FAQ

We claim back withholding taxes on all our collective investments, provided that it is possible and worthwhile for investors. When it comes to tailored asset management mandates, we discuss with you whether it would make sense.

Yes, we fulfil our duty to exercise voting rights on behalf of our clients. We also strive to proactively point out deficiencies and contribute ideas (e.g. in terms of corporate governance or transparency), especially when it comes to smaller Swiss companies that we have known for many years and whose management teams we regularly meet.

We have a clear and transparent process for ESG in our investment instruments. However, we can also address any specific ESG needs when tailoring investments as part of an asset management mandate. This might involve excluding certain sectors and individual stocks or focusing on specific ESG components when selecting stocks.

Yes, this is an important factor to consider when building a portfolio. Given the long time horizon, it makes sense for foundations to focus on real assets that generate strong cash flow. Of course, you also have to take into account other issues, including how much volatility you are willing to accept.

The expectations surrounding contemporary pensions have risen: companies wish to retain their key personnel in the long term, whilst insured persons want to play an active role in shaping their pension arrangements and have individual control over the investment of their supplementary pension funds. A personalised executive pension balances these interests and creates genuine scope for both the company and the individual.

That depends on your company structure, the number of insured persons and your objectives. Together, we will analyse your situation and create the right solution.

Compared with an enveloping pension fund, the split pension solution used for executive pensions provides greater flexibility in the investment of the pension assets, creates opportunities for tax optimisation and enhances the employer’s attractiveness.

For self-employed persons and companies wishing to offer employees in key positions a personalised and attractive pension solution.

Click on the following link for the “Guidelines for financial service providers on the integration of ESG preferences and ESG risks into investment advice and portfolio management” of the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) and our ESG information brochure.

In 2015, the United Nations member states adopted Agenda 2030, which includes 17 goals for sustainable development and calls on all countries to work together to ensure that these goals can be achieved by 2030. These are issues relating to climate change, environmental degradation, poverty and inequality. The 17 goals are known as Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs for short.

There is no universally accepted definition for the concept of sustainability. The Federal Council has endorsed the Brundtland Report’s definition of sustainability: “Development is sustainable if it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

ESG encompasses the three following dimensions of sustainable development:

• Governance
• Environment
• Social

In Switzerland, the title “private banker” is protected by law. Under the Banking Act, it is reserved to legal forms such as sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships and partnerships limited by shares. The special status of the private banker is based on the personal liability of one or more partners for the bank’s obligations. There are currently five private bankers in Switzerland, that founded the Swiss Private Bankers Association and share a common set of values

Despite our particular legal form as a partnership limited by shares with general partners bearing unlimited liability, we are fully subject to supervision by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and to the same strict Swiss banking standards as all other banks. In addition to statutory protection mechanisms (such as deposit insurance), the unlimited liability of our partners and our high capital ratio provide further security.

• Aligned interests: Our general partners are liable not only with the firm’s assets, but also with their personal assets. This fosters long-term thinking and action in the best interests of our clients. When the client prospers, the bank prospers as well.
• Conservative risk policy: Those who bear personal liability manage their affairs with foresight and a sense of proportion. This is reflected in a very strong equity base, conservative balance sheet management and robust risk management. Your assets are managed with the diligence of a prudent entrepreneur.
• Stability and continuity: Our owner-managed structure ensures a high degree of continuity. You experience this particularly in the long-term continuity of the support provided by your personal client manager.

As our owners also actively manage the bank there aren’t any anonymous shareholders, nor is there any external pressure to meet quarterly targets. Decisions are made independently and with a view to generations rather than short-term profit maximization. Our independence ensures that we always act in our clients’ best interests. We have no sales targets or product requirements.

We are members of the following organisations:

• Swiss Bankers Association (SBV)
• Association of Swiss Private Banks (VSPB)
• Association for Swiss Private Bankers (VSP)
• SIX SWISS EXCHANGE
• esisuisse