Siebert Williams Shank Impact Report: Volume I
SWS
Impact Report
In this report we delve deep into the core of our firm’s efforts, showcasing recent meaningful strides towards creating a positive impact in our communities. From sustainable practices to community engagement initiatives, we are proud to reflect on our unwavering commitment to driving change and making a difference.
Our ESG Principles
Siebert Williams Shank strives to be a company that benefits its stakeholders—our clients, our employees, our partners, and the many communities within which we live and work. As part of our efforts to conduct business in an ethical manner, we have developed an approach to business that seeks to uphold the following five Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
Respect for the Individual
Our relationship with our employees, customers and business partners is guided by the company’s philosophy of “Integrity, Experience, and Results.” We seek to create an inclusive environment in which each employees’ ambitions and abilities can be developed, as well as a workplace where each individual is respected, is free from harassment and discrimination, and has a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the company’s success.
Business Ethics
Integrity is a critical foundation of a successful and sustainable business. We have worked diligently throughout the history of our company to foster trusting relationships between SWS and its customers, business partners and vendors. Siebert Williams Shank strives to adhere to the highest ethical standards as it pertains to all aspects of its operation. It maintains a robust compliance, supervisory and risk management program.
Environmental Stewardship
SWS has reduced the use of plastic products, recycles materials, conserves resources and energy in all its locations, and purchases carbon offsets from verifiable, trusted, and high impact projects. Our West Coast headquarters are located in a building with LEED Gold and Energy Star Certification and our East Coast headquarters are located in a building with LEED Silver. We work hand-in-hand with the building’s management team to monitor and comply with certain green initiatives including energy, waste and water management.
Diversity and Inclusion
We honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected by law. We support civic and industry organizations that promote the advancement of underserved communities and endorse job opportunities in financial services for women and minorities. The diversity of our senior management, employees and vendors is evidence of our values.
Community Involvement
SWS seeks to create value for society through a broad range of community initiatives, charitable giving, and volunteerism. We support organizations and programs aimed at education, the arts, and creating experiences for young people from underserved communities to achieve their dreams. We are committed to serving the children of our community and have partnered with others to provide a platform for mentoring programs and meaningful one-on-one interactions with SWS employees. This commitment is mirrored by our employees who continuously support worthy institutions in their local communities. Additionally, in 2020, the Siebert Williams Shank Foundation was founded.
The SWS Foundation
The Siebert Williams Shank Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Shank Williams Cisneros (SWC) family of companies. It was established in 2020 with the mission of helping advance equity and equality, particularly in those communities we serve and in which we operate. Among other important causes, the Foundation has made significant contributions for disaster relief in the United States, to end extreme poverty internationally, and to increase access to education and opportunity for disadvantaged communities.
Community Involvement
SWS actively prioritizes ESG principles because it provides a holistic framework that goes beyond financial considerations. By incorporating these principles, we aim to enhance long-term sustainability and contribute to positive societal impact. We celebrate our SWS employees who also value their importance of community involvement and engagement, serving on over 50 boards and organizations.