ZHAW Wealth Management Blog

A Blog of the ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences

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Adrian Kuenzi

ZHAW Wealth Management Podcast #4: Adrian Kuenzi, Union Bancaire Privée (UBP)

In this interview Chris Künzle, Senior Lecturer for Banking and Finance at ZHAW, engages with Adrian Kuenzi, CEO of Union Bancaire Privée (UBP) in Zurich.

They begin by introducing Adrian Künzi and his journey to becoming CEO. Adrian then provides an overview of UBP, highlighting its USP, wealthy international clientele, and the significance of their prestigious Bahnhofstrasse 1 headquarters in Zurich.

The conversation delves deeper into private markets, discussing UBP’s broad offerings, the current client demand, especially considering the impact of rising interest rates. Adrian also explains UBP’s approach to managing offshore clients and their specific service model tailored to this demanding segment. Adrian shares insights into UBP’s strategic directions and plans for future growth, emphasizing key areas of focus. The two experts explore the attractiveness of Switzerland for new money from offshore locations, the implications of economic and geopolitical turmoil, and potential new focus markets for UBP. The interview concludes with Adrian expressing his top wish for the Swiss financial center, offering a thoughtful perspective on the future of the industry.

Christoph Künzle
Kategorie: ZHAW WM Podcast
Help me, ChatGPT

“ChatGPT, help! I Am in Financial Trouble” – Why Wealth Management Banks Beat AI Every Time

Wealth management banks may be the hidden heroes in a world where AI is becoming increasingly prevalent. As a recent journal article demonstrated, AI can handle data and automate processes – but the value of human touch in wealth management is unparalleled.

In this article, I explore why wealth management banks excel where AI falls short, highlight the importance of empathy, trust, holistic financial planning, regulatory navigation, and personalized client education.

Christoph Künzle
Kategorie: Investments, Strategy
FinTech partnership

FinTech Partnerships for Wealth Management Banks?

A recent journal article has reviewed the current state and future direction of the FinTech landscape, mainly focusing on the retail banking space. While many retail banks around the world have partnered with FinTech companies to enhance their services, I believe the question of partnering with FinTech companies is more complex for wealth management banks. With this blog post, I will explore opportunities and challenges for wealth management in partnering with FinTechs, focusing on how these partnerships may benefit HNWI clients and addressing concerns about value chain integration.

Christoph Künzle
Kategorie: Strategy, Technology
Tobias Fischer

ZHAW Wealth Management Podcast #3: Dr. Tobias Fischer, Frankfurter Bankgesellschaft

Gemeinsam werfen wir einen spannenden Blick hinter die Kulissen: Dr. Fischer stellt die Bank, ihre Dienstleistungen und Zielkunden vor und erörtert das Erfolgsgeheimnis hinter dem starken Ergebnis der Frankfurter Bankgesellschaft im jüngsten ZHAW-Ranking, das vor allem FBGs beeindruckendes Wachstum und ihre Profitabilität hervorhebt. Dabei beleuchtet er auch Herausforderungen und mögliche Zielkonflikte. Themen wie Offshore-Kunden, Digitalisierung und strategische Stossrichtungen für zukünftiges Wachstum stehen ebenso im Fokus.

Christoph Künzle
Kategorie: ZHAW WM Podcast
Stefan Jenni

ZHAW Wealth Management Podcast #2: Stefan Jenni, Itaú Private Bank

In this exclusive interview, I sat down down with Stefan Jenni, CEO of Itaú Private Bank in Switzerland.

We explore the bank’s unique value proposition, strategic focus, and client base that distinguish it within the competitive landscape of private banking. Stefan Jenni shares key insights into Itaú Private Bank’s approach in the current macroeconomic uncertainties, and their impact on net new asset flows. The discussion also covers how Switzerland, as a leading financial hub, may navigate the various challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

This is an essential watch for anyone interested in the intersection of tradition and innovation in international private banking.

Christoph Künzle
Kategorie: ZHAW WM Podcast
PE Performance

Private Equity for Wealth Management Clients: Does the Case Still Hold?

PE has become a popular investment choice for wealthy clients seeking higher returns beyond public markets. A recent Harvard Business School publication, “Does the Case for Private Equity Still Hold?”, offers a cautiously positive outlook on PE, despite its challenges like market saturation and high fees.

As a former PE executive myself, I find that PE still offers unique opportunities for wealth management, particularly through exclusive investments. However, wealth management banks must carefully select PE offerings, focusing on diversified portfolios and transparent fee structures to ensure sustainable value for (U)HNWI clients.

Christoph Künzle
Kategorie: Investments, Strategy

From Financial Literacy To Financial Well-Being: Enhancing Wealth Management

For wealth management banks, the apparent correlation between financial literacy and financial well-being represents not just a corporate responsibility but a strategic business opportunity. By integrating financial literacy into their many services, wealth management banks may build more robust and intimate client relationships, develop more personalized products and services, and differentiate themselves from their peers in a competitive market.

Christoph Künzle
Kategorie: Investments, Strategy

ZHAW Wealth Management Podcast #1: Simon Wyss, Privatbank Von Graffenried AG

In diesem exklusiven Interview mit Simon Wyss, dem Vorsitzenden der Geschäftsleitung der Berner Privatbank Von Graffenried AG, beleuchten wir die herausragenden Leistungen der Bank, die sie an die Spitze unseres Schweizer Privatbanken-Rankings geführt haben.

Simon Wyss teilt Einblicke in die Erfolgsformeln der Bank in den Bereichen Profitabilität, Effizienz und Wachstum. Erfahren Sie, wie Von Graffenried die Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung in einer traditionellen Branche meistert und welche Rolle künstliche Intelligenz für die Zukunft des Bankwesens spielt. Zudem diskutieren wir die aktuellen globalen Unsicherheiten und deren Einfluss auf das Schweizer Private Banking sowie die grössten Herausforderungen der Branche und mögliche Lösungsansätze. Ein Muss für jeden, der an der Schnittstelle von Tradition und Innovation im Finanzsektor interessiert ist.

Christoph Künzle
Kategorie: ZHAW WM Podcast
Female Wealth

Female Wealth – 3 Benefits For Wealth Management Banks

A lot has been written about new client segments and demographics in Wealth Management. The overarching theme may perhaps best be summarized as a pressing need for greater inclusivity. This blog post explores three critical insights from a recent article and summarizes what benefits these developments bring for wealth management banks.

For many wealth management banks, the path forward involves a clear commitment to change at all levels of the organization. It’s about building a culture that not only attracts but also retains the best talent (regardless of background). By fostering an inclusive environment, wealth management banks can ensure they remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Christoph Künzle
Kategorie: Investments, Strategy
Robo advisor for wealth management banks

AI In Portfolio Management – 3 Ways How Wealth Management Banks Benefit

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into portfolio management could bring a shift in how wealth management banks offer investment services to their clients. A recent paper titled “Enhancing Portfolio Management Using Artificial Intelligence: A Literature Review”, to which the Head of our Institute, Prof. Dr. Peter Schwendner, guided me, offers a comprehensive overview of this integration, illustrating the potential of AI to revolutionize asset allocation, client service, and operational efficiency.

With this blog post, I will try to showcase the article’s findings from a wealth management bank’s perspective and outlining strategies for harnessing AI in portfolio management, while navigating the challenges associated with transparency, fairness, and compliance.

Christoph Künzle
Kategorie: Strategy, Technology