Our Take on BLKB iQ Responsible Equity World ex Switzerland B
+65.87% over five years. The highest absolute return of any 3a fund on our list.
BLKB iQ Responsible Equity World ex Switzerland B ranks #8 among 67 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: +65.87% over five years versus +51.49% for VIAC Global 100. 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.
Pros
- Low total costs (0.46% p.a.)
- Strong 5-year performance (+65.9%)
- No custody fee
Cons
- High stock allocation = more volatility
- No swing pricing protection
Product Details
At a Glance
- 100% stocks allocation
- TER: 0.46%
- 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 254M
Depositary Bank
UBS
Swing Pricing
No
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
TER
0.46%
Custody Fee
Free
Performance Over Time
Historical performance of this investment fund. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
1 Year
+8.3%
3 Years
+54.2%
5 Years
+65.9%
Retirement Projection
Based on max. contribution of CHF 7’258/year, age 30 to 65 (35 years), starting from CHF 0.
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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 World ex 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 World ex Switzerland B from another provider?
- Yes, you can transfer your 3a balance to BLKB iQ Responsible Equity World ex 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 World ex Switzerland B guaranteed?
- No, investment fund returns are not guaranteed. Past performance of +65.9% over 5 years does not guarantee future results. Your capital can fluctuate with markets.
How We Rated This Product
BLKB iQ Responsible Equity World ex 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 World ex Switzerland B today and start enjoying its benefits.