As the influential Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch rating agencies are downgrading countries, regions and financial institutions around the world, Switzerland is a safe place - perhaps the safest place - to put your money for long-term preservation and growth. An uninterrupted policy of long-term monetary security and political stability has made Switzerland a lasting safe haven for investors.

Switzerland has become a point of envy as the woes of Europe and the world have grown. The country's solid triple-A status appears to be immune to the happenings around its border nations. Switzerland's neutrality provides a shelter from political turmoil.

Switzerland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Low inflation rates, low capital costs, a good investment climate and solid purchasing power make the Swiss economy one of the most innovative, liberal and competitive in the world. The country’s gross domestic product is considerably above the EU average.

Because of the country's small size and high labor specialization, industry, trade and the service sector are key to Switzerland's economic livelihood. Switzerland has achieved one of the highest per capita incomes in the world with low unemployment rates and a balanced budget. Taxation is rather low; there are barriers to getting a resident permit and citizenship; the healthcare system is a blended mechanism; and a sensible retirement model all combine to offer no real threat to the triple-A rating.

Made in Switzerland means excellent quality

The four core values of the Swiss financial center are stability, universality, responsibility and excellence. They have formed the cornerstones of Swiss banking for generations and are the reason why the country’s financial center is so successful.

Swiss wealth management expertise is sought after and respected, thanks to intensive education and training, innovation and the highest standards of quality and integrity. Swiss wealth management is based on tried and proven methods and strategies and with many years of experience in international investing, Swiss wealth managers are the world’s leaders in cross-border wealth management and private banking.

Global leader

With a 25% market share of the global cross-border wealth management business, Switzerland remains the world's leader, with assets under management of CHF 6,567.6 billion. Almost 50% of the assets under management come form abroad. 

White Money strategy

As long ago as 2009, the Swiss financial center declared a white money strategy and provides legal and compliant financial services with a commitment to complying with all taxation-related international standards. All of the key international standards (e.g. tax compliance, capital requirements) are adhered to.

Tough capital requirements

Swiss financial institutions maintain the toughest capital requirements and continue to be the safest in the world. The Swiss Federal Department of Finance and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA regularly add a stricter "Swiss finish" to international regulations and provisions.

Privacy, confidentiality and discretion in a transparent world

Privacy, confidentiality and discretion, especially in regard to money matters, is a highly sensitive subject and therefore requires the highest level of safety measures that can be obtained, despite increasing transparency in tax matters. You want to limit the number of individuals that have knowledge of your financial transactions to an absolute minimum. Read more about bank client confidentiality. Swiss wealth managers have an ingrained respect for privacy and handle all financial matters with utmost discretion.

While the Swiss franc historically still remains the world's strongest currency and continues to be sought after as a safe haven currency, your Swiss SEC RIA can diversify amongst a basket of international currencies.

Your future financial well-being

Today more than ever before, the long-term political, economic and financial stability of countries, economies, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions is a crucial factor when investing your funds with the goal of wealth preservation and growth. You don’t want to see your wealth crumbling down should the walls around you fall.

With a Swiss SEC RIA you can establish an investment portfolio suiting your preferences and needs and complementing the investment strategy you follow in the US. No hectic moves, no panicky fleeing…just a forward-thinking, well thought-out and sensible strategy for your future financial well-being.

Partial text source: swissbanking.org Swiss Bankers Association, Deloitte Switzerland