A reflection from Hong Kong, Singapore, and China
One of the things I value most when travelling – particularly in larger Asian cities – is the sense of personal safety. In Hong Kong, Singapore, and several Chinese cities, I have experienced a calm and order that feels increasingly rare in many parts of the West.
It reminded me of why people once entrusted their money to Switzerland. Not to hide it, but because they believed it would be safe. That trust was not only in banks, but in the broader environment of stability, neutrality, and reliability. Today, I sense something similar in Asia’s global cities – not only as a traveller, but as a professional responsible for protecting clients’ wealth.
Walking through Hong Kong or Guangzhou late at night, I feel no hesitation, no need for defensive caution. Visible structure, social respect, and public presence create a foundation for both personal safety and long-term security. This is also the basis on which wealth can be protected and managed responsibly.
Of course, part of that environment includes modern surveillance, such as cameras, digital monitoring, and facial recognition. For me, these are trade-offs that contribute to safety and predictability in daily life. Europe also monitors, but often in less transparent ways that do not always translate into a tangible sense of security for individuals.
Switzerland should continue to stand for what it has long represented: trust, security, safety, and the safeguarding of assets. Independent wealth managers play a key role in upholding that tradition. By remaining impartial, client-focused, and discreet, we ensure that individuals experience the same security I felt abroad: knowing they are protected, respected, and free to live without constant worry. For clients around the world, that sense of security remains one of Switzerland’s most powerful assets.
Ultimately, security is deeply human – whether it concerns the streets we walk or the wealth we entrust to others.
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