Union Bancaire Privée (UBP) has been awarded a top A+ rating for strategy and governance from the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, in its 2019 round of assessments.
The Swiss bank received a maximum score of 30 for its strategy and governance approach to responsible investing and environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration.
UBP said it performed in line with or above its peers in each class, receiving an A rating for its responsible lending in listed equity, corporate financial fixed income, and corporate non-financial fixed income.
It was awarded a slightly lower rating on B in four categories, including securitised fixed income incorporation listed equity, active ownership listed equity, and SSA fixed income.
UBP, headquartered in Geneva, focuses on asset management for institutional and private clients, with expertise in both traditional and alternative asset management. Specialising in fixed income and listed equity, its 2018 annual report showed its assets under management totalled CHF 126.8bn (Swiss Franc).
A signatory of the UN PRI since 2012, UBP said it is fully committed in its support for responsible investing and has implemented and strengthened its responsible investment policy over the last six to include a widespread roll out ESG requirements across its private banking and asset management offering.
Karine Jesiolowski, head of responsible investment for UBP’s asset management division, commented: “This year’s UN PRI report recognises the steps taken by UBP to strengthen and enhance its ESG approach across the whole group. This shows that we have a solid base from which we can continue to promote sustainable investment.”
Launched in 2006, the UN PRI, which is backed by the United Nations, is the world’s leading proponent of responsible and sustainable investment. It aims to understand the investment implications of ESG factors and help investors incorporate these factors into investment and ownership decisions.
