The Swiss bank has opened what it calls a centre of excellence for foundations in Zurich.

Bank J Safra Sarasin, the Swiss bank, is opening a new centre of excellence for foundations in Zurich, with the leadership of Ingeborg Schumacher-Hummel and Bernhard Gick.  

This centre will provide comprehensive advice and also develop products and services tailored to mission-related investing, the bank said in a statement yesterday.

Schumacher is a specialist in mission-related investing for foundations, she also has over 18 years experience in sustainable investing, the bank said. Schumacher is a board member of FNG, the Swiss Forum for Sustainable Investments.  

“I am delighted to welcome on board Mrs Schumacher, a highly regarded specialist who can help us to create sustainable investment solutions tailored specifically to the needs of foundations – a growing segment for our bank,” said Jan Amrit Poser, head asset management and sustainability.   

According to a study produced by the University of Basel’s centre for Philanthropy Studies, almost 60 per cent of the polled foundations agreed that the foundations capital should be used to pursue its original aims.  Even more foundations are using the opportunity to optimise their investment selection so they can support the foundation’s purpose or mission more effectively, the company said in a statement.  

“As Switzerland's leading provider of sustainable investments, our goal is to be the first port of call for foundations and to provide a comprehensive offering of products and services to cover all their needs,” said Eric Sarasin, deputy chief executive.