"Switzerland’s financial centre is among the most successful and diverse in the world, combining tradition and expertise built up over generations with a pioneering spirit of innovation. The banks have both strong local roots and outstanding international networks. They play a key role in ensuring that the financial center remains competitive and stable." SWISS BANKERS ASSOCIATION

PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT - SWITZERLAND IS THE GLOBAL LEADER

Switzerland remains the top choice for international investors seeking a safe and secure haven for global investment management and long-term asset preservation. With its unwavering political stability, monetary security, strong currency, sophisticated financial system, and top-quality wealth management services, Switzerland has established itself as a reliable jurisdiction for investors.

Swiss institutions stand out in terms of quality and performance, offering comprehensive and competent asset management that is culturally and linguistically diverse. Embracing digital transformation and sustainable finance, the Swiss financial center is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of private clients. Amid geopolitical uncertainties, Switzerland's high level of reliability provides a distinct advantage.

Leading rating agencies, such as Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch, consistently assign Switzerland a AAA-rating with a stable outlook. While other countries and financial institutions face downgrades, Switzerland stands out as a point of envy, unaffected by the challenges facing Europe and the world. Switzerland's solid triple-A status is bolstered by its neutrality, which acts as a shelter from political turmoil. Switzerland upholds its neutrality through humanitarian aid and peaceful endeavors, aligning with its tradition of providing good offices. The country manages its neutrality in service of international solidarity, peace, and prosperity.

As one of the wealthiest nations globally, Switzerland boasts low inflation rates, favorable capital costs, an excellent investment climate, and robust purchasing power. Its innovative, liberal, and competitive economy surpasses the average of the European Union. Given its small size and specialization, Switzerland's economic vitality relies on industry, trade, and the service sector. The country achieves one of the highest per capita incomes globally, maintaining low unemployment rates and a balanced budget. With relatively low taxation, manageable residency requirements, a blended healthcare system, and a sensible retirement model, Switzerland poses no real threat to its triple-A rating.

"MADE IN SWITZERLAND" SIGNIFIES EXCELLENT QUALITY

The Swiss financial center's core values of stability, universality, responsibility, and excellence underpin its success in private wealth management. 

Stability characterizes the financial center, which offers a safe haven supported by Switzerland's reliable legal system, political institutions, and sound currency. While Swiss banks operate globally, they maintain strong roots in their home market.

Universality is a defining feature of Switzerland's financial center, catering to customers of diverse nationalities and wealth categories, providing a comprehensive range of products and services to meet diverse needs. The center's highly trained, multilingual, and open-minded professionals deliver exceptional advice.

Responsibility is a guiding principle for the Swiss financial center, emphasizing respect for individuals, ethical standards, and social systems. Conduct towards customers, society, staff, and the environment adheres to high moral and ethical standards. Continuous assessment, review, and improvement of daily business operations are governed by established rules. The Swiss financial industry advocates for practical rules in its dealings with international organizations while adhering to global standards.

Excellence is a hallmark of the Swiss financial center, which maintains the highest standards of quality through talented and ambitious staff, innovative methods, and cutting-edge systems. Rooted in tradition, the financial center remains adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of customers and society.

Swiss wealth management expertise is highly sought after and respected, grounded in intensive education, training, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality and integrity. With extensive experience in international investing, Swiss wealth managers are global leaders in cross-border wealth management and private banking.

THE SWISS FRANC: While the Swiss franc remains historically strong and sought after as a safe-haven currency, Swiss wealth managers can diversify investments among various international currencies, including the US dollar.

GLOBAL LEADER IN CROSSBORDER PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Private wealth management is the Swiss financial center's area of expertise, providing comprehensive financial services and asset management for individuals. Swiss banks managed CHF 8,830.3 billion in assets at the end of 2021, with a 12.1% year-on-year increase. The share of non-resident client assets also grew by 10.9% in 2021. Switzerland holds a significant market share in cross-border wealth management, managing approximately a quarter of global cross-border assets. The financial center fosters digital innovation while upholding internationally recognized regulatory standards. Swiss banks have bolstered their capital and liquidity buffers in recent years, ensuring resilience in the face of uncertainties.

SWISS RESILIENCE

Despite the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 crisis, Switzerland's AAA-rating with a stable outlook was renewed by Fitch in 2023. The Deep Knowledge Group ranked Switzerland first in economic resilience and its cautious approach in its Covid-19 Regional Safety Assessment. Additionally, the annual rating conducted by an American think tank comprising the US News & World Report, marketing company Y&R, and the Wharton School consistently places Switzerland above average in various categories, including business conduct and quality of life. Since its establishment in 2016, Switzerland has consistently topped their rankings.

WHITE MONEY STRATEGY

As long ago as 2009, the Swiss financial center has implemented a white money strategy, ensuring the provision of legal and compliant financial services that adhere to international taxation standards and requirements.

TOUGH CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND STRICT REGULATION

Swiss financial institutions maintain the strictest capital requirements, making them the safest globally. The Swiss Federal Department of Finance and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA consistently apply stricter regulations and provisions, known as the "Swiss finish," to international standards. Independent Swiss wealth managers must now obtain licenses from FINMA and comply with the Financial Services Act (FinSA) and the Financial Institutions Act (FinIA).

PRIVACY, CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCRETION IN A TRANSPARENT WORLD

Privacy, confidentiality, and discretion, particularly regarding financial matters, require the highest level of safety measures in an increasingly transparent tax landscape. Minimizing the number of individuals with knowledge of financial transactions is paramount. Swiss wealth managers deeply respect privacy and handle financial matters with utmost discretion. Read more about bank client confidentiality. 

ENSURING YOUR FUTURE FINANCIAL WELL-BEING

In today's landscape, the long-term stability of countries, economies, banks, and other financial institutions plays a vital role in preserving and growing wealth. Partnering with a Swiss wealth manager enables you to establish an investment portfolio tailored to your preferences and needs, complementing your existing investment strategy in the US, Canada, and/or Latin America. A forward-thinking and sensible approach ensures your future financial well-being, devoid of hasty decisions or panic-driven actions.

Partial text source: swissbanking.org Swiss Bankers Association