Banking on sustainability

UBS Sustainability Report 2020

11 Mar 2021
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We have a long-standing strategy to play a leading role in sustainability in our industry. We focus on driving positive change for our clients, our employees and society at large. Here are our achievements, goals and progress at a glance:

Timeline

2020

What we achieved in 2020

Serving clients’ sustainable finance needs

  • USD 793 billion in core sustainable investment assets (62% increase)
  • USD 6.9 billion directed into SDG-related impact investments
  • USD 15.3 billion in Climate Aware strategies
  • 33 green, social and sustainability bond transactions supported
  • 100% of assets of UBS retirement savings funds converted into sustainable investments (~ USD 9 billion)
  • USD 141 billion in impact and sustainability focused invested assets

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy

  • 1.9% share of carbon-related assets on banking balance sheet
  • USD 161 billion climate-related sustainable investment assets (49% increase)
  • 49 oil & gas and utilities companies were actively engaged on climate topics
  • 100% of our electricity consumption sourced from renewable sources

Addressing societal challenges

  • USD 168 million in donations raised by UBS Optimus Foundation (74% increase)
  • USD 30 million committed to COVID-19-related aid projects supporting the communities
  • 519,534 beneficiaries reached through strategic community affairs activities
  • 3.7 million people’s well-being improved through UBS Optimus Foundation activities

Shaping a high-performing organization  

  • 26% of Directors and above are women
  • 20.7% of UK / 19.5% of US employees are from underrepresented ethnicities at Director level & above
  • EQUAL-SALARY certification for equal pay practices in Switzerland, US, UK, Hong Kong and Singapore

Leader in key sustainability ratings

  • Industry group leader (Dow Jones Sustainability Indices)
  • Climate A List (CDP)
  • AA rating (MSCI)
  • Top 50 World’s Most Attractive Employers (Universum)

2021

Our Goals

Sustainable finance

Global Wealth Management to continue to mainstream sustainable and impact investments

Philanthropy

Raise USD 150 million in donations and improve the lives of 3.8 million beneficiaries through community investment and client philanthropy

Business practices

Advance biodiversity and human rights strategies

Employer of choice

Continue leadership in key HR rankings

2022

Full implementation of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations

2023

Full implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking

2025

Sustainable finance

Add USD 70 billion of invested assets classified as impact investing or with sustainability focus

Philanthropy

Raise USD 1 billion in donations and reach 26 million beneficiaries through community investment and client philanthropy

Business practices

Achieve net zero emissions for all scope 1 & 2 activities

Employer of choice

Increase the percentage of women at Director level and above (aspiration to reach 30%)

2050

Full implementation of Net Zero Asset Managers initiative

As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in which we conduct business, that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review the PDF document at  ubs.com/relationshipsummary .

Sustainable investing strategies aim to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into investment process and portfolio construction. Strategies across geographies and styles approach ESG analysis and incorporate the findings in a variety of ways. The returns on portfolios consisting primarily of sustainable investments may be lower or higher than portfolios where ESG factors, exclusions, or other sustainability issues are not considered, and the investment opportunities available to such portfolios may also differ.

Sustainability ratings were independently determined and awarded by the individual organizations. For more information, visit their websites. UBS did not pay a fee in exchange for these ratings.

UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC.