Regional roots

In 2025, the Bank decided to follow the “ Valeurs de Fribourg “ labelling system. The aim of this label is to promote the image of the Canton of Fribourg from the inside. Obtaining the label is a sign of recognition for businesses that have followed the process, showing that they really live up to the canton’s values. Behind these “ values”  is a list of 18 criteria to be met, ranging from equality of opportunity to environmental impacts, including training, innovation, partners, roots, working conditions, recruitment, inclusivity, health and image. The applicant company completes a self-assessment discussed with an external coach who points out areas for improvement. An action plan is then set. The coach makes a report for an adjudication committee, which grants the label for three years. BCF obtained the label at the end of this process.

A partner of choice for local businesses, the Bank plays a crucial role in preserving jobs and training places in the canton. It supports companies at each stage of their development by accompanying them in their development projects.

BCF’s economic activities are designed to have a lasting positive impact on its various stakeholders. BCF finances municipalities, public companies, semi-public institutions, social organisations and non-profit organisations. Directly or indirectly, these loans are in the public interest and include a social component.

The Bank’s credit and financing activities generate major positive impacts in keeping with its mission of public service pursuant to the BCF Law and its regional roots. These impacts notably include:

• support for sustainable economic development in the canton through financing SMEs, local businesses and public or semi-public institutions;
• contributing to the energy and climate transition by financing projects promoting energy efficiency, renewable energies and more sustainable production methods;
• reinforcement of social cohesion and financial inclusion by facilitating access to credit for individuals, families and economic actors in the canton.

These positive impacts are real, when the financed projects are completed and produce the desired effects, and potential, when the strategic orientation of the loan portfolio is conducive to promoting more sustainable practices over the mid to long term.

The Bank exercises a significant influence over economic, environmental and social issues through its direct and indirect financing activities. Recognition of these impacts, both positive and negative, forms the basis of its approach in terms of responsible financing and management of ESG risks.

Financing SMEs, skilled trades, agricultural and industrial businesses as well as infrastructure projects contributes to job retention and creation throughout the canton. The Bank indirectly supports economic productivity and the resilience of the local economy through these activities. 66% of business loans (excluding mortgages) are attributed to SMEs (small and medium-sized companies, with fewer than 250 employees). Over 80% of these loans are to companies in the Canton of Fribourg and neighbouring cantons, which shows the support BCF brings to the local economy.

By offering loan, savings and payment products adapted to the needs of the people and local economic operators, the Bank promotes financial inclusion and the economic participation of people and organisations that could otherwise experience difficulty accessing various banking services.

Financing of energy-efficient projects, sustainable constructions and solutions linked to renewable energies contributes indirectly to the evolution of economic models towards more sustainable practices while supporting employment and skills in the sectors concerned. In late 2025, BCF loans were distributed among the following sectors:

Moreover, the Bank’s activities indirectly favour the development of professional skills, notably in the construction, energy, services and innovation sectors, by supporting local companies whose growth generates demand for skilled workers.

BCF’s involvement in providing advice for business transfers and succession is a specific example of its support for the local economy’s resilience. Transferring a business requires extensive preparation, both for the owner and the successor. A Swiss federal study in 2022 found that one in three SMEs disappear because there is no-one to take them over. Company successions are too often unplanned and start too late, when the owner is ready for retirement. Transferring ownership of a company is thus fundamental to upholding the economic fabric and the many jobs depending on it. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge of businesses in the canton, BCF’s advisors can anticipate these changes and work on ensuring the continuity of these companies.

BCF also offers financing whenever possible and customised advice to start-ups in the canton. It is one of the principal partners of the Canton of Fribourg’s FRI-UP 2.0 strategy, which aims to maximise value-added in the canton through start-ups. Fri Up is the official support body for starting a business in the Canton of Fribourg. A BCF advisor visits the Fri Up offices 5-6 times a year. BCF supports lunches for start-ups, normally held four times a year, in the “Safe Gallery” hall provided for the occasion. The Bank is also involved in financing assistance platforms, for example via the company Capital Risque Fribourg. Founded in 1998 on the initiative of the State of Fribourg, Banque Cantonale de Fribourg, Groupe E and the State of Fribourg staff pension fund, Capital Risque Fribourg supports the development and continuation of start-ups in the canton and is financed by capital investments and convertible loans.

The Canton of Fribourg benefits directly from BCF’s success. In 2025, the Bank assumed its full role as a contributor by paying CHF 84.2 million to the canton, municipalities and parishes. This includes compensation for the State guarantee, interest on endowment capital and taxes. In addition, the vast majority of BCF employees live in the Canton of Fribourg and pay taxes there, thus making an additional contribution to the public finances of the municipalities concerned.

To minimise negative impacts along the supply chain, BCF takes sustainability criteria into account in its purchasing processes. Wherever possible, it gives preference to suppliers located in its area of operations, thereby actively supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises. Whether purchasing products or awarding mandates, environmental, social and economic considerations related to sustainable development are always taken into account.