Swiss Independent Wealth Management Blog
Explore a curated selection of my LinkedIn posts, along with recent publications and industry insights on independent wealth management in Switzerland.
The collection brings together perspectives from across the Swiss private banking and independent advisory landscape, from family offices to regulated wealth managers. Together, they trace how client service, investment strategy and long-term stewardship have evolved in Switzerland’s financial centre.
Some reflections reached a broad audience. Others were shared during quieter periods, such as the holidays. Yet they continue to offer enduring insights into Swiss wealth management and independent advisory practice.
What began as a personal archive has grown into a resource. It illustrates the values and expertise behind independent wealth management in Switzerland.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the VAPA Swiss Independent Wealth Management Blog posts on this page are my own. They do not necessarily represent the views of any institution or organisation I may be associated with. These posts share personal insights and perspectives. They should not be read as official statements or positions of affiliated entities.
Independent Wealth Management in Switzerland: How It Works
Independent wealth managers in Switzerland work without house products or sales targets. They choose the custodian bank, funds and managers that fit each client. As a result, advice starts with the client rather than with a product campaign. Clients also keep the same adviser over the long term, instead of being handed over after each reorganisation. Under the Financial Institutions Act (FinIA), these firms need a FINMA licence and are supervised by a supervisory organisation. To learn how they work in practice, read our guide to independent wealth managers in Switzerland.
Multibanking for HNWI and UHNWI in Switzerland
Multibanking means spreading assets across several banks. For wealthy clients, this reduces dependence on a single institution. Securities in custody are held separately from a bank's own assets. Cash deposits, however, are only protected up to CHF 100,000 per bank. Multibanking also gives access to the strengths of different banks, for example in lending, research or specific markets. On the other hand, more banks also mean more statements to track. That is why consolidated reporting is essential. Learn more in our guide on multibanking for HNWI and UHNWI.
Movies Every Banker Should Watch
Some of the best lessons about finance come from film. Dramas about Wall Street and the financial crisis show how greed, pressure and weak risk control play out. Documentaries add the real background. For bankers, these films are entertainment, but also a reminder of what is at stake when trust is lost. Our list of movies every banker should watch brings together the most relevant titles.
The Pricing Myth: Are Independent Wealth Managers More Expensive?
Many clients assume that an independent wealth manager costs more than a private bank. After all, they pay two parties: the custodian bank and the manager. In practice, the picture is often different. Custodian banks frequently grant better terms to clients of independent managers, because the manager brings many accounts. What matters is the total cost, not a single fee. Our guide comparing fees of private banks and independent wealth managers shows how the two models stack up.
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From Private Banker to Independent Wealth Manager
Thinking about leaving a private bank? Our complete guide explains why relationship managers go independent and what to check in your contract before you resign. It also shows how compensation works at independent firms, from revenue sharing to partnership models. In addition, it outlines a realistic timeline for the move. Read the full guide from private banker to independent wealth manager, or compare compensation models for relationship managers in detail.
Bank hopping is usually discussed as a banker's career move. This is the client's side: when switching pays, what it costs, and the third option most people miss.
Every independent wealth manager has a merger in their origin story. The founding data confirms part of it, refuses to confirm the rest, and makes the Credit Suisse wave a
In wealth management, the next generation is often the most overlooked person in the room. Yet trust forms long before ownership changes hands.
How to Become a Wealth Manager in Switzerland
Many independent wealth managers in Switzerland begin their careers at a bank. There they build three things: solid training, recognised certifications and lasting client relationships. Under FinSA, client advisers must know the rules of conduct and have the expertise their role requires. In addition, a strong network opens doors to firms, custodian banks and future partners. Only then does independence become a realistic step. Read our guide on how to become a wealth manager in Switzerland for the full career path.
Custodian Banks
Switzerland's unique financial ecosystem creates an ideal environment for wealth management, making it a prime location for custodian banks to collaborate with independent wealth managers. These strategic partnerships drive innovation and expand revenue opportunities. Additionally, they strengthen market positions for both parties involved. To dive deeper into how custodian banks and independent wealth managers work together, explore our detailed guide on custodian banks for independent wealth managers.
The Open Platform Advantage
An open platform gives independent wealth managers free choice on three levels. They can work with several custodian banks and select investment products from many providers. They can also add specialised services, such as consolidated reporting. As a result, each part of the setup is chosen on merit rather than by ownership. Our overview of the open platform advantage explains how these three levels work together.
Open Architecture vs. Proprietary Investment Products
Open architecture means selecting investment products from many providers, not only from your own bank. Proprietary products are the bank's in-house funds and certificates. They can be convenient and well integrated. However, the bank also earns on the product itself, which can create a conflict of interest. With open architecture, an adviser can compare providers and choose what fits each client best. For a detailed comparison, read our guide on open architecture vs. proprietary investment products.
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Client Lunch Guide for Wealth Managers
Client lunches are a key part of relationship building in wealth management. However, not every good restaurant works for a client meeting. You need quiet tables with enough distance for confidential talk, reliable service and a location close to the office. Our client lunch guide for wealth management hubs lists venues that meet these standards for private banking professionals.
Top Watches for Swiss Wealth Managers
For wealth managers, a watch is part of the first impression. In private banking, however, understatement usually works better than display. A watch that is too loud can send the wrong signal to clients who value discretion. The right choice shows quality and craftsmanship without drawing attention to itself. Our selection of top watches for wealth managers presents eight timepieces that strike this balance.
Personalised Wealth Management Service
Personalised service means more than a friendly adviser. It starts with the client's situation: tax residence, family, liquidity needs and attitude to risk. On this basis, adviser and client agree on a mandate, either discretionary or advisory. Under FinSA, the adviser must also check that each investment suits the client. In addition, the strategy is reviewed whenever the client's life changes. Read our guide on personalised service in wealth management to see how this works in practice.
Cars Favoured by Swiss Wealth Managers
For private bankers and wealth managers in Zurich, a car is more than transport. Clients notice what you drive when you arrive for a meeting. A car that is too modest can look careless. However, one that is too flashy can raise questions about fees. Many therefore choose cars that combine quality with restraint, with Porsche as a long-standing favourite. Our guide to wealth managers' top cars shows which models make the list.
5,850 Loyal & Real Followers
More than 80% of my LinkedIn followers work in the financial industry, mainly as wealth managers, private bankers and asset managers. The network has grown over several years through regular posts and direct exchange. Many of the articles on this site first appeared there. Follow me on LinkedIn, or learn about advertising opportunities to reach this audience.