About SMG Swiss Marketplace Group
SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG (SMG) is a pioneering network of online marketplaces and a cutting-edge digital company that simplifies lives by connecting and empowering millions of people to make efficient and informed decisions.
Through our platforms, we cater to both business and private customers, offering innovative solutions to buy and sell second-hand items, discover real estate and vehicles, compare financial services, and make sustainable choices. We serve the Swiss market with a team of over 930 employees1 across six countries2 as at 31 December 2024, and are committed to delivering seamless experiences that promote efficiency and sustainability. SMG is a private limited company under Swiss law.
Our values
Our values of being better together, aiming high, and acting responsibly guide us in caring for the environment and supporting our employees.
Our business model
At the core of our business model, we provide customers with the digital tools to support their business or life decisions by digitally connecting supply and demand. The use of data, technical expertise, and insights, combined with sustainability-related information, means that our customers can make more responsible choices. Circularity is at the heart of some of our business models, such as our Swiss second-hand marketplaces, Ricardo, tutti.ch, and anibis.ch. While the circular economy currently represents only a small portion of the Swiss economy, its growth is essential for conserving finite resources and reducing waste.
Many of our marketplaces have enjoyed commercial success over the years, and we have integrated additional platforms to further enhance our portfolio and services for our users. Collectively, these platforms are structured into four distinct business units: Real Estate, Automotive, General Marketplaces, and Finance & Insurance:
- Real Estate: We offer leading digital platforms that simplify property rental and sales, search and management, as well as tools and services. Our brands in this area include ImmoScout24, Homegate, Flatfox, alle-immobilien.ch, Immostreet.ch, home.ch, Publimmo, Acheter-Louer.ch, CASASOFT, and IAZI.
- Automotive: We connect buyers and sellers through our Automotive marketplaces, offering a wide range of vehicle options. This business unit includes AutoScout24 and MotoScout24.
- General Marketplaces: We provide online platforms where users can buy and sell a variety of used goods and services. Our brands include anibis.ch, tutti.ch, and Ricardo.
- Finance & Insurance: We offer comprehensive financial tools and services to help users navigate, compare, and manage finance and insurance solutions. This business unit includes FinanceScout24 and moneyland.ch.
About the report
The report on non-financial matters of SMG and its subsidiaries3 (sustainability report) has been prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and in compliance with the requirements of Article 964b of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO). Next to the law on transparency on non-financial matters, the Ordinance on Due Diligence and Transparency in relation to Minerals and Metals from Conflict-Affected Areas and Child Labour (DDTrO) entered into force in January 2023.4 In line with this, we conducted a targeted review of potential child labour risks across our value chain, as detailed in the Identifying risks section.
Additionally, the report aligns with the Swiss Ordinance on Climate Disclosures by applying the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which have been integrated where relevant.
The sustainability report, including material topics, is reviewed and approved by the Sustainability Steering Committee (Sustainability SteerCo), the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and the Board of Directors (BoD). The BoD approved the issuance of this report on 27 June 2025. This report covers the reporting period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.
SMG is the ultimate parent company. The sustainability report fully consolidates information from all directly or indirectly controlled subsidiaries, subject to specific scope limitations. In 2024, SMG held no affiliates, minority interests or joint ventures. The Methodology and approach to emissions and energy calculation and Employee data methodology and operational boundaries sections detail the major limitations, while individual report sections address minor scope exclusions.
We collect data from all sites on a regular basis, using standardised procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy across our operations. All information and data have been internally verified, without external assurance. For further information, including contact details for questions or comments about this report, please refer to the Appendix.
Our sustainability strategy focuses on enabling long-term value creation. Supported by four key pillars, this approach engages all SMG teams, with each employee contributing to our goals.
Pillar 1: Leading with integrity
We embrace ethical standards, governance, and transparency. The Sustainability Team, supported by Sustainability Champions across business units, drives the strategy, implements the roadmap, raises awareness, and actively engages employees. The Sustainability SteerCo, overseen by the BoD, monitors progress, helping ensure ethics and trust.
Pillar 2: Securing our digital future
We prioritise cybersecurity and data protection to build trust with our customers and stakeholders.
Our comprehensive security strategy is supported by resilient systems and processes to protect against threats. Data protection is also deeply integrated into our operations, aimed at ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding sensitive information with precision and care.
All employees play a role in maintaining high standards of security and trust. For this, awareness is crucial. We train employees and alert our customers to recognise cyber risks and adhere to data protection standards. Additionally, we collaborate with industry partners and Swiss authorities to support a cyber-resilient and secure digital landscape in Switzerland.
Pillar 3: Empowering our employees
We foster an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute. SMG offers a flexible, people-first environment, encouraging ownership and autonomy. We support growth through culture training, leadership development, and regular feedback aligned with our values.
Pillar 4: Driving positive impact
We focus on climate action, responsible consumption, and community support to create meaningful change. Our comprehensive carbon dioxide (CO₂) measurement across SMG guides our net-zero targets and drives our decarbonisation strategy.
In mid-2023, we conducted our first Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) with the support of an external consultancy. During the process, we gathered insights via surveys, desktop research, and direct interviews with different stakeholders, identified as most relevant considering our business operations. These included employees, customers, peers, suppliers, business partners, management, and shareholders.
The extensive topic list was informed by sustainability standards and frameworks such as the GRI Standards, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The final selection of topics was assessed by SMG’s Sustainability Team and Sustainability SteerCo, who participated in two dedicated workshops to review potential and actual impacts, considering business materiality, opportunities, risks, and real business cases.
