Piguet Galland has been committed to CSR for many years. Over the past 18 months, B Lab Suisse has supported the private bank in obtaining B Corp certification, awarded on the basis of an independent international standard, so reinforcing the continuity of the Bank’s commitment. Based on an assessment comprising almost two-hundred questions, the certification confirms that Piguet Galland meets not only societal, environmental and governance requirements, but also offers transparency towards its public. This initial score of 110.6 far exceeds the minimum requirement of 80 points, and it is just the beginning.
By joining the Swiss Sustainable Finance Foundation, the Swiss Triple Impact programme and Swiss Boards for Agenda 2030, the Bank has also shown its commitment to building a healthy, fair, humane, transparent, responsible, and welcoming corporate culture, where each employee has the opportunity to find their place and develop their skills. This approach is destined for its employees, as well as for other stakeholders, and for the Bank’s impact on the environment and on the communities with which it interacts through its six offices in Western Switzerland. In the face of the major challenges affecting society, Piguet Galland, at both its local and regional level, must “do its share” and contribute responsibly to promote solutions that will help create a sustainable future.
« When it comes to sustainability, banks face plenty of scepticism. Yet, the financial sector is a key player in the transition», observes Candice Vogt, CSR Manager at Piguet Galland. The areas analysed by B Lab obviously include the Bank’s business activities, focusing notably on asset management and promoting responsible investment. The Bank’s approach is based on the transparency of its investment selection process, the selection of measurable quantitative criteria focusing on topics in line with its values. The goal is to preserve the investments of its clients by limiting the risks related to sustainability. The areas concerned also extend to other aspects of the company, such as governance, corporate culture, suppliers, infrastructure, etc. «By making concrete commitments each year and reassessing its situation periodically, the Bank is implementing a true CSR strategy. This is just the beginning of the journey », adds Candice Vogt.
The positive impact of B Corp-certified companies is supported by strict requirements for transparency and accountability. Criteria are evaluated, resulting in a score based on some two-hundred questions. The score needs to be at least 80 points in order to be certified B Corp. Moreover, this certification represents dual centres of interest for the bank Piguet Galland. It shows its commitment to meeting high standards in terms of social and environmental performance, whilst asserting its drive for ongoing improvement.
Jonathan Normand, Founder and CEO of Fondation B Lab Suisse, says: «We are delighted to welcome Piguet Galland to the B Corp movement! Their commitment to support sustainability, especially in the field of investments, is a source of inspiration. I am sure that this will encourage other financial firms to embark on a journey of transformation and to recognise the crucial importance of investing in the transition towards a more sustainable future. Together, they can create a collective force able to redefine standards and pave the way for a more ethical and sustainable financial sector.»
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