Switzerland is one of the largest centres for institutional asset management and is a global leader in wealth management. As a member of the UN, Switzerland has committed itself to implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Switzerland also ratified the Paris Climate Agreement in October 2017. The implementation of sustainability in various sectors, including the financial sector, is an important factor for the achievement of these agreements, but also for international competitiveness.

In a globalised economy, the success of corporate strategies is becoming increasingly influenced by ESG factors. Integrating such factors into financial analysis and risk management can lead to higher profitability, lower tail-risk and lower systematic risk. Asset managers have recognised the importance of integrating sustainability factors into the decision-making process. At the same time, the asset management industry is aware of its responsibility in addressing global challenges and contributing to the necessary change. Considering sustainability aspects in the investment process hence offers the opportunity to achieve financial objectives while contributing to achieving broader goals such as the Paris Agreement or the UN Sustainable Development Goals.