Best Private Bank Sustainable Investments & Impact
UBS Global Wealth Management APAC
Best Private Bank – Sustainable Investments & Impact
Mario Knoepfel
Head sustainable investing advisory, Asia Pacific
UBS Global Wealth Management APAC
At UBS, we believe that sustainable investing holds the key to a prosperous and resilient future, and we are proud to be at the forefront of innovative and bespoke SI offerings in Asia.
By launching the first Asia-focused multi-asset sustainability portfolio and introducing hedge funds to our global multi-asset sustainability portfolio, we are a pioneer in this field with our dedication to delivering innovative and impactful solutions to our clients.
This award reinforces our mission to create sustainable value for our clients and the communities we serve. We will continue to drive positive change with clients and shape a more sustainable future for all.
What was behind the judges’ decision?
- UBS launched two first-to-market strategies in 2023. One is a sustainable hedge funds module including exposure to equity long/short, credit relative value, carbon trading and macro funds. The other addition is an Asia-focused module investing in Asian companies identified as ESG improvers and ESG leaders based on UBS’s sustainable investing scoring, which is of stringent criteria
- UBS has also developed and owns sustainability data in-house, a process that has evolved over the past seven years. This comprehensive dataset covers around 12,000 companies, with over 500 data points per company, enabling client advisors to assess how these companies are performing and relate to client portfolios. The bank further enhanced its capability with the inclusion of Credit Suisse
- UBS is actively engaging with companies on the cusp of change or with the potential to improve. The private bank’s allocation to engagement is notably higher compared to industry standards. Portfolios in the industry typically focus on ESG thematic investments like renewable energy or electric vehicles, or they prioritise ESG leaders, investing in companies with the lowest carbon footprint, for instance. However, in UBS’s approach, they allocate a larger than normal portion to engagement activities
What we said
“Given how sustainability is at the core of UBS’s business, this recognition will likely come as no surprise,” said Audrey Raj, senior consultant and South Asia editor of Asian Private Banker. “Just examining the leaps and bounds and innovative ways UBS has incorporated sustainability into its business and investments, its sustainable investment AUM speaks for itself.
“Granted, the term ‘sustainability’ is nuanced as it lacks a single universal definition, and different private banks may interpret it differently. However, UBS’s perspective on what constitutes sustainability serves as a commendable exemplar.
“Client traction in Asia is notably high, with one in three of UBS’s clients holding sustainable investment solutions. UBS offers a robust advisory shelf investing across various asset classes, including private markets, plus provides tailored portfolio allocations that include multi-asset discretionary and advisory portfolios focused on sustainable investments.
“Congratulations to UBS for clinching the title of Best Private Bank – Sustainable Investments & Impact and making a difference in the investment community.”
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