Insights Issue 16: The Swiss Edge

Preserving wealth across generations

Switzerland has always punched above its weight. Its natural beauty, political neutrality, and strong institutions have earned it a global reputation for excellence - not only in banking, but in everything from education and watchmaking to diplomacy and innovation.
For those of us who call this country home, these strengths are more than clichés. They are the quiet constants behind the trust our clients place in us. As a Swiss national and CEO of Rothschild & Co Bank AG, I am particularly proud that our Swiss offices continue to play a central role in the Group’s long-term growth strategy.

Despite a rapidly evolving international landscape, Switzerland remains one of the most attractive and competitive locations for wealth management worldwide. It offers something that is increasingly rare: a combination of legal certainty, financial expertise, discretion, and a deep respect for client relationships. These attributes are not merely inherited - they are actively sustained, every day, by the people and institutions that serve this market.
In the past year, we achieved record levels of net new assets and saw particularly strong contributions from Switzerland. Our investment in people - both here and abroad - is central to this success. In fact, we see continued opportunity in Switzerland: in serving entrepreneurial families, in building long-term advisory relationships, and in navigating a fast-changing world with steadiness and insight.

Switzerland also plays a special role in shaping how we think. At Rothschild & Co, we believe that being a seventh-generation, family-controlled firm gives us the freedom to take a longer view - just as many Swiss families do when planning their own financial futures. In a sector often driven by quarterly performance, we continue to invest for the next decade, not just the next year.

Innovation is another area where Switzerland continues to lead on the global stage. For the 15th consecutive year, it has been ranked the most innovative country in the world by the Global Innovation Index - a testament to its robust ecosystem of research, education, and industry collaboration. This reputation is not built on a single strength, but on a balanced and sustained performance across a wide range of indicators, from R&D investment and patent filings to the strength of its academic institutions and the depth of its talent pool. At Rothschild & Co, we see this spirit of innovation not only as a national asset but as a vital part of our own approach - enabling us to serve clients with insight, agility, and foresight in an increasingly complex world.

As we move forward - with selective expansion and purposeful innovation - we remain deeply committed to the principles that have long defined both Switzerland and our firm: integrity, independence, and an enduring partnership with our clients.

Thank you for your continued trust.