Sarasin introduced its Islamic asset management proposition, which covers the entire private
banking services spectrum. Using money market products and structured products endorsed
by the Islamic authorities, this proposition offers estate and succession planning, financing, as
well as asset management, such as Wakala, Murabaha and Maraya.
Sarasin - a tradition of sustainability in private asset management
Bank Sarasin recognised the importance of sustainable investments as long as 20 years ago.
What started off with the inclusion of environmental criteria in certain asset management
mandates back in 1989 has now developed into one of the bank's most important pillars of
business.The 20-year track record in this field proves that complying with sustainability criteria
also produces excellent investment returns. For this reason, Bank Sarasin has, since 30 June
2009, used sustainability as an additional criterion for making investment decisions for all its
portfolio management mandates of private clients at the Swiss locations. This is unique within
the private banking industry and a milestone in the mainstreaming of responsible investing.
First sustainable property fund
In July 2009, Sarasin introduced the Sarasin Sustainable Equity - Real Estate Global Fund,
the world's first investment fund specialising in equities of sustainable property companies.
Businesses in this fund qualify as pioneers in sustainable building and sustainable property
management. Sarasin also launched an investment fund offering Swiss pension funds access
to sustainable investment property in Switzerland.
Sustainable business awards
Bank Sarasin received the German Sustainability Award 2009 in the category 'Germany's Most
Sustainable Financial Services' in a field of 300 financial services competitors. Sarasin's achieve
ments in integrating environmental, social and governance principles into its investment
research and advisory processes were also recognised by the Investment Pensions Europe
magazine and byTBLI as 'Best Research Flouse/Consultant 2009'.
Introducing sustainability into investments at Schretlen Co and Rabobank Private Banking
In 2009, Schretlen Co developed the Sustainable Asset Management proposition, which
comprises various elements, including sustainable investment. In 2010, these instruments will
get broad deployment for existing clients and will be used to attract new clients. During 2009,
Rabobank Private Banking explored different possibilities for giving clients insight into the
sustainability of their investment portfolios. Over the past year, a great deal of effort has been
put into the integration of the sustainability data from the former IRIS organisation. IRIS was
discontinued in the year under review. Its research activities were transferred to Rabobank
Private Banking.
Dialogue with public-interest groups
In 2009, we were involved in talks with several public-interest groups about investing in the
arms industry and in renewable energy. Public-interest groups also expressed concerns about
the social risks of third-party investments. For more information, we refer to the section entitled
Dialogue with stakeholders.
Assets under management and
held in custody for clients by
asset category at year-end 2009
Equities 44%
Fixed income 31%
Mixed 9%
Money market 7%
Alternatives 5%
Real estate 3%
Other 1%
Positive cash flows and stock market recovery propel assets under management
On the back of solid cash flow developments and recovering stock markets, assets under
management and held in custody for clients increased by 25% to
EUR 230,4 (183.6) billion in 2009. Robeco now manages assets worth
EUR 134.9 (110.7) billion, Sarasin EUR 63.1 (46.9) billion, Schretlen
Co EUR 7.3 (6.8) billion and Rabo Real Estate Group EUR 7.0 (6.8)
billion. The other assets are held in custody by the local
Rabobanks.
The total inflow of assets amounted to EUR 15.8 billion, EUR 8.4
billion of which was realised by Sarasin, with the expansion of its
international network contributing to its positive cash flows and its
strong investment performance. As in 2008, Robeco's subsidiary
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Asset management and investment
