The ISFB Insight Quarterly Print
The magazine for skills development in the banking and financial ecosystem of French-speaking Switzerland
Editorial Guidelines for the “Regards croisés” Members and Partners Section
A special supplement included in the quarterly print magazine *ISFB Insight*, which is distributed to member institutions, this supplement brings together the perspectives of ISFB members and partners on the concept of competencies. The articles in this supplement are available only in the print edition and are not available in *ISFB Insight Online*.
Purpose of this workbook
"Regards croisés" is a column open to ISFB members and partners, featured in the quarterly print edition of ISFB Insight. In each issue, it brings together perspectives from the banking and finance sectors in French-speaking Switzerland on the topic of skills development.
A theme is selected for each quarter. Institutions may submit a related article; in most cases, the editor-in-chief of ISFB Insight reaches out to a member or partner to request a thematic contribution. Each institution’s communications manager is responsible for coordinating the articles. Editorial approval is the responsibility of the ISFB.
A contribution is not a presentation
It is important to distinguish between a contribution and a presentation. A contribution is based on proven practice or a firm conviction, and draws a generalizable conclusion from it. A presentation highlights a product, an in-house solution, or a sales achievement.
The journal accepts the former and rejects the latter, in all its forms—both direct and indirect. No product names, no market figures, no offers. One simple test is enough to verify this before submission: would this text remain publishable, almost verbatim, under the byline of another institution? If so, it speaks to competence. If not, it speaks to its author—and goes beyond the scope of the journal.
Formats
Two formats are available.
Full page: 600 words / 3,900 characters (including spaces), including 40 words / 275 characters (including spaces) for the lead
Half-page: 225 words / 1,500 characters (including spaces), of which 20 words / 150 characters (including spaces) are for the lead
The text is written in French, in a simple and clear style. The format is determined by the editorial staff, based on the available space and the overall balance of the issue.
Signature
Each contribution concludes with a standardized byline: institution, author’s first and last name, title, and a neutral introductory line of about fifteen words. Commercial logos are not permitted. The institution’s name is set in the magazine’s typeface to maintain the publication’s consistency.
Neutrality and Sources
The ISFB places particular importance on the neutrality of its content. Political, ideological, or economic positions that could spark controversy or commit the ISFB to issues that do not align with its mission are excluded. Contributions should be written in a measured and respectful tone. When citing works, models, or publications, sources must be cited in the text using APA style. Plagiarism is, of course, strictly prohibited.
Validation and Rights
Each submission is subject to editorial review. The ISFB reserves the right to reject a text, request revisions, or make editorial changes directly—including changing the title—to ensure consistency with its editorial policy.
Published articles become the property of the ISFB; the institution is authorized to reproduce the articles it has authored in its own publications, provided it cites their publication in ISFB Insight and includes the issue number. Authors may list “ISFB Insight Contributor” on their LinkedIn profiles. Publication in an issue does not confer any automatic right to have subsequent articles published.
Contact
Editor-in-Chief of ISFB Insight: Mathias Baitan, acting