Zurich/Basel, 30 April 2015 – UBS clients in Switzerland, Germany, the UK, Hong Kong and the U.S. can donate to the disaster relief program of UBS's independent grant-making foundation - the UBS Optimus Foundation - which will work together with renowned partners in the affected areas with a specific focus on meeting the needs of children.

UBS will match client donations to the Foundation for up to a total of CHF 1 million. This unique approach, through a partnership with clients, is another demonstration of the firm's strong commitment to respond to critical needs swiftly and creatively.

Nepal is a priority country for the UBS Optimus Foundation and together with local partners, the Foundation commits to report to clients regularly on how their funds are spent and is committed to long-term engagement in the country.

UBS, through its Community Affairs program will also match employee donations to selected disaster relief organizations providing aid throughout the region, as well as employee donations to the Optimus Foundation.

Juerg Zeltner, President of Wealth Management and Chairman of the UBS Optimus Foundation, “At UBS, our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by this tragedy. My sincere hope is that our support and contributions help relieve the suffering of those affected and meaningfully contribute to the rebuilding and recovery efforts. It is vital that we dedicate these resources to ensure a lasting and positive impact. 

UBS Group AG

UBS draws on its 150-year heritage to serve private, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as retail clients in Switzerland. Its business strategy is centered on its pre-eminent global wealth management businesses and its leading universal bank in Switzerland, complemented by its Global Asset Management business and its Investment Bank, with a focus on capital efficiency and businesses that offer a superior structural growth and profitability outlook.

UBS is present in all major financial centers worldwide. It has offices in more than 50 countries, with about 35% of its employees working in the Americas, 36% in Switzerland, 17% in the rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 12% in Asia Pacific. UBS employs about 60,000 people around the world. Its shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

UBS Optimus Foundation

Our vision is simple: a world where all children reach their full potential. To make this a reality, we concentrate on high-impact projects that help ensure children are safe, healthy, educated and ready for their future. We break down barriers that prevent children from thriving by funding innovative programs in places where children face adversity. We currently support 128 programs across 4 continents reaching 1.8 million children directly.

UBS clients have easy access to our experts in Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong, the UK, and the US. Furthermore, we have the ability to increase the reach of donations substantially by leveraging them through our global network, which includes international donors and funding partnerships, and matching by UBS. Because all our administrative costs are covered by UBS, our donors know that 100 percent of their contribution will go directly to the projects.

Our grant-making specialists apply a rigorous, evidence-based approach to selecting projects that deliver measurable results. As a result, our donors can be confident that their investment will help achieve the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children. 

Media contact

Switzerland:    +41-44-234 85 00

UK:                 +44-207-567 47 14

Americas:        +1-212-882 58 57

APAC:             +852-297-1 82 00

 

www.ubs.com