Switzerland has developed into a leading global financial center, attracting many investment companies and asset managers. With its business-friendly policies, banking secrecy laws, and political stability, Switzerland provides an attractive base for financial services firms. This article will provide an overview of major investment companies in Switzerland and key facts about the country’s asset management industry.
Largest Asset Managers Based in Switzerland
According to the Scorpio Partnership’s 2022 global asset management report, UBS and Credit Suisse are the two largest asset managers headquartered in Switzerland. UBS managed over $1 trillion in assets under management as of 2021, while Credit Suisse managed approximately $500 million. Other major Switzerland-based asset managers include Pictet, Lombard Odier, GAM, Partners Group, and Julius Baer.
Significance as a Global Financial Hub
Switzerland ranks as the largest global cross-border wealth management center, administering over $2.7 trillion in offshore wealth according to Deloitte. Boston Consulting Group also ranks Switzerland as the #1 wealth management market worldwide. Additionally, Switzerland is home to over 200 banks, manages around 27% of the global assets in cross-border private banking, and accounted for 25% of total European assets under management in 2021.
Regulation and Policy Environment
Switzerland provides some key advantages for asset management firms and investment companies through its regulatory environment. The country offers a competitive corporate tax structure along with strong client privacy laws surrounding banking secrecy. Switzerland has also implemented various policies to enable access to the EU market while retaining independence regarding economic and industrial policies.
With numerous large-scale asset managers and banks, Switzerland has developed into the world’s leading hub for global wealth and asset management. Its stability, regulations, and business climate help attract investment companies and position Switzerland as an attractive location for financial services firms.