UBS Investment Bank is launching a series of breakthrough investment products aligned to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A pre-defined portion of revenues will be donated as philanthropic contributions, managed by the UBS Optimus Foundation, our dedicated philanthropic foundation.
The new products, will be linked to sustainability and impact screened indices based on various themes directed at specific investor groups. Among the themes will be a global sustainability index, a social equality-based LGBTQ investment index, and an index linked to the environment and clean energy.
“As the world’s largest wealth manager and a recognized sustainability leader we are always looking to combine our expertise and range of products and services to support our clients’ financial, sustainable and philanthropic goals,” said Michael Nelskyla, Head of Investor Solutions Americas, Investment Bank. “This new series of products represents an industry first that allows our clients to pursue all three goals through a single investment.”
In its role, the UBS Optimus Foundation will leverage its extensive partner network to identify and support suitable SDG-aligned programs. It will also track each program’s progress and provide a rigorous evaluation of the impact achieved.
“Collaboration is key at UBS, and we’re delighted to be partnering with the Investment Bank in this exciting new venture,“ said Phyllis Costanza, CEO, UBS Optimus Foundation. “We look forward to sharing our philanthropic expertise and experience to deliver transformational and sustainable change to those who need it most.”
The initiative was announced at a major media event streamed simultaneously over three UBS locations in Zurich, London and New York, where UBS highlighted its commitment to and progress in supporting the UN SDGs through a growing catalogue of sustainable and impact investing products across four business divisions. The event coincided with the announcement by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) – the most widely recognized sustainability index – confirming UBS as the Diversified Financials Group Industry Leader for the third year running.
