Banque Cantonale du Valais (BCVs), a public limited company, is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX). It provides a range of services as a universal bank and contributes towards the smooth development of the Valais’ economy within the limits of prudential rules and regulations in the banking industry. As a focused and dynamic establishment, BCVs forges its success thanks to a corporate culture founded on optimising profits on the back of sustainable long-standing partnerships with its shareholders, staff, clients and the economy of its home Canton of Valais. Its human added value, exemplified by the skills and responsibility-taking of each and every member of its staff, form the solid platform for its expansion strategy. 

HISTORY

Banque Cantonale du Valais was founded in 1917. As a public-sector bank wholly owned by the State of Valais, BCVs benefited when it was set up from the guarantee on all of its liabilities furnished by its sole owner. The Bank has contributed considerably to economic expansion in the Canton of Valais, being involved in all the major building and construction projects that have transformed the Canton from the primarily farming-based Valais of yesteryear to the multi-faceted economy in the 21st century.BCVs has also left its stamp on the construction of international transport links, rehabilitation work in the Rhone valley-plain, the modernisation and intensification of farming, the expansion of tourism and the building of dams. After operating for 75 years as a public-sector entity, BCVs was converted as of 1st January 1993 into a public limited company, with its share capital being opened up to ownership by the general public. It was the first cantonal bank in Switzerland to ‘go public’ in this way.

INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS 

Banque Cantonale du Valais does not enjoy any privileged status – indeed, quite the opposite, as it is subject to unfettered competition in an industry that is very heavily regulated. BCVs has, in fact, managed to impose its distinctive brand and name, both fully consistent with the traditions of its past, its business activities and its setting.The Bank’s positioning in the market-place is clear and original at the same time, founded on its boldness and its defence of its roots. BCVs is unmistakably anchored in the Canton of Valais, its ‘neighbourhood’ status is acknowledged and much appreciated, and its legitimacy and its identity stoutly defended. Being the only Valais bank does not mean that BCVs is not fully integrated into a globalised industry and system. Banque Cantonale du Valais’ identity is cemented in its competence, longevity, proximity and sustainability. These key features infuse its day-to-day activities, with their relevance confirmed by the impressive progress in the Bank’s profits in recent years.

CORPORATE CULTURE

Banque Cantonale du Valais pursues a corporate strategy fully consistent with its specific characteristics. BCVs’ disciplined approach to management, based on modern precepts of corporate governance, is tangible, for instance, in the constant control exerted over risks and costs. As part of its business goals, the Bank strives to generate quality growth and optimal profitability so as to deliver sustainable profits. This quality-driven expansion strategy aims to safeguard the Bank’s financial longevity, cover risks inherent in business operations, set aside adequate reserves, guarantee an appropriate return on capital available and, lastly, provide jobs.Risk-taking and risk management form an integral part of the Bank’s business activities and, in the BCVs’ view, optimum risk management is a key factor of its success. BCVs’ staff constitute an essential resource. The Bank’s employees have consistently demonstrated their entrepreneurial drive. Each employee in their respective area of activity is responsible for the business affairs of their Bank. Everyone in the Bank today is required to deliver added value which comes in the form of a positive attitude, imagination and the formulation of original solutions: in a nutshell, our staff are keen, creative and involved.

BUSINESS LINES

Banque Cantonale du Valais has a balance-sheet total of 12.4 billion Swiss francs , giving it a cornerstone position in the Canton of Valais’ banking landscape thanks to a market share of roughly 30%. Its workforce numbers some 512, making it one of the most important employers in the Canton. 

The creation of homogenous departments has enabled BCVs to put forward a versatile range of services, excellent follow-up arrangements and an array of quality and individualised advisory services.BCVs operates as a retail bank, an asset-management bank (for individual and institutional clients) and a commercial bank, operating via a broad network of sales outlets spread across the whole Canton of Valais (23 branches, 45 representative offices and 72 Bancomat ATMs, 11 Versomat ATMs). Moreover, in accordance with its multi-channel distribution strategy, BCVs can provide clients with comprehensive electronic banking services, basic telephone-based banking as well as a vast network of consultants. Regionally, business is split up into five areas: Haut-Valais (literally Upper Valais), Sierre, Sion, Martigny and Monthey.

CONSISTENT AND RELEVANT STRATEGY

The quality of assets, cost discipline, diversification of revenue sources and bolstering of equity together have made up the key planks of BCVs’ framework strategy for a number of years now. Operations-wise, the Bank’s management has twin goals: pressing ahead with improving profitability and increasing the volumes of lending to clients and deposits under management.