Summary
The Federal Council decided on January 14, 2026, that Mirjam Staub-Bisang will be appointed as the new Board Chair of SIFEM (Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets) effective June 1, 2026. She succeeds Jörg Frieden, who is stepping down after eight years in office. Staub-Bisang brings extensive management experience from her work at BlackRock Switzerland and international investment committees. The appointment will be formally confirmed at the General Assembly on May 5, 2026. SIFEM invests in sustainably operating companies in developing and emerging markets and manages over one billion US dollars in active commitments.
People
- Mirjam Staub-Bisang – new Board Chair
- Jörg Frieden – outgoing Board Chair
- Federal Council – decision-making body
Topics
- Leadership change in development finance
- Sustainable investments in emerging markets
- Governance and strategic development
- Mobilization of private capital
Detailed Summary
Background of the Appointment
The Swiss Federal Council has decided on the succession arrangement at SIFEM. Jörg Frieden will end his tenure as Board Chair at the end of May 2026 after eight years in office since 2018. Under his leadership, SIFEM experienced strong growth in its investment portfolio and strengthened impact measurement. The Federal Council commends his strategic foresight and commitment.
Qualifications of the New Chair
Mirjam Staub-Bisang has many years of experience in strategic leadership and sustainable investing. She was Country Head of BlackRock Switzerland and is currently Board Chair. Additionally, she holds several high-profile positions: as Board Member of Swiss Sustainable Finance and the Swiss Asset Management Association, as Member of the Investment Committee of British International Investment, and as Trustee of the Forum of Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum. Her extensive network in the national and international financial sector is considered a significant advantage for leading SIFEM.
Timeline and Formalities
The formal election will take place at SIFEM's General Assembly on May 5, 2026. Staub-Bisang will assume office on June 1, 2026. The transition is thus structured and planned.
SIFEM Context
SIFEM is the federal government's development finance company and strategically invests in high-growth, sustainably operating companies in developing and emerging markets. The investment volume has grown to over one billion US dollars in active commitments. The institution contributes to the creation of dignified jobs, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic development. Given limited public funds, the mobilization of private capital is increasingly important, creating new demands on governance and strategic alignment.
Key Messages
- Personnel Change: Mirjam Staub-Bisang takes over the presidency of SIFEM from Jörg Frieden on June 1, 2026
- Expertise: Staub-Bisang brings management experience from BlackRock and international investment committees
- Growth: SIFEM manages over 1 billion USD in active commitments
- Strategic Challenge: Governance and mobilization of private capital require further development
- Development Impact: SIFEM contributes to poverty reduction and sustainable development
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Stakeholder | Role/Impact |
|---|---|
| SIFEM | Benefits from experienced leadership and international network |
| Invested Companies | Can benefit from strengthened governance and strategy development |
| Developing and Emerging Markets | Beneficiaries of investments and capital inflows |
| Swiss Federal Council | Uses SIFEM as an instrument of development policy |
| Private Capital Sources | New mobilization opportunities through strategic realignment |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Strengthening of international networks through Staub-Bisang's portfolio | Transition phases may lead to continuity gaps |
| Expertise in sustainable investing aligns with SIFEM's mission | External expectations for rapid strategic transformation |
| Mobilization of additional private capital through network | Market volatility affects investment returns |
| Improvement of impact measurement and governance | Dependence on global financial market trends |
Action Relevance
For the Federal Council and SIFEM:
- Ensuring a smooth transition process until June 2026
- Clear communication of strategic priorities under new leadership
- Monitoring progress in private capital mobilization
For Investors and Partners:
- Monitoring of strategic realignment from summer 2026 onwards
- Clarification of governance changes and their implications
- Understanding of expanded network effects through Staub-Bisang's positions
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and data from press release verified
- [x] Dates and positions verified
- [x] No unconfirmed data identified
- [x] Sources correctly attributed
Supplementary Research
- SIFEM Annual Report 2024/2025 – Detailed investment statistics and impact metrics
- Swiss Federal Statistical Office (BFS) – Swiss development finance statistics
- World Economic Forum – Young Global Leaders – Context on Staub-Bisang's international networks
Bibliography
Primary Source:
Press Release of the Swiss Federal Council – "Mirjam Staub-Bisang Becomes New Board Chair of SIFEM" (January 14, 2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/WEeczzNJiWUl2F-vFOsOi
Supplementary Sources:
- SIFEM – Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (Official Website)
- BlackRock Switzerland – Company Overview
- Swiss Sustainable Finance – Membership Information
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 14, 2026
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Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Checking: January 14, 2026