Chairmen's message

Sustainable development: an integral part of business policy

Dear reader,

We are pleased to share with you this second Sustainability Report (SR) of the Banque Cantonale de Fribourg. The publication of the first edition last year was very well received, and we are delighted to be able to highlight our progress in this SR 2022. By publishing it, we improve the transparency of our activities while underlining the attention we give to sustainable development.

BCF has always been committed to the long term, and its sustainable DNA is reflected in its Sustainable Development Charter. Our bank is perfectly equipped to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda (SDGs), adopted in the fall of 2015 by the United Nations. This annual SR report is an important tool to motivate our teams to progress towards more sustainability.

In 2022, BCF continued to play its role in supporting and driving the economy in the canton of Fribourg and surrounding regions. The bank has developed well, always keeping in mind the importance of fair business practices, customer-friendly distribution channels and a responsible sales policy.

During the year 2022, several important steps were taken towards greater sustainability. Our bank is now able to provide a sustainability report on an investment portfolio at the request of a client. A sustainability rating has also been assigned to all the funds in the BCF/FKB range.

BCF has also committed to implementing the Swiss Bankers Association’s Guidelines for Financial Service Providers on the integration of ESG preferences and risks in investment advice and asset management by 2022. It will also apply the Guidelines for Mortgage Providers on improving the energy efficiency of buildings.

Other measures contributed to our goals: we decided to offer clients only Fairtrade or traceable gold. We have adopted a mobility plan for our employees. We have undertaken numerous works in our headquarters in Fribourg and in our branches to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings.

BCF’s commitment to the long term and to contributing to the United Nations’ sustainability goals has an impact on the activities and mindset of our employees. ESG commitment is one of our four core values, along with trust, competence and efficiency.

Our bank is a reliable partner for its clients, partners and employees. We will, of course, continue in this direction, placing human relations at the heart of our actions.

Our commitment to this sustainable path ensures our success in the present and in the future.

We thank you for the trust you place in our company.

Alex Geissbühler
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Daniel Wenger
Chairman of the Executive Board