BLKB iQ Responsible Equity World ex Switzerland B ranks #18 among 122 3a investment funds in Switzerland. This is a pure global equity play that deliberately excludes Swiss stocks. The result? Exposure to the world's biggest growth markets, and a five-year return that dwarfs nearly every competitor. But the 0.46% TER is notably higher than the digital-first providers.
Are the Fees Worth It?
The 0.46% TER is the full cost here, with no additional flat fee from BLKB. Compare that to VIAC's 0.41% total or frankly's 0.44%. You're paying slightly more, but the return differential is massive: +51.8% over five years versus +36.99% for finpension Global 100 and +38.61% for frankly Extreme 95 Index. Note that the fund only exists in USD: these CHF figures are our own conversion at SNB month-end exchange rates, not numbers published by BLKB. The higher return more than compensates for the modest fee premium.
The fund's passive index approach means you're not paying for active management. The 0.46% covers the ESG screening, index licensing, and fund administration. For what you get, it's a fair deal.
What Actually Stands Out
The "ex Switzerland" focus is the key differentiator. By excluding Swiss stocks, you get concentrated exposure to US tech giants, European industrials, and Asian growth companies. In the last five years, global markets (especially US tech) massively outperformed the Swiss market, which explains the return gap.
CHF 254 million in fund assets with ESG screening from BLKB (Basel-Landschaftliche Kantonalbank) provides cantonal bank credibility. As a state-guaranteed cantonal bank, BLKB carries AAA-level counterparty safety. The responsible investment criteria exclude controversial activities while maintaining broad diversification.
What Most Reviews Miss
Excluding Switzerland means zero exposure to Nestle, Roche, and Novartis, three of the world's most defensive stocks. In downturns, Swiss blue chips tend to hold up better than global markets. Your 3a fund won't benefit from that Swiss home bias safety net.
Currency risk is significant. When the Swiss franc strengthens against the dollar and euro (which happens regularly), your global holdings lose value in CHF terms. Over five years, currency movements can add or subtract 5-10% from your return. The strong recent performance partly reflects favorable currency trends.
The Bottom Line
If you want the highest-returning ESG equity fund for your 3a and you're comfortable with global-only exposure, BLKB's fund delivers. The cantonal bank backing adds safety. Just understand you're making a bet on global markets continuing to outperform Switzerland. Browse all options in our Pillar 3a reviews.
Verdict: The best pure global equity 3a fund for investors who want maximum international exposure with ESG criteria.
