Sustainability - BCF - Rapports annuels

2025 Annual Report

Corporate Governance

Financial Report 2025

Sustainability

Economic commitment

Support for businesses in Fribourg

BCF fulfils its mission by contributing to the support of the cantonal economy. The Corporate Clients division offers a comprehensive range of products and services as well as individualised service for the various economic players in the region. This division, essentially a “bank for business and entrepreneurs” actively provides expert advice to all types of companies. It supports the development of industrial, independent, and professional real estate entities as well as municipalities and public-law corporations by providing a wide range of products and services essential for their operational and financial activities. For example, BCF covers companies’ needs for working capital, financing, foreign exchange, and bank guarantees.

Launched in 2025, BCF Multibanking enables transparent and efficient payment and liquidity management with just one e-banking login for all accounts held by a company at different banks.

With advisors firmly rooted in the economic fabric of the region, BCF delivers pragmatic and appropriate solutions. The expertise and solid experience of the special financing team provides additional support to start-ups, complex financial arrangements, and corporate succession transactions. Corporate succession is a central, essential concern given that one out of every two business leaders is over the age of 50.

With its presence comprising 26 branches throughout the canton, BCF maintains and develops lasting relationships with its business clients by effectively determining viable proposals while understanding local constraints.

Advances to customers by business line

As a % of advances to customers

1.2

Agriculture

1.8

Manufacturing industries

0.6

Water production, waste management

3.2

Construction

2.4

Trade

0.8

Hotel and restaurant industry

0.2

Information and communication

1.1

Transport and storage

3.6

Financial and insurance activities

17.4

Real estate activities

1.8

Scientific and technical activities

3.2

Public administration

0.7

Education

2.5

Health and social work

0.5

Arts and entertainment

1.7

Miscellaneous

57.4

Private households

Environmental commitment

BCF is deeply concerned about the Bank’s environmental impact. BCF is Carbon Fri certified, which confirms that it has achieved a carbon footprint in compliance with ISO 14064 and that it has a plan of measures to reduce its emissions.

CO₂ emissions

With its Carbon Fri label, BCF invests in proportion to its CO₂ consumption in sustainable projects run by the Carbon Fri Foundation, which helps improve the regional ecosystem.

e-banking

Since 2011, BCF has measured the impact of e-banking and the website. The scope of analysis will be extended in 2026 to better represent the actual reality of the Bank’s online services. BCF is committed to factoring this impact into its decarbonisation plan as of next year.

Renewable electricity

BCF has chosen the PLUS and OPTIMO PLUS products proposed by Groupe E SA, thus guaranteeing electricity originating entirely from renewable sources. This energy choice contributes to the preservation of natural resources and represents a major commitment to climate protection.

Paper

100% of the paper used by BCF is FSC-certified recycled paper. BCF gives its clients the opportunity save paper by replacing mailings with e-documents.

Gentle mobility

BCF offers its employees the Half Fare Travelcard to encourage gentle mobility when going to work and in their own time.

Products

BCF offers several eco-responsible products, such as the Eco Mortgage and the Eco Renovation Mortgage loans, and an ESG management mandate for wealth management.

Buildings

The modernisation of the BCF buildings takes into account best practices to optimise the energy balance.

Governance

The Executive Board proposes the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, which is approved by the Board of Directors. For several years, a working group – led by the CSR manager and comprising representatives from all the divisions –, has elaborated measures relating to the daily execution of the CSR strategy and submitted them to the Executive Board.

Social commitment

BCF is actively involved in the areas of culture, society and sports. It is an employer of choice, offering favourable working conditions and encouraging its employees to develop their skills.

Staff

With 602 employees, BCF is one of the largest employers in the Canton. In addition to its headquarters in Fribourg, its physical network of 26 branches ensures client proximity.

Youth

BCF is committed to training, investing the necessary resources in the supervision and training of the Bank's apprentices and trainees. In 2025, 20 apprentices and four trainees were trained at BCF.

Health and safety at work

BCF is committed to providing favorable working conditions. It takes measures to protect health and safety in the workplace.

Equal pay

BCF is committed to gender-equal pay.

Continuing education

BCF encourages the professional development of its employees by offering continuing education programs that allow employees to develop their skills.

Public transport

BCF supports the purchase of public transportation passes for its employees. It also offers them an SBB Half Fare Travelcard. Business trips are made by public transport whenever possible.

Suppliers

BCF works with local suppliers whenever possible as a means to contribute to the economic life of the Canton. In 2025, CHF 20.8 million worth of work and orders were awarded to local SMEs.

Contributions/Taxes

In 2025, BCF played a key role as contributor by paying CHF 84.2 million to the Canton, municipalities and parishes of Fribourg. This amount includes the remuneration for the Canton’s guarantee and for the endowment capital, and taxes.

Sponsorship

BCF sponsors a number of local associations and events, thereby contributing to the social fabric of the Canton. We engage with those who create the diversity in our Canton. The projects we sponsor are local and for the people of the Canton of Fribourg. In 2025, the amount the Bank spent on sponsorships reached CHF 4.7 million.

Bureaux réaménagés des 4ème et 5ème étages du Siège à Fribourg

The Banque Cantonale de Fribourg Foundation

The Banque Cantonale de Fribourg Foundation, with a capital of CHF 2.25 million, was created on the occasion of BCF’s 100th anniversary in 1992. The purpose of the BCF Foundation is to promote…