Relevance of the topic for SZKB and its objectives

SZKB is guided by its spirit and purpose, which is focused on intergenerational thinking and actions. As an institution with strong roots in the region, SZKB knows the needs and challenges of the people of the Canton of Schwyz at the various stages of their lives. On this basis, it is committed to local activities and engages in responsible and sustainable business conduct. The ownership of SZKB by the Canton, which means it is 100% owned by the people of Schwyz, also plays a role in this.

As a bank rooted in the region, SZKB has a wide range of interactions with its local environment and its community. There is potential for both positive and negative impacts. In accordance with Section 3(2) of the Schwyzer Kantonalbank Act, SZKB must contribute to the balanced and sustainable development of the Canton of Schwyz, taking the needs of the general public, the economy and the public sector into account. Opportunities and risks relating to business conduct vis-à-vis the local environment can be divided into an inside-out perspective and an outside-in perspective:

• Inside-out – the impact of SZKB on the local environment: Through its commitment to culture, society, sport and the environment, SZKB strengthens social cohesion and promotes vibrant regional development. This supports the preservation of local traditions, motivates voluntary commitments and bolsters trust in the Bank as a responsible partner. Nevertheless, this commitment entails some risks. The possibility of associations or institutions becoming dependent on funding can lead to challenges over the long term, especially if funds need to be reduced or prioritised. In addition, negative impacts could arise as a result of supporting initiatives or projects that are subsequently considered to be controversial or do not meet the expectations of the general public and lead to reputational risk.
• Outside-in – the impact of the local environment on SZKB: SZKB influences the local environment through social, economic and regulatory developments. Rising expectations in terms of social and environmental engagement by financial institutions are increasing pressure to take more comprehensive and visible action. At the same time, economic challenges in the region, such as an increase in unemployment or business closures, can increase demand for support services and also raise the financial burden on the Bank. Regulatory requirements relating to sustainability and the promotion of regional development can exert additional pressure, as can social debates that force the Bank to respond to new needs or criticisms.

Key topics from SZKB’s sustainability strategy in the area of responsible corporate behaviour towards the local environment are «Generations and local commitment» and «Fostering the local community and economy». SZKB has the following objectives in this regard:

• Local commitment (sponsorship) of at least CHF 0.8 million per year.
• Increase in the number of financial literacy events held

Management approach

Sponsorship
The Sales and Market Management department is tasked with evaluating and approving sponsorship requests. This department reports directly to the CEO. SZKB places great importance to promoting a large number of projects and events that offer added value to the general public and are consistent with its spirit and purpose. When making commitments, SZKB has rules on the allocation of decision-making authority; these specify which decisions regarding commitments can be made at which level or which particular approval process is required. Internal control mechanisms exist to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Memberships
To consolidate common interests, SZKB is involved in various organisations. The Bank is convinced that this will enable synergies to be exploited. SZKB has rules on the allocation of decision-making authority, which stipulate at which level decisions on whether to join organisations can be made and which approval processes must be followed when doing so.

Financial literacy
SZKB places value on the promotion of financial literacy within the Canton of Schwyz community. It aims to expand knowledge concerning issues such as savings, financing, investing and pensions. In doing so, SZKB aims to help secure and enhance prosperity for future generations. As part of this mission, SZKB offers free events for its clients and the general public throughout the Canton.

Key measures

• Promoting/Supporting the local community through sponsorship
• Leveraging synergies through memberships
• Enhancing social engagement and fostering financial literacy

Promoting the local community through sponsorship

SZKB has strong roots in the region and is actively committed to the Canton of Schwyz. It promotes a large number of sponsorship commitments, taking various criteria into account. As a sign of its closeness to the region, it supports a wide range of local and regional projects and events that make a lasting contribution to regional added value in the areas of culture, customs, society, economy, tourism, sport and nature.

Sponsorship grants of up to CHF 2,000 are provided, either as cash or in-kind (promotional material). When auditing sponsorship commitments, SZKB pays particular attention to their environmental, social and societal impacts.

In 2025, SZKB awarded a total of CHF 0.8 million in sponsorship grants. This support benefited local associations and institutions throughout the Canton. SZKB ensures transparency by posting sponsorship conditions, application forms and details of the contact person on its website.

Leveraging synergies through memberships

SZKB, or SZKB employees on its behalf, are members of the following organisations (annual membership fee of at least CHF 1,000):

• Arbeitgeberverband der Banken (Employer Association of Swiss Banks)
• Asset Management Association Switzerland (AMAS)
• Esisuisse
• fmpro Schweizerischer Verband für Facility Management und Maintenance (Swiss Association for Facility Management and Maintenance)
• Industrie- und Handelskammer Zentralschweiz IHZ (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Central Switzerland)
• PCAF Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials
• PPI Schweiz GmbH
• Schweiz. Bankiervereinigung/Swiss Banking
• Swiss GAAP FER
• Swiss Risk Association
• Swiss Sustainable Finance
• SwissDebitPay
• Venture Foundation
• Verein Institut für Finanzdienstleistungen Zug (Association Institute for Financial Services Zug, IFZ)
• Verein Unternehmens-Datenschutz (Association for Corporate Data Protection, VUD)
  

Enhancing social engagement and fostering financial literacy

SZKB promotes social engagement by its employees and allows employees to use one working day each year for charitable activities, through the "Change of Perspective" Initiative. Employees actively support local organisations and associations on site. Any secondary employment is approved by the Executive Board in accordance with internal requirements.

The Clever@SZKB series is aimed at the overall population of the Canton of Schwyz and is free of charge. It is an integral part of the SZKB event calendar, providing targeted support to various stakeholder groups. In 2025, twelve events took place with a total of 366 participants.

In 2025, SZKB organised two «Money Haxx Days» for young people aged between 16 and 26. At these events, the topics of saving, budgeting and investing were presented to young people in an engaging manner in addition to practical tips.

Assessment of effectiveness

The action taken to promote the local environment has started to make its mark. Through sponsorship commitments and the sustainability guidelines, SZKB supports projects that directly benefit the region and foster both social and economic development in the Canton of Schwyz.

Through its active membership in relevant organisations, SZKB leverages synergies, promotes the sharing of knowledge and positions itself as a reliable partner in regional and specialist networks.

Initiatives such as the "Change of Perspective" and the "Clever@ SZKB" series promote social commitment as well as financial education. These measures contribute to strengthening social cohesion, promoting financial literacy, and affirming the Bank’s regional roots.

SZKB considers the measures taken to be appropriate and effective.

Further development and next steps

The Clever@SZKB series will continue, and the option of incorporating additional topics is currently being reviewed.

"Change of Perspective" will also continue in the future. The number of partners and projects will be gradually expanded over the coming years.