An independent director is neither an officer nor an employee of the company and does not represent the interests of individual shareholders or groups of shareholders. He or she is chosen for his or her own competence. Depending on his or her experience and qualifications, he or she can provide the Board of Directors with enrichment or additional insights, for example as a legal specialist, in the field of governance or in financial control.

Under the pressure of changing corporate governance rules and regulatory requirements, the use of independent directors is increasing. According to the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance, the board of directors should consist of a majority of independent members.

One of the partners of Forty-Four Avocats has a proven track record as an independent director in the fields of asset management, banking and retirement funds.