Ten good principles for ethical investment
The following business principles guide our day-to-day asset management and investment advisory decisions:
1. independence
As an owner-managed company, our ownership structure is clear and transparent. We act on our own responsibility at all times. We are independent of other companies in our investment policy. Building and maintaining the financial independence of our clients is our priority goal. In order to exclude conflicts of interest, we never engage in proprietary trading.
2. tailored to customers
We develop the asset planning strategy, investment objectives and risk profiles exclusively in consultation with our clients. All customer decisions are binding for us. The clients know our advisors personally. Clients are free to choose their bank account in Switzerland. You grant us a limited power of attorney for administration. Our clients can terminate mandates at any time with immediate effect. We pursue a consistent white money strategy and manage only declared assets.
3. obtain values
We strive for optimal return and growth opportunities for our clients with active asset management, quantitative as well as qualitative analysis procedures and well-rehearsed processes. The preservation of long-term assets is our priority. We invest mainly in cost-transparent and liquid investments. This allows us to show at any time where the funds are invested and what risk they are exposed to.
4. sustainable at the core
We understand “sustainable development” as a continuous process of simultaneously bringing economic, ecological and social aspects to bear. Since 1995, we have been working with a qualitative analysis procedure that translates the “sustainability” programme into an investment ethic. In doing so, we build on “Integrative Business Ethics” and apply this process to our established investment process.
5. ecology
The impact of our offering on society and the environment is significantly greater than the ecological impact of our business activities. We always pay attention to the careful use of natural resources and optimise the use of the resources we use.
6. social responsibility
We take our social obligations towards society, our customers, our employees and our business partners (stakeholders) equally seriously. All employees, regardless of their personal background or individual lifestyle, have the same opportunity for personal recognition. We promote their personal development and the optimal use of their talents. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or bullying. We offer all employees (including interns and business partners) healthy and fair working conditions. We foster an open, performance-based corporate culture.
7. transparency and fairness in fees and charges
We only draw fees from our clients. The fee structure varies depending on the client relationship (funds, private or institutional clients) as well as the volumes managed. Fees and charges are set contractually and comply with the Code of Professional Conduct of the Swiss Association of Asset Managers (SAAM). Asset management contracts are concluded with waiver of retrocessions.
8. communication and reporting
We keep our clients up to date on the performance of our PRIME VALUES funds with monthly “factsheets”. We also provide information on the mandates entrusted to us on a semi-annual, quarterly or, on request, ad-hoc basis. Our clients get a detailed insight into the performance and the current positioning at any time. Of course, we treat all information confidentially.
9. integrity and security
We operate within the framework of Swiss legislation. We guarantee the quality and safety of our services internally with specific regulations, organisational instructions, guidelines and training. Since 2014, we have also been directly subject to the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. We integrate guidelines and codes of conduct from the following institutions into all our business processes:
- SAAM (Association of Swiss Asset Managers)
- SFAA (Swiss Financial Analyst Association)
- SFAMA (Swiss Fund and Asset Management Association)
10. the business principles in everyday life
Should any ambiguities or unanswered questions arise with regard to the business principles or practices, internal and external stakeholders can contact the Compliance Officer Roland Isler (roland.isler@arete-ethik.ch) in person or by e-mail.