Swiss Sustainable Finance focuses on sustainable Swiss financial center at anniversary event
Swiss Sustainable Finance (SSF) celebrated its fifth anniversary in Bern and highlighted various drivers for the increasing integration of sustainability in financial services at its annual event. A record number of over 200 visitors learned from Federal President Ueli Maurer where he sees the main starting points for a sustainable and competitive Swiss financial center.
The annual conference of Swiss Sustainable Finance (SSF), which took place in Bern on June 19, 2019, once again confirmed the importance of sustainability for the Swiss financial industry.
Federal President emphasizes industry's responsibility for greater sustainability
In his speech, President Ueli Maurer emphasized the increasing importance of sustainable financial services for the competitiveness of the Swiss financial center. He sees the industry as having the main responsibility for implementing the corresponding measures, even though it is dependent on clear framework conditions and definitions.
European regulation also affects Swiss providers
The innovative power of Swiss startups was evidenced in the presentations of three young companies, all of which are contributing to a more climate-friendly economy with their products. In the subsequent discussion with the managing directors of Innosuisse and EIT Climate KIC as well as a start-up investor, increased vessels for start-up investments were identified as an important factor for the promotion of young companies. Sven Gentner, Head Asset Management at DG FISMA of the European Commission, gave a timely insight into the recently published reports on EU regulations for sustainable finance and made clear that these would also directly affect Swiss financial service providers, at least if they operate across borders. Representatives of institutional investors and the CEO of the Swiss Funds & Asset Management Association (SFAMA) debated the role of the legislator in Switzerland and felt that voluntary measures were the first choice.
SSF membership has doubled since its founding
SSF has 128 members, twice as many as at its foundation - and 28% more than in the previous year. The growth rate in the category "Asset Owners" was particularly pleasing, with 5 new representatives of this category joining in the last 12 months. With the election of the three new members Giovanni Vergani, Pension Fund of the City of Lugano, as representative for Asset Owners, Dominique Habegger, de Pury Pictet Turrettini & Cie. as representative for Asset Managers and Vincent Kaufmann, Ethos, as representative for Service Providers, the SSF Board gains important know-how.
