Responsible investing governance framework

Our Asset Management operates within a well-defined framework. Strong governance is key to including ESG considerations along the investment process in a structured and controlled way. Our Responsible Investing strategy is based on clear principles, procedures and responsibilities consistent with Swiss Re’s Code of Conduct and formal commitment to sustainability.

The Swiss Re Responsible Investing Policy describes our approach, specifies roles and responsibilities in the organisation, and defines implementation and monitoring standards for ESG criteria in the Group’s investment portfolio.

The policy is reviewed periodically and updated if required. It is complemented by the Swiss Re Asset Management Voting and Engagement Policy, which provides guiding principles that apply to all our voting and engagement activities and is consistent with regulatory developments such as the Shareholder Rights Directive 2017/828 (SRD II). It rounds off the integration of our Enhancement approach and specifically expresses our commitment to our role as an active shareholder.

Swiss Re’s Head Responsible Investing (Head RI), with support of a dedicated team, develops and coordinates the implementation of the Responsible Investing strategy within the unit. As part of this, the Head RI steers the ESG Advisory Board, a committee formed by representatives of all investment units as well as Legal, Compliance and Group Risk Management. The ESG Advisory Board reports on responsible investment activities in the various investment units, develops and reviews improvement ideas, shares knowledge and monitors implementation progress.

The SAA & Markets Committee reviews and discusses operational decisions related to Swiss Re’s Responsible Investing strategy and advises the co-heads SAA & Markets on related decisions and improvements. The Asset Management Investment Committee reviews and discusses strategic decisions and improvements related to Swiss Re’s Responsible Investing strategy and advises the Group Chief Investment Officer (Group CIO) on them.

The overall responsibility for our Responsible Investing strategy lies with the Group CIO, who signs off investment decisions within the Group’s Strategic Asset Allocation.