Who we are

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We are the only foundation linked to a global wealth manager staffed with philanthropy experts. With an approach that takes advantage of our unique network, we’re taking a leading role in driving impactful philanthropy that delivers breakthrough solutions to social and environmental issues. We know that solving these issues requires collaborative initiatives that make real impact on a large scale. So, we’re taking smart risks on evidence-based, scalable solutions with diverse partners. Together we're improving health, education and child protection systems as well as tackling environmental degradation and climate change – as this is an important path to a sustainable future.

Philanthropists choose to work with us because we take their passions personally, providing a variety of giving options and taking that journey with them. And they know that because of our expertise, innovation and network, we’re successfully finding bold solutions, giving them the powerful impact they want.

The UBS Optimus Foundation Network consists of the UBS Optimus Foundation in Switzerland, its branch in Hong Kong and the representative office in China, its sister organizations UBS Optimus Foundation Europe, UBS Optimus Foundation UK, UBS Optimus Foundation India, UBS Optimus Foundation Singapore and UBS Optimus Foundation Australia, as well as a donation platform in the United States.


Photo of Maya Ziswiler

Maya Ziswiler
CEO of UBS Optimus Foundation

Maya's team develops high impact philanthropic programs in education, health, child protection and the environment. She also develops innovative social finance solutions to mobilize private capital in new and more efficient ways.
She spearheaded the Foundation's work on the first Development Impact Bond and impact linked loans.

Prior to this role, she was the Foundation's Program Director for Education and Early Childhood Development. She joined the Foundation from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria where she was responsible for managing partnerships with the private sector. Previously, Maya worked for UNICEF in Peru and Procter and Gamble's development and export markets.

Maya holds degrees from McGill University and the University of Geneva.
She speaks French, English, Spanish, German and some Mandarin Chinese.

We’re proud that an ever growing number of UBS clients and employees see us as their philanthropic partner of choice. Their passion combined with our expertise has made a fundamental difference to our environment and so many children’s lives. But, we are far from satisfied and want to do even more, even better.

To that end, we will continue to work closely with our donors and frontline partners to make sure programs are delivering, as well as seeking out other innovative ideas that have the potential to bring transformative, scalable and sustainable change.
Maya Ziswiler,
CEO of UBS Optimus Foundation

Getting to know our Board Members

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