The Fair‑ON‑Pay Association has awarded Bank CIC (Switzerland) Ltd. the Fair-ON-Pay Advanced certificate. This is external verification that we are meeting the rules on fair pay for men and women – a clear commitment to fair remuneration.

 

Why we have taken this step

Swiss banking industry studies show that the gender pay gap is often greater than the overall average in the labour market. According to data from representative surveys conducted by the Swiss Bank Employees' Union (SBPV), on average women earn considerably less than their male colleagues – even when bonuses are included.

As both a Swiss bank and a company with deep roots in Swiss society, when it comes to fairness we are committed to being among those who set the benchmark. Our definition of quality therefore does not just cover products and services, it also extends to our culture and the way we treat the 500 or so people we currently employ. The remuneration they receive from us is based on responsibility and performance – not on gender.

This approach stands first and foremost for fairness, but it also promotes structure, encourages motivation and supports our focus on sustainable growth. Fair-ON-Pay certification shows we take responsibility for our human capital; this is not just a marketing slogan, it is a concrete signal to our staff, customers and business partners. CIC (Switzerland) is one of roughly 275 companies across the country that have been awarded the Fair-On-Pay label, and one of only a small number to achieve the highest stage (Advanced).

"This certification confirms that equal pay is firmly anchored in our corporate culture and forms part of our ongoing commitment."

– Livia Moretti, CEO of CIC (Switzerland)

 

What does Advanced actually mean?

The ranking used by Fair-ON-Pay has three levels: Aware, Fair-ON-Pay and Fair-ON-Pay Advanced. Companies certified as Advanced have demonstrated that their remuneration systems meet the highest standards. 

Specifically, Advanced includes, for example:

• An independent statistical analysis of the wage and salary structure and an evaluation of the components of remuneration
• Analyses conducted by accredited experts, as well as verification and certification by the international company SGS Société Générale de Surveillance
• Validity for four years, combined with a commitment to regular reviews and quality control
• A set tolerance threshold for residual pay differences, i.e. pay gaps must be statistically investigated and explained 

For us, this means certification is not a one-off milestone, but a firm part of our governance and culture strategy, with regular cycles for review and renewal.

 

What this means for employees

In concrete terms, what this means for our employees is a transparent and comprehensible remuneration structure. Performance, responsibility and results are increasingly what counts, and gender is no longer a factor in calculating remuneration. By doing so, CIC (Switzerland) is providing an environment where everyone can unfold their potential in an organisation where fairness is not just a word but lived experience. We all benefit from this clarity, since it acts as a motivator and staff know that their work counts – and that we as a company combine quality and fairness. The rewards are both internal and external: for our team, our customers and our position in the market.

"Fair-ON-Pay-Advanced certification underscores our ambition to provide fair and appropriate recognition of the performance of all our employees – far beyond just the legal requirements."

- Carole Oberson, Head of HR

 

What this means for customers and business partners

Certification is also a relevant signal for our customers and business partners. It shows we take responsibility beyond just financial services and aim to adopt a values-based approach. This sets us apart from our competitors, who cannot provide transparent evidence of such structures. We are giving a clear sign to our customers – both entrepreneurs and private individuals – that they are working with a bank that understands efficient capital management and is also committed to modern management and HR principles.

 

Outlook – where we go from here

Fair-ON-Pay Advanced certification does not mark the end for us – it is the beginning of an ongoing journey of reflection and improvement: we regularly carry out internal and external evaluations of remuneration systems, both qualitative and quantitative. We keep developing our management and remuneration models to strike the right balance between fairness and performance. We communicate openly about remuneration principles with our employees as a way of promoting understanding and loyalty. We remain alert to legislative and regulatory developments, for example concerning equality, transparency and ESG criteria. This is to ensure that we continue to honour our commitment to offering excellent service and fair treatment.

 

Conclusion

Fair-ON-Pay Advanced certification confirms that for Bank CIC (Switzerland) Ltd. equal pay is not just something we pay lip service to – it is the lived reality of a modern, values-based company. For our employees, staff, business partners and our firm, this means the reward for quality is not just financial – fairness also has a role to play.