Overview

Purpose of the mandate

The public service mandate is part of the Law on Zürcher Kantonalbank, which defines the bank's purpose and forms the basis of our business activities. The bank is therefore required to act as a reliable partner to the people of Zurich and to its clients, and operates a business policy which is geared towards continuity. The legislator - and hence the people of the canton - puts the bank's public service mandate before any consideration of maximising returns. The bank is therefore measured not only by its profitability but also by how it contributes towards the development of the region in the context of its statutory duty. We thus act as a significant counterweight to the large banks and private banks, which are exclusively profit-oriented.

Economic commitment

The public service mandate comprises three sub-mandates: at the centre is the duty to provide services. The purpose of this is to provide banking services to the population and specific groups of clients in the canton of Zurich. In this connection, the objective is to meet their basic requirements in terms of payment transactions, as well as investment and financing. In addition, the bank is required to promote home ownership and affordable housing.

Social commitment

The purpose of the duty to provide support is to assist the canton of Zurich, whenever necessary, in meeting its responsibilities in the field of business, society and the environment. Zürcher Kantonalbank thus fulfils its regional responsibility and, through its commitment, contributes towards a prospering and thriving canton of Zurich. As a progressive employer, the bank supports and encourages its staff with a broad range of benefits and services.

Environmental commitment

As a bank that acts responsibly, the purpose of the duty to promote sustainability is to observe the principles of sustainability. For us, this means combining successful business activity and responsible treatment of the environment and society. Focal points in this connection are our in-house services for the environment and, in cooperation with WWF Switzerland, our line-up of sustainability products and regional environmental projects.

Internal organisational structure

The steering committee for the public service mandate (SALA) is the internal specialist committee for the public service mandate. The SALA's task is to advise and support the bank's governing bodies and business units on all aspects of the public service mandate. The members of the committee are simultaneously responsible for the public service mandate of the individual business units. Together with the SALA, the corporate responsibility manager coordinates the planning, implementation and reporting of the public service mandate and all associated activities.