Media release

VP Bank Ltd has been included in the new sustainability indices launched by SIX Swiss Exchange

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Based on the Swiss Performance Index (SPI), the Swiss stock exchange SIX has now launched ESG indices for the broad Swiss stockmarket. This is SIX’s response to the burgeoning demand for sustainable investments. VP Bank is listed as one of 139 companies in the “SPI ESG” and “SPI ESG Weighted” index family.

Inclusion in the SIX Sustainability Indices is based on an in-depth assessment of sustainability-related indicators. Admitted companies fulfil criteria in the categories of environment, social affairs and corporate governance. Inter alia, data provided by the independent Swiss sustainability rating agency Inrate was applied. To be included in the SIX ESG Index, companies need at least a C+ rating. Inrate’s ESG rating has awarded VP Bank an excellent rating of B- on a scale of A to D. In addition, to meet the index criteria, companies may not generate more than 5 percent of their sales in a “critical” sector such as defence equipment, nuclear energy, coal or oil sands. Moreover, only companies that are not on the blacklist of the Swiss Association for Responsible Investment are included. The new ESG indices from SIX create transparency and offer additional options for investors.

Dr Felix Brill, Chief Investment Officer and Chair of the Sustainability Board at VP Bank Group, welcomed the bank’s inclusion in SIX Sustainability Indices: “Inclusion in SIX Sustainability Indices is a clear conformation of our activities in the field of sustainability. VP Bank has been committed to the principle of sustainable action for many years and consistently takes sustainability criteria into account throughout the entire investment process. We are firmly convinced that taking ESG criteria such as climate and environmental risks into account improves investment decision-making.”

“Sustainability and the determination to act responsibly have shaped our culture and philosophy ever since the bank was founded”, stressed Paul Arni, Chief Executive Officer of VP Bank Group, adding: “As one of the cornerstones of our corporate strategy 2026, we will continue to pursue the issue of sustainability consistently and at all levels. Inclusion in both sustainability indices demonstrates that we are on the right track with our initiatives.”

#Media release