5 Lesser-Known External Asset Managers in Switzerland
Switzerland is known to be a secretive country.
But a great part of its mystic and aura is not planned. It is simply a way of doing business.
For the wealthy - from (U)HNWIs and family offices in Switzerland - to more proletarian investors, there are many options.
One sector that has thrived over the past 50 years is the external asset management (EAM) space.
Focus on EAMs
External asset managers offer a range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative strategies, and provide personalized investment advice and management to high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutional clients. This type of service is often preferred by clients who seek greater flexibility, customization, and transparency in their investment management.
And of course, in Switzerland, this “flexible and personal” advice is valued perhaps more than anywhere else.
While UBS, Julius Baer and others grab the headlines - some lesser-known names are doing just as well (or better).
Here is an overview of 5 of the best-performing - and least-known EAMs in Switzerland.
The List
Mirabaud Asset Management is an independent wealth and asset management firm founded in 1819 in Geneva, Switzerland. As of June 2023, they had CHF 47.7 billion in assets under management. The firm is led by Lionel Aeschlimann, CEO, and Antonio Palma, CIO, and offers a range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative strategies, to institutional and private clients globally.
Banque SYZ is a Swiss private banking group founded in 1996 that provides wealth management, asset management, and institutional services to clients worldwide. As of June 2023, they had CHF 24.7 billion in assets under management. The firm is led by Eric Syz, CEO, and offers a range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative strategies, with a focus on innovation, flexibility, and risk management.
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Zadig Gestion is an independent asset management firm founded in 2005 that specializes in European equities and multi-asset strategies. As of June 2023, they had CHF 2.7 billion in assets under management. The firm is led by Laurent Saglio, CEO, and focuses on fundamental research and active management to deliver consistent and sustainable returns to their clients.
Edmond de Rothschild is a global family-owned and independent financial group founded in 1953 that provides private banking, asset management, and corporate finance services to clients worldwide. As of June 2023, they had CHF 173.4 billion in assets under management[1]. The firm is led by Ariane de Rothschild, Chairwoman of the Executive Committee, and offers a range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, private equity, and real estate, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and impact investing.
Quaero Capital is a Swiss-based independent asset management firm that specializes in active investment strategies. As of May 2023, the company manages over $5 billion in assets across a range of equity and fixed income funds. The leadership team includes Jean Keller, Founder and CEO, Marc St John Webb, CIO, and a team of experienced professionals with backgrounds in finance, economics, and investment management.