A long-term vision

Since its creation in 1892, the Banque Cantonale de Fribourg has been at the service of the people of Fribourg. It is proud to have contributed actively to the development of the canton. Over the years, BCF has implemented all the services of a local universal bank. Today, it has a highly diversified clientele:
individuals, SMEs, large companies, government agencies and institutions. It offers tailor-made solutions to each and every one of them.

BCF is headquartered in Fribourg and has 27 branches, including one online. BCF can count on the skills, efficiency and motivation of 532 employees (443 full-time jobs).

As a banking institution, BCF is the leading bank in its canton, with a balance sheet total of CHF 28 billion. Its financial capacity has been growing for 30 years. The Bank’s health and the skills of its staff give it major advantages in meeting the challenges of tomorrow.

With this in mind, BCF not only assumes its commitment to the economy, but also its social and environmental responsibilities. The strategy set jointly by BCF’s Executive Board and Board of Directors aims to create sustainable added value instead of short-term profit maximization. Societal and environmental risks are also taken into account along with their potential impact on the Bank’s development. The business strategy is thus conducted responsibly to ensure that customers receive the financial services of a leading independent provider operating in all regions of the canton.

By focusing on a sustainable approach, the Bank is also committed to cultural and social projects, and supports ecological actions, both within its own company and with its clients. As a major provider of jobs and apprenticeships, BCF is well established in its area of activity. It also relies, to the extent possible, on suppliers in its region of activity.

Supported by its Board of Directors, BCF’s Executive Board assumes operational responsibility for economic, social, and environmental measures. In the Sustainability Charter, it defines specific objectives. It evaluates their achievement, initiates subsequent measures and ensures that the Bank’s sustainability performance is presented in a transparent manner.

The Sustainability Charter 2024-2027, which is the result of several years of development, includes principles and objectives relating to products and services, to the Bank’s responsibility towards its employees and society, and to the environment. It also indicates how BCF contributes to the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) form the cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN in autumn 2015. They define the ecological, social and governance milestones to be achieved by 2030. Companies can make a decisive contribution to the 2030 Agenda. Aware of its responsibilities, BCF has created the necessary  foundations to always further align its sustainability management and core business with the SDGs.

BCF is committed to all 17 of the SDGs defined by the United Nations, considering them all to be of critical importance in promoting sustainable development worldwide.

In order to target BCF’s actions in this area, a working group dedicated to ESG determined the SDGs on which the Bank’s business model can have a real influence.

BCF thus focuses on 8 SDGs: Good Health and Well-Being (3), Quality Education (4), Gender Equality (5), Affordable and Clean Energy (7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (9), Responsible Consumption and Production (12), and Climate Action (13).

In this Sustainability Report, BCF highlights its contribution to the SDGs. In its Sustainable Development Charter 2024-2027, it has also set targets that will further contribute to the SDGs.

Responsible investments

As a member of the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA), BCF is committed to implementing the Guidelines for Financial Services Providers on the Integration of ESG Preferences and Risks in Investment Advice and Asset Management after the end of the current transitional period.

Financing energy efficiency

Since 2021, BCF has been offering the «Eco Mortgage» and «Eco Renovation Mortgage» products to encourage compliance with current energy standards. As a member of the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA), BCF is committed to applying the Guidelines for Mortgage Providers on Improving the Energy Efficiency of Buildings.

Equality

BCF offers modern and flexible working models and schedules. Positions are advertised for both part-time and full-time employees. The «Fair-ON-Pay+» certificate, confirmed in 2022, certifies that BCF pays equal wages for the same work, regardless of gender.

Education

In 2023, 20 apprentices and 6 trainees were employed at BCF. All employees participated in the internal training program. By focusing on the ongoing training of its employees, the Bank ensures a high level of competence and professionalism.

Impactful investments

BCF invests in Carbon Fri projects for up to its CO2 production volume and thus obtains the Carbon Fri label. As founding member of the Carbon Fri Foundation, BCF is committed to supporting impact efforts for the protection of the environment and thereby maintaining employment in the region.

Sponsorship, work and orders for SMEs

BCF contributed CHF 3.9 million to the development of culture, sport and education. It also invested CHF 15.2 million worth of work and orders from SMEs.

Carbon Fri

BCF obtains two Carbon Fri labels, certified by Climate services, an accredited organisation that certifies compliance with ISO standards. The first certificate attests that BCF’s CO2 balance sheet has been established in compliance with the ISO 14064-1 standard, which proves that BCF has a climate policy and a plan of measures to reduce CO2 emissions. The second certificate concerns the online Bank. Meeting the ISO 14044 standard, the certificate confirms that the product lifecycle as a whole is taken into account in the calculation of CO2 emissions.

Carbon Fri Label

Fair-ON-Pay+

In 2020, BCF obtained the SGS certificate «Fair-ONPay+ » awarded by Comp-ON SA, an expert and certified company in salary analysis. Confirmed in 2022 and renewable every two years, this certificate honors BCF as a fair employer and underscores its long-term commitment to equal pay. It certifies that the Bank meets the requirements of the new Law on equality between women and men (Leg).

IT Services

100% of the services are outsourced to Swisscom, which was voted the world’s most sustainable company in the field of telecommunication companies by World Finance magazine in 2020.

www.swisscom.ch/fr/about/durabilite.html

Fairtrade or traceable gold

The Fairtrade Max Havelaar label is used for 1-20g ingots. It ensures better protection for people and the environment in artisanal gold mining. The term «traceable» is used for ingots weighing more than 20 grams and ensures traceability as evidence of the origin of gold.

Hydro

Since 2019, BCF is certified Hydro by Groupe E SA, certifying that 100% of its energy consumption is renewable and comes from Swiss local works. The choice of green electricity contributes to the preservation of natural re-sources and represents a significant gesture in favor of climate protection.

FSC certified paper

100% of the paper used by BCF is FSC certified paper. Owing to e-documents, BCF offers its customers the possibility of going paperless.