Introduction
Swiss investors increasingly face critical decisions in today’s evolving wealth management landscape: continue with proprietary investment platforms tied to major banks, or choose open-architecture solutions offered by independent wealth managers. Understanding this choice is key to ensuring your financial strategy aligns with your long-term interests—and not simply those of your bank.
What Is an Open Architecture Platform?
Open architecture platforms allow wealth managers to select investment products from various third-party providers, including mutual funds, ETFs, structured products, and alternatives. Freed from in-house restrictions, advisers can build portfolios that reflect each client’s objectives, risk tolerance, and personal values.
What Is a Proprietary Platform?
Large financial institutions typically offer proprietary platforms and promote in-house investment products. Advisers may be incentivised to recommend their employer’s funds, resulting in limited choice and potential conflicts of interest.
Key Differences: Open vs Proprietary
| Feature | Open Architecture | Proprietary Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Product Range | Broad, third-party | In-house only or limited |
| Advice Objectivity | High | Often biased |
| Transparency | Full disclosure | Often opaque |
| Cost Structure | Clear, flexible | Bundled or hidden |
| Customisation | Bespoke portfolios | Standardised solutions |
Why Swiss Investors Should Care
The introduction of Switzerland’s FinSA and FinIA frameworks has raised the bar for transparency and client protection. However, many private banking clients — particularly in Zurich, Geneva, and Zug — still hold portfolios composed primarily of proprietary products. These investors often pay premium fees for solutions that may not fully align with their interests.
Independent wealth managers operating under open architecture models are typically FINMA-licensed and free from internal product constraints. They focus on creating flexible, tax-efficient, and globally diversified portfolios tailored to Swiss residents and cross-border clients’ unique needs.
Benefits of Open Architecture for Private Clients
- Access to best-in-class investment products from around the world
- Transparent and predictable fee structures
- Independent advice without product bias
- Fully customisable portfolios that reflect personal goals and tax residency
- Greater responsiveness to market trends and regulatory changes
How to Spot a True Open Architecture Adviser
- Are they licensed by FINMA or supervised by a Swiss SRO?
- Can they clearly explain how they select third-party products?
- Do they offer a wide range of global funds and custodians?
- Are retrocessions or commissions disclosed and rebated to the client?
- Can they show real case studies or a sample portfolio approach?
Conclusion
While proprietary platforms can offer convenience, they often limit investors’ access to more innovative, competitive solutions. Open architecture empowers Swiss investors to take control of their wealth with transparency, flexibility, and genuine independence. This model is becoming the standard for discerning investors in Switzerland in a regulatory environment prioritising client protection.
Call to Action
Download our “Swiss Investor’s Guide to Open Architecture” or schedule a free review with an independent wealth manager in Zurich or Geneva to assess your current portfolio and uncover new opportunities.
