Sustainability at SIX

Sustainability at SIX

As a key player in the financial markets, SIX supports the sustainable and responsible development of the financial industry.

We Drive the Transformation for Sustainable Financial Markets

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. In recent years, interest in ESG has absolutely exploded. Companies have to be more transparent – far beyond key financial figures. At SIX, we’re taking on this challenge. That’s why we have developed a strategy that puts sustainability at the heart of our business. As a financial market infrastructure provider, SIX plays a key role. Our position at the interface between the financial markets and the economy allows us to help shape the transition to sustainable development.

Our sustainability strategy is based on a three-pillar model. In these three areas, we can achieve the greatest possible impact for the economy, society, and the environment. 

SIX as a Financial Market Infrastructure

Simplify and support disclosure for issuers: SIX plays an integral part in harmonizing sustainability disclosure standards across key jurisdictions.

Increase transparency for investors: SIX creates transparency around ESG-factors related to financial products and issuers.

 

 

SIX as an ESG Product Provider

Help navigate the jungle: SIX provides the tools to navigate the rapidly changing sustainability landscape by tackling regulatory challenges and enhancing core offerings.

Move up the financial value chain: SIX creates new products and services supporting sustainability goals, moving up the financial value chain.

Build platforms for sustainability: SIX builds platforms that enable others to work towards their sustainability targets.

 

 

SIX as a Good Corporate Citizen

Be an attractive employer: SIX invests in an increasingly diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment, to retain and grow attractiveness as an employer.

Reduce the carbon footprint: SIX prepares to reach net-zero by 2050.

Remain a trusted partner: SIX ensures credibility and compliance, aligning with evolving ESG standards and regulations (e.g., SBTi membership).

Contribute to financial literacy: SIX promotes financial literacy and knowledge, supporting the contribution to a stable economy.

Sustainability Reporting

Since 2016 we have been reporting in accordance with the sustainability standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). We maintain regular dialogue with our stakeholders. We incorporate their knowledge, requirements, and opinions into our material topics. As hosts of events or through our engagement in initiatives, we are committed to dialogue with the financial industry and society as a whole. Our goal is to promote sustainable economic development.

    BME Consolidated Non-financial Information Statement 2022

    Open document
Christian Reuss, Head SIX Swiss Exchange

At the core of our sustainability agenda is creating long-term value for our clients and positive impacts for the communities we serve, enabled by our position at the intersection between the real economy and the global financial markets.

Jos Dijsselhof, CEO SIX

ESG Investing – a Cornerstones for Growth

For the global Cornerstones for Growth study, part of the Future of Finance series, Censuswide on behalf of SIX surveyed portfolio managers, asset allocators, and hedge fund managers across 300 international financial institutions in the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. They have provided insights about the growth drivers and challenges surrounding mass institutional adoption of two developing and topical areas: digital assets and ESG investing.  

Download: Read the Compiled Findings in the Report

Examples of Sustainabilty at SIX

Contribution to a Stable Economy

Switzerland and Spain are countries with a high proportion of SMEs. We therefore offer platforms that provide small to medium-sized enterprises with access to the capital market. In Switzerland, we launched Sparks, a stock exchange for SMEs. We have a counterpart to this in Spain with BME Growth. In addition, with our participation in Tenity (formerly F10) incubator and accelerator, we promote fintech start-ups that are committed to a sustainable financial center.

Commitment to Our Employees

As an employer, SIX fosters diversity and inclusion. We stand for equal opportunity and offer an environment in which people can develop regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, or religion. Our corporate culture, SIX Spirit, encourages employees to take responsibility and initiative. We directly involve our employees in our sustainability strategy. To this end, we have developed an internal platform that provides information on ESG topics, encourages participation, and is constantly evolving.

Sustainable Products

As a financial market infrastructure provider, SIX drives positive change toward a sustainable economy. We create the framework for investing in a wide range of sustainable products, including ETFs, green bonds and structured products. As a provider of ESG data and ESG indices, we help our clients to achieve their sustainability goals.

Contribution to Society

As a company, we have a responsibility to society. In promoting financial literacy, SIX contributes in this regard so that people can make informed decisions. The Swiss Finance Museum in Zurich, and the commitment of SIX as part of World Investor Week are just two of many such examples. SIX is also a member of various associations and organizations - for example, the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, which promotes investments in a sustainable future. Furthermore, as a member of Advance, SIX is committed to equal rights for women and men in business.

Environmental Protection

SIX has committed to steadily reducing its CO2 emissions, and to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. For that reason, we joined the Science Based Targets initiative. In addition, as part of Energy Model Zurich, we have undertaken to increase our energy efficiency by at least 1.5% each year.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct governs all employees and the members of the Board of Directors of SIX. It covers the principles of SIX, substantive topics such as dealing with conflicts of interest, and combating money laundering and corruption. It defines how SIX deals with the competition, how it deals with information security and the SIX Spirit – the corporate culture of SIX.

 

Code for Suppliers

The Code for Suppliers defines binding policies regarding business ethics and compliance, as well as work standards and environmental protection. All suppliers and subcontractors are bound by the code, and must adhere to its provisions.

 

 

 

Corporate Governance

SIX is conscious of its responsibility as a corporate citizen, and ensures transparency. As a valid set of regulations, Corporate Governance encompasses all areas, and determines how SIX manages, organizes and monitors.

 

 

 

Explore Our Blog Posts on Sustainability:

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Investors Page

You will find our annual report as well as previous sustainability reports on our investors page.

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