Message from the Chairmen

Our new organization sustained excellent results

In 2023, we strengthened our Bank’s market position with respect to both businesses and individual clients. By boosting our business volume while keeping costs under control, we further improved our earning power. BCF delivered remarkable results, with net profit totalling CHF 161.5 million, an increase of 14.4% on the previous year.

We can be proud that our Bank achieved such excellent results, even while in recent months we put in place a new organization. Our aim is to continuously improve our business models so that we further optimize our performance.

To this end, we have fortified our teams. From the front office to risk management, our newly hired employees are committed to stepping in to help enhance the quality of BCF’s services. The same is true of our wealth management unit, which has grown significantly in recent months. Its objective: to offer our clients excellent, comprehensive advice. Our brand is our local focus, quality service and warm welcome.

ESG at the heart of our business

In keeping with our Sustainability Charter, our actions also contribute to the Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the strategy of the Federal Council. With this in mind, BCF has gone beyond its mission to contribute to the development of the region and provide for the financial needs of individuals, businesses and the Canton of Fribourg. At the same time, we have also created a new investment and credit policy to promote more equitable business practices.

In 2023, BCF undertook to implement two new guidelines issued by the Swiss Bankers Association on investments and renovation loans. We provided training to our employees to ensure that we could implement these guidelines as early as 2024. This deliberate game plan was an important step in our effort to awareness of the importance of ESG challenges.

We at BCF are constantly evolving

With solid roots in our region, we have built BCF on strong values to support our clients and the people of Fribourg. And we will devote all our energies to continue in this way to adapt to new realities and support the local economy in a responsible, sustainable manner. The renovation of our branches – which we began in 2020 – and of our headquarters building reflect our commitment to maintain close ties and to provide better and better service to our clients.

The photographs selected to illustrate this report highlight our headquarters building, designed by Mario Botta and inaugurated in 1982. Now after 40 years, our headquarters prominently positioned at Boulevard de Pérolles 1 is undergoing rejuvenation. This renovation project, led by the Ticino-based architect himself along with his three sons, will feature a new main entrance as well as a fresh, innovative interior. So, the images you see throughout this report have already taken on a measure of historic value.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board, we would like to thank all our clients for their loyalty and trust. We also extend our sincere thanks to all our employees for their tireless commitment and considerable contribution to our success in 2023.

Alex Geissbühler
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Daniel Wenger
Chairman of the Executive Board