Switzerland

Market Overview

Switzerland represents one of the largest markets in the world for Asset Managers. According to the Swiss Banking Association, Switzerland ranks 5th globally in terms of AUM and leads the world in off-shore private banking (25% of global offshore assets). (May 2018)

It is a diversified and fragmented market made up of a large number of private banks and asset management firms in addition to many small…

It is a diversified and fragmented market made up of a large number of private banks and asset management firms in addition to many small family office operations, fund of funds and independent wealth managers. There are also many asset consultants and pension fund advisors servicing the market.

View the full country distribution guide for Switzerland (Irish Funds member login required).

Main Distribution Channels

Switzerland is a very diverse market in terms of distribution and there are many different outlets for selling funds. While Private Banking and direct face-to-face selling remain very prominent distribution channels, the local players such as UBS and Credit Suisse also operate large fund platforms.

Main Players in the Swiss Fund Market

While Switzerland is an open market with opportunities for all, it is still dominated by local players. As of March 2018 the market share in terms of volume of assets was led by:

UBS 25.26%
Credit Suisse 15.28%
Swisscanto 7.90%
Pictet 5.09%
Blackrock 6.02%

The top 10 players represent 71% of the market but there are opportunities for all in the market and very many smaller players are active in Switzerland.

While Switzerland is an open market with opportunities for all, it is still dominated by local players. As of March 2018 the market share in terms of volume of assets was led by:

UBS 25.26%
Credit Suisse 15.28%
Swisscanto 7.90%
Pictet 5.09%
Blackrock 6.02%

The top 10 players represent 71% of the market but there are opportunities for all in the market and very many smaller players are active in Switzerland.

Tax Considerations

Swiss individual investors require tax reporting so that they can declare their taxable income and the value of the investment in their tax return. If Swiss tax reporting is not undertaken, investors will very likely suffer prohibitive income tax in Switzerland. Foreign funds are treated like Swiss funds for income tax purposes if they pass certain equivalence criteria.

Key Figures

Market Overview

Main Distribution Channels

Main Players in the Swiss Fund Market

Tax Considerations

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