Switzerland’s FINMA registry, as of 2025, lists over 1,300 licensed independent wealth managers. But how many are missing?
This list is not a history of every firm ever founded. It’s a survival snapshot. Only those who are still active, licensed, and compliant remain visible. That’s why the 1980s and 1990s seem so empty – not because few were founded, but because many are no longer around.
Some exited early. Others merged. Many simply disappeared.
Between 2000 and 2010, the number of new independent wealth managers reached its peak. But this cohort is now under pressure: founders are nearing retirement, and succession plans are often missing. The window for transition is closing.
Looking ahead, many firms founded after 2020 are still in their early lifecycle – building their reputation, client base, and resilience.
But the real story lies in the quiet years: the firms that are no longer on the list. The ones that didn’t survive the FINMA licensing wave, rising operational demands, or generational shifts.
If you found a firm today, the real challenge isn’t entering the market – it’s outlasting it.
You’ll need to prove you’re here to stay. The past shows how few do.
Conclusion:
Being listed by FINMA is only the beginning. The real question:
“Will you still be on that list in 2045?”
That’s why joining an established, succession-ready independent wealth manager may be the more brilliant move – especially when every year counts.
Source: https://vapa.ch/succession-independent-wealth/ · vapa.ch
