Responsible investing in practice

Swiss Re Asset Management has been steadily contributing to the Group’s vision. It signed the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and formalised its commitment in 2007. In 2017 Swiss Re reached a key milestone on its journey: it integrated ESG benchmarks into its investment portfolio. This was a significant step forward in embedding sustainability considerations in the investment portfolio. 

In 2019, Swiss Re committed to transitioning its investment portfolio to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and joined as a founding member of the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA). Since then, Swiss Re has been setting intermediate targets for every five-year period in relation to segments of its investment portfolio. 

Swiss Re's Responsible Investing strategy is built around three key pillars: Enhancement, Inclusion, and Exclusion. The strategy also encompasses the management of risks and opportunities arising from climate change. 

Strong governance is key to including sustainability considerations along the entire investment process in a structured and controlled manner. The Responsible Investing strategy is based on clear principles, procedures and responsibilities consistent with Swiss Re's Code of Conduct and formal commitment to sustainability. 

In terms of the Sustainability-related involvement of the Group Executive Committee, the Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for the development and integration of sustainability aspects along the entire investment process. The Group CIO is also responsible for investment decisions related to the implementation of the Strategic Asset Allocation, including Swiss Re’s Responsible Investing strategy.

The Swiss Re Responsible Investing policy describes the approach to responsible investing, specifies roles and responsibilities in the organisation, and defines implementation, monitoring and reporting standards for responsible investment considerations in the Group's investment portfolio. 

The policy is reviewed periodically and updated if required. It is complemented by (i) the Swiss Re Asset Management's Stewardship policy, and (ii) the Engagement Framework. The policy complies with relevant regulations such as the European Shareholder Rights Directive 2017/828 (SRD II). More information on Swiss Re Asset Management's stewardship activities can be found under Enhancement. 

As a co-founder of the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA), Swiss Re contributed to the development of the NZAOA's four existing Target Setting Protocols. Swiss Re's Group CIO has been part of the NZAOA's Steering Group since 2024.

PRI is the world's leading proponent of responsible investment. It works to understand the investment implications of ESG factors and to support its international network of investor signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions.