AXA LPP Foundation Suisse Romande, which is based in Winterthur, takes care of occupational benefits (retirement, survivors’, and disability benefits) for AXA customers. It was established in July 12, 1984 from the former “Winterthur” Life Insurance Company and originally named “Winterthur” Foundation for Mandatory Occupational Benefits. Since then, it has offered occupational insurance solutions for companies.
Both the founder and the Foundation have had various name changes since the establishment of the Foundation: “Winterthur-Columna LPP Foundation” became “AXA LPP Foundation” and was subsequently renamed “AXA LPP Foundation Suisse Romande” in 2008. However, it has always had a strong focus on French-speaking Switzerland. Even though the Foundation's registered office was transferred from Lausanne to Winterthur in 2012, the deed of foundation explicitly states that its area of operation is French-speaking Switzerland.
Until the end of 2018, AXA LPP Foundation Suisse Romande was a full-value insurance solution. At the start of 2019, it became a semi-autonomous foundation. Since the transformation, AXA LPP Foundation Suisse Romande has not only borne the responsibility for investing its assets, it also provides retirement and surviving dependents’ benefits independently. Companies and their employees benefit from the increased freedom in defining the investment strategy, through attractive pension benefits thanks to the above-average interest on retirement assets and very attractive terms.
Given its roots, AXA LPP Foundation Suisse Romande gives priority to ensuring that its strategy meets the needs of companies in French-speaking Switzerland and their employees. A key focus of the Board of Trustees is enabling the Foundation to offer beneficiaries attractive pension benefits.
The Foundation's solid structure is the cornerstone of this strategic objective. The Board of Trustees of AXA LPP Foundation Suisse Romande endeavors to achieve a balanced age structure in its portfolio of insureds as well as a balanced structure of retirement assets within the Foundation.
The Board of Trustees is the highest governing body of AXA LPP Foundation Suisse Romande and is therefore responsible for the overall management of the pension fund. It ensures compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements, defines the strategic principles and objectives and how they are to be met. It also defines the organization of the pension fund, is responsible for its financial stability, and oversees management.
Management is responsible for the administration of the pension fund and for coordinating all departments. The management is not represented on the Board of Directors but reports directly to it. The management attends meetings of the Board of Trustees and committee meetings in an advisory capacity. Details of its tasks and competencies are set out in the Foundation's Regulations.
The Board of Trustees of AXA LPP Foundation Suisse Romande is elected every four years. It has six members and is comprised of an equal number of employer and employee representatives. The Board of Trustees is the Foundation's most senior governance body. Its actions are based on the needs of the beneficiaries.
For the current term of office from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, the six members of the Board of Trustees are:
The Board of Trustees has set up two specialist committees to work on investment issues, monitor business on the basis of the resolutions of the Board of Trustees, and prepare decisions: the Investment Committee and an advisory office. Where necessary, the Board of Trustees can also call on the expertise of other specialists.
The Investment Committee comprises members of the Board of Trustees. It is responsible for implementing the investment strategy defined by the Board of Trustees. It also oversees the liquidity and investment plan and drafts the investment regulations.
The advisory office comprises members of the Board of Trustees. It oversees compliance with the statutory and contractual conditions and the regulations. Its role is advisory.
The management represents the Foundation in external matters and is the operational representative of the Foundation.
