, we have helped families and new generations to thrive. At the same time, we have always taken our responsibilities towards our stakeholders and society seriously. In 1965, we established the Julius Baer Foundation. In 2014, we became a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI), and in 2015, our operations became carbon neutral. In 2019, we became a founding signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Banking (UN PRB). Over the years, we have thus continued to acknowledge the wider role we can play in society and for the environment. Today, sustainability is formalised and embedded in our core business.

Sustainable growth is one of our strategic priorities, and our new sustainability framework plays a key role in how we create value beyond wealth. The importance placed on sustainable growth is reflected in our governance.

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee comprises our Executive Board and is chaired by the CEO. It defines, oversees, and steers the Group’s overarching sustainability strategy and roadmap. The Committee meets at least quarterly and reviews and identifies the materiality of new and existing sustainability topics at least every third year. Making strategic decisions on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics, and determining the overall prioritisation of initiatives and deliverables in this area, are the responsibility of the Sustainability Committee. Matters with a direct strategic impact on the Group as a whole must be forwarded to and decided on by the Executive Board, and subsequently approved by the Board of Directors.

Sustainability team

The Head of Sustainability leads the Sustainability team, defines the agenda for the Sustainability Committee, providing guidance to its members and promoting cross-programme coordination and alignment. The team is responsible for developing the sustainability strategy, including the climate strategy and proposes new strategic priorities to the Sustainability Committee. It ensures the overall coordination and alignment of sustainability activities carried out within different business functions, drives strategic initiatives and deliverables, and regularly provides the Sustainability Committee with status updates on these initiatives and deliverables.

Ratings

Our commitment and our efforts towards greater sustainability and responsible investing are recognised externally. The following are our ratings for 2023:

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