Sustainable finance is often viewed as a compliance exercise aimed at meeting regulatory requirements and addressing social and political expectations. However, given the evolving political landscape it is increasingly important to assess the true value and real-world impact of sustainable financial practices. Recognizing sustainable finance as a strategic opportunity rather than just an obligation enables more effective capital allocation toward efforts to address urgent environmental and social challenges, while also improving investment strategies. Yesterday's SFI–SSF Conference offered a platform from which to explore whether moving beyond compliance can unlock real value—financially, environmentally, and socially.

To kick off the conference, Prof. François Degeorge, Managing Director of SFI, and Sabine Döbeli, CEO of Swiss Sustainable Finance, joined the conference moderator Hannah Wise for a brief exchange. Urs Baumann, CEO of Zürcher Kantonalbank, then set the tone for the event with his keynote, titled "Navigating the ESG Fatigue: Unlocking the True Potential of Sustainable Finance". SFI Prof. Philipp Krüger (UNIGE) followed, sharing insightful academic perspectives during his keynote, drawing on his recent SFI Public Discussion Note, What Drives Sustainable Finance Fatigue?

The event then continued with two thematic sessions:

Investing with Impact

A presentation by SFI Prof. Laurent Frésard (USI) focused on "How Not to Have Impact". Julia Wittenburg (Bank J. Safra Sarasin Ltd) followed, exploring effective and ineffective stewardship practices. The session was rounded off by Rosa Sangiorgio (Swiss Platform for Impact Investing) with reflections on "Impact Investing: Switzerland's Strategic Edge".

Asset Classes in Sustainable Investing

SFI Prof. Stefano Ramelli (UNISG) welcomed the audience back after the break with his speech "Green Investing: In and Out of Equilibrium". He was followed by Esther Halas (Banque Bonhôte & Cie SA), who focused on "Responsible Gold Investments". Lukas Gisiger (UBS Switzerland AG) concluded with a view from an issuer perspective on green bonds.

The conference closed with a stimulating panel discussion featuring SFI Prof. Philipp Krüger, Nadia Nikolova (responsibility), Dr. Jürg Tobler (Pensionskasse Stadt Zürich), and Frederick Widl (AXA Investment Managers Switzerland). The panel explored practical strategies for moving beyond compliance-driven sustainability and seizing the investment opportunities in sustainable finance.