Sustainability framework

Solid equity base since the beginning

The stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent bail-out of some of Switzerland’s biggest banks taught the company’s founder Jakob Vontobel two things: have a strong capital base and take on as little debt as possible. In the early 2000s, some financial analysts felt that our company was overcapitalized. But we stayed true to our principles, and sustainability and good capitalization are now seen as virtues again by financial analysts. As a result of this principle, Vontobel has mastered every financial market or stock market crisis since it was founded using its own financial resources – without ever having to raise additional capital.

Attractive dividend policy

Due to our core profitability and solid capital position, we are able to pay an attractive dividend. For example, since October 2002, Vontobel shareholders have earned a return of more than 10% per annum, well above the industry average.

Sustainability means a moderate approach

"Moderation" conveys the meaning of sustainability better than any other term. Dr. Hans Vontobel was committed to this principle throughout his life; he always warned against exaggeration and put security before returns.

Shaping the future for you

Our objective since the very beginning has been to protect and grow your assets. We achieve this with long-term, forward-looking strategies and investment decisions that reflect the market conditions. Vontobel has been operating sustainably in a social and economic context since the founding generation. This has enabled us to grow from a small brokerage firm in the crisis-torn 1920s into an international asset management company that offers top-class wealth management in Switzerland and abroad.

Our work is made easier by the stability and legal security of the Swiss financial center.

Client focus protects against misconduct

Vontobel in category 3
The sound business policy also proved its worth during the US tax dispute with Switzerland: At the end of 2016, Vontobel was able to conclude its discussions with the US Department of Justice with no requirement to pay a fine. Vontobel did not apply for or receive a non-prosecution agreement or a non-target letter.

Proper conduct in relation to Jewish funds
After the Second World War, Jakob Vontobel commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to carry out a study. It revealed that Vontobel had conducted itself properly during the ethically difficult period of National Socialism. In 1999, the Volcker Commission also ruled that Vontobel’s business conduct relating to the nameless bank accounts of Jewish clients had been proper and correct. It worked in the company’s favor that Jakob Vontobel had known almost all his clients personally.

No proprietary trading since 1987

Proprietary trading means that companies trade financial instruments in their own name and at their own risk. In serious cases, the associated risks, which can be difficult to manage, must be borne by all stakeholders. Hans-Dieter Vontobel decided to cease proprietary trading at Vontobel back in 1987. Decades later, this forward-looking decision proved a major factor in Vontobel’s relatively unscathed passage through the financial crisis.

Stable shareholder base facilitates long-term growth strategy

The strong base of family shareholders allows our company to think long term and act independently. At the same time, the public shareholders benefit from the transparency of a listed company.

With Dr. Maja Baumann, granddaughter of Dr. Hans Vontobel, and Björn Wettergren, his grand-nephew, on the Vontobel Board of Directors, the company is now managed by the fourth generation of the Vontobel family.

Family shareholder base believes in stakeholder value

The attitude of the main family shareholders was first put into words by Dr. Hans-Dieter Vontobel at the annual general meeting in 1996: "Those who force shareholder value will cause an inverse reaction in the other stakeholders, encouraging... the same egotistical and myopic behavior among them."

Modern corporate governance

In 2001, the Vontobel family shareholders voluntarily relinquished some of their voting power and committed themselves to the principle of "one share, one vote". Instead of registered shares and bearer shares, there is now one standard voting share. In addition, Vontobel introduced a modern stock purchase plan in 2005, giving all employees a share in the company’s success.

Learn more about our principles around sustainable investing. The principle adverse impact statement (PAI) explains how we integrate sustainability factors at product and entity level in our investment process. Further disclosures under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) can be found here:

SFDR - Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation

ESG Investing and Advisory policy

The Code of Conduct summarizes the principles and practices that define the way Vontobel does business. As part of it, we undertake to act ethically, responsibly and with integrity toward our clients, shareholders, employees, business partners, authorities and the general public.

Code of Conduct (PDF)

No investment in controversial weapons

Cluster bombs and landmines are banned by international convention. In 2012, Vontobel approved a Group-wide guideline that prohibits investment in companies that manufacture these types of arms.

Vontobel guidelines on cluster bombs and landmines

We actively exercise voting rights for all sustainable and themed Vontobel funds. Furthermore, we maintain an active dialog with all companies in which the funds invest. In order to implement the exercise of voting rights and corporate dialog, Vontobel works with Hermes EOS (HEOS), a leading service provider in this field.

In our report on Voting & Engagement, we regularly disclose how the voting rights for the themed products are exercised. We also provide examples of the ongoing dialog with companies.

Explore Vontobel Asset Management's ESG Investing Insights

High environmental and social standards are very important to Vontobel we expect the same of our business partners. Further details are set out in “Vontobel’s Sustainable Purchasing Policy.” They form part of Vontobel’s General Terms and Conditions of Purchase.

Guidelines for sustainable procurement