Why a Family Office in Switzerland?
If you’re considering the services of a Multi-Family Office, the choice of jurisdiction is crucial. You should avoid Multi-Family Offices located in unstable countries because a key role of a Family Office is to protect your assets.
Switzerland as a safe haven for Family Offices
Switzerland, founded as a federal state in 1848, has a rich history dating back to 1291. The country has upheld neutrality since 1815 and has avoided direct involvement in any war since 1848. Switzerland operates as a direct democracy, allowing voters to directly elect politicians, vote on laws, or propose amendments through popular initiatives.
Switzerland maintains one of the world’s lowest debt ratios and continues to hold an AAA rating. The Swiss franc (CHF) has served as a refuge currency during economically turbulent times and has strengthened in recent years. Notably, Switzerland is not part of the EU or the Eurozone.
The Swiss (financial) infrastructure
Proximity to robust banks is crucial for Family Offices, which primarily manage and control your assets. Swiss private banks have led the wealth management industry for decades and are among the best-capitalized globally.
Switzerland boasts a highly educated, motivated, precise, and multilingual workforce. Centrally located in Europe, Switzerland is more internationally oriented than many other countries.
The nation offers an attractive corporate tax system with relatively low rates and has double taxation agreements with 118 countries. Swiss tax authorities are customer-friendly and highly professional.
Switzerland’s legal system is reputable, trustworthy, and robust, making it a prime location for top-tier financial advisors, including tax advisors, law firms, wealth planning specialists, notaries, and audit firms.
Overall, Switzerland’s infrastructure ranks among the best worldwide for Family Offices, especially in major cities like Geneva and Zurich, which feature excellent airports with direct international flights.
Swiss Family Office License(s)
In Switzerland, there is no specific licensing regime for Family Offices. Since 2020, the requirement for a license depends on the actual activities of the Multi-Family Office.
A professional Multi-Family Office typically focuses on asset management and family support, with 80-90% implementing investment strategies as asset managers, requiring a license from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
About 5-10% of Multi-Family Offices concentrate on administration, controlling, and supervision, often acting as Trustees. These offices collaborate with families to define investment strategies and commission investments through private banks, fund managers, or independent asset managers. Such Multi-Family Offices, acting as trustees, must hold a specific FINMA license for ongoing oversight, a credential Carey Zurich obtained as only the 12th company in Switzerland.
Carey – Multi-Family Support & Professional Trustee
As a Multi-Family Office and professional trustee, Carey offers a broad range of services tailored to diverse needs from first to multi-generation entrepreneurs, business owners, and beneficiaries. Our services include professional trustee administration, asset performance monitoring, immigration and relocation support, reporting services, real estate administration, succession planning, and charitable support advice.
- Professional Trustee (FINMA)
- Administration of Family Offices Affairs
- Asset performance monitoring
- Fiduciary services and risk management
- Succession Planning
- Immigration & Relocation Support
- Philanthropic services
Each solution is tailor-made and begins with a dialogue. We look forward to meeting you!
Given the complexity of these situations, you may choose to engage CAREY Zurich to manage your assets and align your family’s interests. Additionally, our Multi-Family approach allows for cost-sharing amongst clients, making it economically advantageous.