As a result, an initial matrix was developed, highlighting key impacts and risks. The output was refined through interviews with the ELT. Lastly, a final validation was carried out by our ELT and, in April 2024, our BoD approved the first DMA.
In 2024, the Sustainability Team reassessed the DMA through desk research and peer benchmarking. The goal was to ensure that the materiality topics remained valid and to consider any potential new material topics arising, from regulatory changes or other developments. We conducted an in-depth analysis of Artificial Intelligence (AI), recognising its potential for significant impact. Structured interviews were held with the leaders at SMG responsible for security and AI, examining its implications for our business model and decarbonisation target, concluding that AI is not a material topic for 2024 from a sustainability perspective.
We are committed to addressing the seven material topics we have identified across all areas of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG), managing them with the aim to protect and enhance value for our stakeholders while actively contributing to positive societal and environmental impacts. These topics are addressed throughout the report within their dedicated sections, outlining the associated policies, risks, actions taken, and performance measures, in line with the GRI 3-3 disclosure for managing material topics.
Our materiality assessment deemed risks related to human rights and combating corruption less critical to our business and sustainability. However, we report in a reduced form on basic concepts, measures, risks, and performance indicators, thereby complying with Art. 964b of the CO. We acknowledge that their relevance may change over time and remain vigilant in addressing emerging issues and risks.
Governance at SMG is established through a robust framework. This framework encompasses key policies and guidelines, such as our Code of Conduct (CoC), compliance regulation, organisational regulations, and our Competency Policy, which includes clear guidance on financial authority. Together, these shape our commitment to responsible business conduct. Both the BoD, under the leadership of an independent chairman, and the ELT operate under clear organisational regulations with transparent corporate governance practices that ensure efficient allocation of responsibilities.
Board of Directors (BoD)
- Provides oversight for the sustainability strategy and approves the sustainability ambition level, emissions reductions targets, and necessary guidelines and policies.
- Delegates the strategic implementation to the ELT, the Sustainability SteerCo, and the Sustainability Team.
- Reviews and approves the outcome of the DMA, material topics, and the disclosures of the annual sustainability report.
- Receives updates on key sustainability developments at least twice a year.
- Receives updates on key sustainability risks as part of the annual update of SMG’s risk landscape.
Risk and Audit Committee (RAC)
- Acts as a preparatory committee focusing, among other areas, on audit, compliance, general finance-related topics, and risk management, including sustainability-related risks.
Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
- Responsible for embedding the sustainability strategy into operational practices, considering the Sustainability SteerCo’s recommendations.
- Reviews and approves the outcome of the DMA and material topics.
- Delegates the detailed development and implementation of the sustainability strategy to the Sustainability Team and receives updates at least twice a year.
Sustainability Steering Committee (Sustainability SteerCo)
- Led by the Chief Corporate Officer (CCO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with representation from Directors across all business units, and other internal stakeholders from key functions.
- Acts as a first panel for strategy and decisions to enhance sustainability impact and integration within the business.
- Supports the integration of sustainability initiatives throughout all levels and business units, and ensures accountability and progress on the sustainability roadmap.
Our Sustainability Team, led by the Head of Corporate Sustainability, is mandated with the development and implementation of the sustainability strategy, including risk mitigation measures and initiatives. Working with the Sustainability Reporting Manager, the team ensures accurate sustainability reporting and facilitates the Sustainability SteerCo meetings for project alignment with executive goals. To embed sustainability throughout SMG, the Sustainability Team works with external partners and engages with external stakeholders on a regular basis. Internally, the team works closely with SMG’s Sustainability Champions from different departments and business units, who drive engagement and support the implementation of the sustainability roadmap. This structure facilitates clear communication and accountability, supporting the effective integration of sustainability across all levels of the organisation.
In 2024, the highest governing bodies received not only regular information but also participated in targeted educational sessions on sustainability topics. These sessions, facilitated by an external consulting firm, covered the relevance of sustainability in the business context, with a special focus on TCFD and net-zero commitments. As part of broader efforts to build internal sustainability expertise, one ELT member also completed a multi-day Business Sustainability Programme at the University of Cambridge.
Currently, remuneration for members of the Board or management is not linked to climate-related performance metrics. As our sustainability strategy continues to evolve, we plan to regularly review the alignment between ESG objectives and incentive structures.
As part of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process, risks are systematically identified, assessed, and suitable mitigation measures are recorded. The process is based on an annual, comprehensive update of the risk landscape and a subsequent mid-year update of the risks identified as pivotal in the annual update. Risks identified as pivotal are reported bi-annually to the RAC and annually to the BoD.
The identification and assessment of risks and the recording of mitigation measures are carried out in an iterative process between Risk Sponsors (ELT members) and Risk Champions (subject matter experts familiar with the ERM process). The process and risk reporting are coordinated by Group Finance (Central Services).
Following the TCFD’s recommendations to support the assessment and management of climate risks and opportunities, we integrated processes in 2024 for the BoD to oversee climate-related risks, which are integrated into the existing ERM framework, as well as climate-related opportunities. Other sustainability-related topics, such as social issues, employee-related matters, human rights, and corruption, have long been embedded into our risk assessment processes. Following our established ERM process, these risks were analysed based on their likelihood and impact for SMG.
These risks and respective mitigation measures are addressed throughout this report and specifically, climate risks are considered in our sustainability strategy, reinforcing our commitment to responsible risk management and long-term resilience.
It’s important to note that available data and risk management models, both in general and for our industry, are still evolving and currently have limited predictive capability. We are actively working to improve our own data quality and refine our methodologies to gain deeper insights into potential sustainability and climate-related risks. This includes improving our understanding of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions data within our operations and supply chain, and advancing our financial impact assessment to better evaluate material exposure.