Our Take on BLKB iQ Responsible Equity Switzerland B
100% Swiss stocks in your 3a. Nestle, Roche, Novartis, and beyond.
BLKB iQ Responsible Equity Switzerland B ranks #10 among 67 3a investment funds in Switzerland. It's a pure Swiss equity play: 100% invested in Switzerland's listed companies with ESG screening. If you believe in the Swiss economy and want your retirement savings concentrated in familiar names, this is the most focused way to do it.
How Does the Return Stack Up?
Three-year return: +30.63%. Five-year return: +35.54%. For a Switzerland-only fund, these are respectable numbers, though they trail global funds significantly. BLKB's sister fund (World ex Switzerland) returned +65.87% over five years. The Swiss market simply hasn't kept pace with global growth.
The 0.34% TER is reasonable for a single-country equity fund. No flat fee on top means your total cost is just 0.34%, which is actually cheaper than VIAC or frankly. But lower fees only help if the returns are competitive.
What Actually Stands Out
Zero currency risk. Everything is in Swiss francs. Your retirement savings aren't affected by dollar or euro fluctuations. For risk-averse investors who still want equity growth, this eliminates one entire category of volatility.
CHF 561 million in assets shows serious institutional confidence. The BLKB cantonal bank backing provides state-guaranteed stability. The ESG screening applies Swiss sustainability standards, excluding companies that don't meet environmental, social, and governance criteria while maintaining broad Swiss market coverage.
What Most Reviews Miss
Switzerland's stock market is heavily concentrated. Nestle, Roche, and Novartis alone represent roughly 50% of the Swiss Market Index. Your 3a isn't really diversified across hundreds of companies; it's a bet on three healthcare and food giants with some smaller companies on the side.
If you already work in Switzerland, earn in CHF, own Swiss real estate, and have your second pillar invested domestically, adding a Swiss-only 3a fund concentrates your entire financial life in one country. Global diversification exists precisely to avoid this kind of single-country risk.
The Bottom Line
A solid choice if you deliberately want Swiss market exposure without currency risk. The low TER and cantonal bank backing are genuine advantages. But for most investors, global diversification provides better long-term risk-adjusted returns. See the full comparison in our best 3a investment funds in Switzerland guide.
Verdict: Best for investors who specifically want pure Swiss equity exposure and accept the concentration risk that comes with it.
Pros
- Low total costs (0.34% p.a.)
- Strong 5-year performance (+35.5%)
- No custody fee
- Large fund size (stable)
Cons
- High stock allocation = more volatility
- No swing pricing protection
Product Details
At a Glance
- 100% stocks allocation
- TER: 0.34%
- Passive/Index strategy
- No custody fee
Fund Details & Allocation
Fund Details & Allocation
Asset Allocation
Stocks
100%
Bonds
0%
Investment Strategy
Passively-managed fund
Fund Size
CHF 561M
Depositary Bank
UBS
Swing Pricing
No
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
TER
0.34%
Custody Fee
Free
Performance Over Time
Historical performance of this investment fund. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
1 Year
+2.8%
3 Years
+30.6%
5 Years
+35.5%
Retirement Projection
Based on max. contribution of CHF 7’258/year, age 30 to 65 (35 years), starting from CHF 0.
Compare to Similar Products
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum annual Pillar 3a contribution?
- For employees with a pension fund, the maximum is CHF 7,258 per year (2025). Self-employed without a pension fund can contribute up to 20% of net income, max CHF 35,288. These amounts are fully tax-deductible.
- What are the tax benefits of this Pillar 3a product?
- Contributions to BLKB iQ Responsible Equity Switzerland B are fully deductible from your taxable income. Interest and returns grow tax-free. You only pay tax at a reduced rate when you withdraw at retirement.
- Can I transfer to BLKB iQ Responsible Equity Switzerland B from another provider?
- Yes, you can transfer your 3a balance to BLKB iQ Responsible Equity Switzerland B at any time without tax consequences, and Cantonal Bank of Basel-Landschaft (BLKB) charges no transfer or closure fee.
- Should I choose a savings account or investment fund for my 3a?
- Savings accounts offer guaranteed returns with zero risk — ideal if you're close to retirement. Investment funds provide higher growth potential but with market risk — ideal for 10+ year horizons. Many Swiss residents split their contributions between both.
- Is the performance of BLKB iQ Responsible Equity Switzerland B guaranteed?
- No, investment fund returns are not guaranteed. Past performance of +35.5% over 5 years does not guarantee future results. Your capital can fluctuate with markets.
How We Rated This Product
BLKB iQ Responsible Equity Switzerland B was evaluated as a product using our weighted scoring system.
Ratings are updated monthly based on the latest available data. All products are evaluated using the same methodology.
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Open the BLKB iQ Responsible Equity Switzerland B today and start enjoying its benefits.