Private banking cost Switzerland — an essential topic for affluent investors and UHNWIs evaluating whether private banks or independent wealth managers offer fair value. While the basic management fees may appear similar, the actual difference emerges once transaction frequency and hidden spreads are included. Consequently, 2026 highlights one of the industry’s persistent cost drivers: active trading inside discretionary mandates.
1. Average Private Banking Fees in 2026
Traditional Swiss private banks continue to apply tiered management fees, combined with internal product mark-ups and transaction commissions. Based on a realistic simulation at a leading Swiss cantonal bank (discretionary mandate, moderate turnover), the following averages apply:
| Portfolio Size (AUM) | Private Bank Fee (All-in) | Independent Wealth Manager Fee (All-in) | Cost Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHF 2–5 million | 1.10% – 1.40% | 0.85% – 1.00% | ≈ 10% – 25% lower |
| CHF 5–20 million | 0.95% – 1.20% | 0.75% – 0.90% | ≈ 15% – 25% lower |
| CHF 20 million+ | 0.80% – 1.00% | 0.65% – 0.80% | ≈ 15% – 20% lower |
While the base management fee differences appear minor, the transaction layer — especially in discretionary mandates — often accounts for up to one third of the total annual cost at private banks.
2. Transaction Costs: The True Cost Driver
During a recent live portfolio of a Swiss cantonal bank, an actively managed discretionary mandate revealed striking cost dynamics:
- Turnover: ≈ 90% per year (moderate trading activity)
- Explicit transaction fees: ≈ 0.15%–0.25% of AUM
- Hidden FX spreads and product mark-ups: ≈ 0.25%–0.35%
Combined, these components increased the client’s total cost from a nominal 0.95% management fee to an effective 1.35% all-in rate — before performance-based fees. In contrast, independent wealth managers typically delegate execution to the custodian bank at wholesale rates, resulting in lower turnover costs and fewer incentives to trade excessively.
3. Cost Transparency under FinSA and FinIA
Both private banks and independent wealth managers must now provide ex-ante and ex-post cost disclosures. However, independent managers are not tied to proprietary products or sales-driven incentives. Their performance reporting includes both explicit and implicit costs, allowing clients to monitor their net performance after total expenses.
See also The Swiss Private Banker’s Guide to Independent Wealth Management.
4. 2026 Cost Illustration (CHF 10 Million Portfolio)
This comparative illustration is based on a standard balanced portfolio with moderate turnover (approx. 80–90% annually) and mixed global exposure. Figures are realistic averages drawn from discretionary mandates at mcentralSwiss private banks and independent wealth managers.
| Cost Component | Private Bank (CHF) | Independent Manager (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Management Fee | 95,000 | 80,000 |
| Transaction Costs (explicit + spreads) | 35,000 | 0 |
| Custody & Reporting | 10,000 | 18,000 |
| Total Annual Cost | ≈ 140,000 | ≈ 98,000 |
This simulation mirrors conditions seen at a Swiss cantonal bank with a discretionary setup, assuming standard trading volume and no performance fee. The main gap arises from transaction frequency and internal execution spreads, not from advisory pricing alone.
5. Why Slightly Lower Fees Matter Over Time
A 0.30% cost differential may appear marginal on an annual basis, but over a decade on a CHF 10 million portfolio, it equates to more than CHF 400,000 in compounding savings. Therefore, even moderate cost optimisation can meaningfully enhance long-term wealth preservation.
6. Hybrid Models in 2026
Many UHNWIs now combine custody with a trusted private bank and delegate discretionary execution to an independent wealth manager. This model maintains institutional safety while optimising transparency and cost efficiency.
Related Reading
- Open Architecture vs Proprietary Investment Products
- Independent Wealth Manager Compensation Models
- The Rise of Independent Wealth Management in Switzerland (2026 Outlook)
FAQ
What are typical private banking fees in Switzerland?
Private banks generally charge 1.0%–1.4% all-in per year for discretionary mandates, including management, trading, and custody fees.
Why do transaction costs increase total expenses?
Because each trade generates brokerage, FX, and spread costs. With moderate turnover (≈90%), these can add 0.3%–0.5% per year, especially at private banks.
How do independent wealth managers compare?
Independent managers usually reduce total costs by 15%–25% through transparent pricing and wholesale execution, not by cutting service quality.
Do private banks still offer value in 2026?
Yes — particularly for clients requiring complex lending or structured products. Many now combine private bank custody with independent management.
