Traditional private banking

Digital Transformation in Private Banking: Cost Efficiencies, Growth, Client Experience

Private banks, traditionally focused on personalized services for HNWIs, face the challenge of digital transformation. This shift promises cost efficiencies, growth, and enhanced client experiences. Digitalization can streamline operations, reduce costs, and optimize resources, while also enabling growth through new digital services and global reach. Moreover, it enhances client experience by offering personalized, accessible, and secure services. However, achieving these benefits requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates cost management, innovation, and client-centric solutions. Successful digital transformation will allow private banks to enhance performance and strengthen client relationships, securing their future in a competitive landscape.

Peter Raskin

ZHAW Wealth Management Podcast #5: Dr. Peter Raskin (Bergos Privatbank)

In diesem exklusiven Interview spricht Dr. Peter Raskin, CEO der Bergos Privatbank in Zürich, mit unserem Dr. Christoph Künzle, Dozent für Banking & Finance an der ZHAW.

Das Expertengespräch beleuchtet die strategischen Ausrichtungen und Herausforderungen der Bergos, einer führenden “Unternehmerbank” mit besonderen Angeboten für die NextGen. Dr. Raskin, der als Miteigentümer die operativen Geschicke der Bank führt, gibt Einblicke in die Herkunft und Ausrichtung der Bank, die Vision und deren Zielkunden und -märkte. Auch bespricht er verschiedene Aspekte und Vor- und Nachteile der digitalen Kundenberatung und äussert sich zur Zukunft des Finanzplatzes Schweiz.

Ein Muss für alle, die sich für die Zukunft des Schweizer und internationalen Private Banking interessieren!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BoD Members

Swiss Wealth Management Banks: Boards of Directors and Gender Diversity

Swiss wealth management banks show a preference for a lean board structure, as evidenced by our data . The number of board members varies, with a minimum of 3 members in some banks and a maximum of 13 in others. Notably, a significant portion of the banks analyzed have between 5 to 6 board members. This trend suggests a strategic choice for efficiency and perhaps more effective governance, enabling these banks to navigate the complexities of wealth management with agility.

Coming soon: ZHAW Swiss Wealth Management Study – Edition 2

Stay tuned! Our new study “Wealth Management in Switzerland – Edition 2”, to which Mr Jonas Hefti as Research Fellow has significantly contributed, will be released in the next couple of weeks. Published by the Department of Banking Finance Insurance at ZHAW School of Management and Law, it will again represent a seminal contribution to the scholarly and professional understanding of the Swiss wealth management industry. This study meticulously evaluates 67 licensed Swiss banks that derive a substantial portion of their revenue from wealth management activities, thereby offering a comprehensive overview of this sector’s dynamics.