2023 was a year of unprecedented results for BPS (SUISSE), highlighting an astonishing 72% increase in profit, thus marking a turning point in the bank's history. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that characterized the entire financial year, the Bank managed to successfully navigate the tumultuous waters of the international financial landscape, demonstrating careful and effective liquidity management and an ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

A key element of this success was the ability of BPS (SUISSE) to quickly adapt to the increase in interest rates, implementing targeted commercial policies both in the collection and use of customer funds. This flexibility was also evident in asset management and investment consultancy, where the Bank was able to identify new opportunities for balance after a long period of negative rates.

The staff of BPS (SUISSE) has played a fundamental role in this success, with a workforce of 369 employees and a project focused on managing generational change. Preparing the succession has become crucial to ensure a smooth transition and maintain a high level of internal expertise in a constantly evolving market.

The sales network, made up of 21 operational branches, has maintained a solid presence and has seen significant interventions in the property park, including the expansion and renovation of the property in St. Moritz, in line with the Bank's environmental and social objectives .

The introduction of new services, such as the online trading system via the GoBanking platform and the expansion of the subfunds in Popso (Suisse) Investment Fund SICAV, has contributed to consolidating the position of BPS (SUISSE) in the financial market. Furthermore, Fund Accumulation Plans have met with strong interest from customers, offering flexibility and personalized investment options.

Financially, the results have been equally impressive. Despite a slight decrease in the net result from interest operations, the positive feedback from trading activities and the fair value option more than offset this loss, leading to a 70% increase in operating result and profit, both which marked historic records for the Bank.

The General Meeting of Shareholders ratified these successes, with a proposal for a significant dividend for shareholders and a considerable payment to the Legal Reserve from profits.

Furthermore, the cultural insert dedicated to Audrey Hepburn enriched the 2023 Annual Report, celebrating the legacy of an icon of style and humanity 30 years after her death.

In conclusion, 2023 was a year of triumph for BPS (SUISSE), highlighting not only notable financial success, but also an ability to adapt and innovate that promises a bright future for the Bank in the Swiss financial landscape and beyond.

Audrey Hepburn: a timeless icon

On the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Audrey Hepburn (1929 – 1993), BPS (SUISSE) remembers and celebrates the timeless icon of cinema and elegance – who continues to enchant the public with her grace, her style and her humanitarian commitment – ​​dedicating its own cultural insert to it.

Audrey Hepburn, actress and UNICEF ambassador, left an indelible mark in the history of cinema and in the hearts of millions of people. About her Winner of an Oscar in 1954 for her portrayal of Princess Anna in the film Vacanze romane (1953), was one of the most beloved actresses of Hollywood's golden age. Her career ranged from theater to classical cinema, earning unanimous praise for her extraordinary versatility and unparalleled talent.

But Audrey Hepburn's legacy goes beyond her cinematic success. She dedicated much of her life to humanitarian missions, as a UNICEF ambassador from 1988 until her death. She traveled to countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, Bangladesh and Vietnam, raising awareness among the "powerful" on issues related to children's rights and world hunger.

His elegant and refined style has inspired generations of stylists and artists. Iconic collaborations with Hubert de Givenchy and memorable performances in films such as Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) defined a standard of elegance that is still influential today.

Audrey Hepburn, in addition to her career, deeply loved her family. She spent the last years of her life in the beautiful villa “La Paisible”, in Tolochenaz, in the Canton of Vaud, together with her partner Robert Wolders, demonstrating that love for loved ones is the true richness of her life.

Despite her passing in 1993, Audrey Hepburn remains an immortal icon, whose talent, style and commitment continue to inspire and enchant the world.