How to Move from Private Banking to an Independent Wealth Manager

A professional 50-page guide for experienced Swiss private bankers preparing their transition to independence — with structured frameworks, client-retention strategies, and real-world examples from successful moves.

Switching from a private bank to an independent wealth manager is one of the most significant career steps in private banking. This guide provides a structured roadmap for planning, communication and integration — helping you move with clarity, confidence and control.

“Beyond the bank lies the future of Swiss wealth management.”

Introduction

the swiss private banking model is changing faster than ever. margin pressure, evolving client expectations, and the shift toward transparent advice are redefining how advisers create value.

in 2025, more swiss private bankers are rethinking their careers — moving towards independent wealth management to gain autonomy, higher revenue retention, and full ownership of their client relationships.

beyond the bank is a 50-page professional guide created for swiss private bankers exploring this move. it combines market insight, transition frameworks, and real-world experience to help you decide when — and how — to make the change with clarity and confidence.

discover how to move from private banking to an independent wealth manager — with practical tools designed for the swiss market.

“Independence is powerful — preparation makes it possible.”

What you will gain

this guide gives you clarity, structure, and direction — the essentials for any private banker preparing to move towards independent wealth management.

clarity on the model — how independent wealth management works in switzerland, from structure to custody options.
transition roadmap — plan your move from private banking to independence with practical steps and examples.
income modelling — realistic payout ratios, costs, and breakeven benchmarks.
client portability — which relationships transfer and how to manage a compliant shift.
a 24-month overview — key milestones from first analysis to launch.

each point links to concise chapters with checklists and case studies from recent swiss transitions.

Who This Guide Is For

this guide is for experienced professionals in swiss private banking and wealth management who are exploring a move toward independence.

private bankers and relationship managers — advisers seeking greater autonomy and direct client ownership.
wealth advisers and team heads — professionals evaluating independent or eam platform models.
portfolio managers and client advisers — managing between chf 50 million and chf 500 million in assets who want a more transparent and scalable structure.

whether you work in zurich, geneva, lugano or abroad with swiss-domiciled clients, this guide helps you assess your readiness to operate as an independent wealth manager under swiss regulation.

Why Consider Independence

this guide is for experienced professionals in swiss private banking and wealth management who are exploring a move toward independence.

private bankers and relationship managers — advisers seeking greater autonomy and direct client ownership.
wealth advisers and team heads — professionals evaluating independent or eam platform models.
portfolio managers and client advisers — managing between chf 50 million and chf 500 million in assets who want a more transparent and scalable structure.

whether you work in zurich, geneva, lugano or abroad with swiss-domiciled clients, this guide helps you assess your readiness to operate as an independent wealth manager under swiss regulation.

Inside the Guide

this guide takes you step by step through the realities of leaving a swiss private bank and joining the independent wealth management sector.

you will learn:

how compensation structures and payouts work across swiss eam and multi-custody models.
how to assess client portability — who follows, who doesn’t, and why.
how to meet lefin / lsfin obligations while building your own compliant setup.
how to plan financials, operations, and technology for your first two years of independence.

how to use this guide: read it cover to cover or focus on the sections that matter most. each chapter acts as a practical tool with clear explanations, checklists, and a concise self-assessment.

whether you are preparing to move or just exploring your options, this guide helps you evaluate readiness, identify gaps, and plan a successful transition into swiss independent wealth management.

Excerpt from the Guide: Strategic Preparation for Independence

excerpt from the guide: strategic preparation for independence

from bank brand to personal brand — the identity shift

for many swiss private bankers, the biggest shift when moving to independent wealth management is not financial — it is personal. independence means representing yourself, not the institution.

at a private bank, credibility comes from the logo. in the independent model, you become the brand. consistency and performance build trust and loyalty.

navigating the change

accept the shift: institutional prestige no longer opens doors — expertise and results do.
invest in presence: every client interaction shapes your professional image as a swiss independent adviser.
control your story: explain your move through client value — open architecture, transparency, and accountability.

this excerpt from beyond the bank shows how personal credibility replaces institutional prestige — helping you plan a confident move from private banking to independent wealth management.

Inside this Private Banker Guide

In this Swiss private banker’s guide to independent wealth management, you’ll learn how to evaluate your portable client base, master regulatory requirements, and build a business structure that delivers true professional freedom.

Because clarity drives confidence, this guide provides actionable steps, real data, and insights every Swiss private banker needs before leaving the bank. Without it, risk grows — with it, independence thrives.

vs. Bank

Independent wealth managers offer flexibility, higher revenue retention, and direct client ownership compared with traditional Swiss private banking models.

Regulations

LEFin and LSFin align independent wealth managers with banks, ensuring investor protection, regulatory compliance, and credibility under FINMA.

Payouts

Advisers typically retain 40–60 % of client fees after platform costs versus 20–30 % in banks — creating sustainable income potential for Swiss independent advisers.

Custodians

Independent wealth managers partner with multiple Swiss and international custodians, optimising service quality, pricing, and investment flexibility for discerning clients.

Brand

Strong personal branding builds trust, credibility, and visibility. For independent advisers, it drives client loyalty and long-term competitive advantage.

Plan

A structured 24-month transition plan supports regulatory setup, custodian agreements, and client migration when moving from private banking to independence.

How it Works

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Privacy

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Closing statement

your clients trust you with their wealth — now it’s time to trust yourself with your career.

the decision to move from private banking to independent wealth management in switzerland is one of the most significant transitions of your professional life. it demands preparation, clarity, and the right information.

beyond the bank gives you that clarity — practical steps, case studies, and the structure to make informed choices. without it, you risk misjudging client portability, underestimating costs, or delaying your opportunity for independence.

“clear, precise, and grounded in real experience — exactly what i needed before going independent.”
— former private banker, geneva