UBS: Best Bank Sustainability Leadership Global 2020

UBS is a constant cheerleader for the UN’s Sustainable development Goals (SDGs). The bank does all possible to enable clients, collaborators, policymakers, and peers to make informed decisions on the path towards their achievement, realising that efforts towards economic recovery post-pandemic must take the goals into account. UBS offers clients a range of opportunities for impact investing, enabling them to make a difference – while still enjoying favourable returns. The bank focuses its sustainability efforts on finance, philanthropy, and community engagement, as well as establishing a business model for sustainable growth, responsible stewardship of resources, and expansive social contribution. The CFI.co judging panel confirms the exemplary UBS support extended to host communities. These include a social enterprise that allows cocoa farmers to stake their claim in the industry, an academy to prepare underprivileged students for university, and a non-profit programme that trains, equips, and pays locals to administer basic healthcare. The bank’s sustainability report for last year was published in March. Core sustainable investments rose to 13,5 percent of invested assets, hitting its target three years ahead of schedule. Carbon-related assets were reduced by more than 40 percent. A sizable chunk of client assets has been directed into impact investments according to SDGs. Greenhouse gas emissions are reducing nicely, and the firm occupies a leadership position on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. UBS has an important role in the sustainable future, and the panel applauds its efforts. Named last year too, UBS is the 2020 winner of the award Best Bank Sustainability Leadership (Global).