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Investment account in Switzerland for holding assets?

Expert cross border wealth management and international asset protection for US citizens and expats.

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Discretionary Portfolio Management

Designed for clients who want their assets holistically managed by the investment manager, but who do not wish to be involved in their management

Portfolio Advisory

The portfolio advisory service is designed for clients who would like their account to be holistically managed but still wish to be involved in every investment decision.

Hold Only

The hold-only service is for clients who do not want discretionary portfolio management or advisory. It applies only to accounts holding cash, precious metals, and commodities, with no securities included. No advisory services or risk monitoring are provided. Clients are solely responsible for asset allocation and all investment decisions.

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The beginning: an investment account in Switzerland

Opening an investment account in Switzerland establishes the account through which financial assets can be held and transactions can be settled. It does not, by itself, determine how those assets will be invested. Once an account has been established with a custodian bank and funded, the investor can consider the investment approach. This includes defining objectives, risk tolerance, investment horizon, liquidity requirements, and an appropriate asset allocation. Another decision concerns responsibility for investment decisions. An investor may wish to manage assets independently, receive investment recommendations, or delegate portfolio management within an agreed mandate. This account then provides the operational basis for all the different approaches.

Investment account in Switzerland and custody

The distinction between custody and investment management is important when establishing an investment account in Switzerland. A custodian bank holds financial assets, settles transactions, and provides account reporting. An investment advisor performs a different role, providing investment advice or portfolio management according to the mandate agreed with the client. These functions do not have to be provided by the same institution. Kaiser Partner Financial Advisors Ltd. is a Zurich-based investment advisor registered with the SEC and focused on U.S. persons. The firm works with specialist custodian banks in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and can assist clients in selecting a suitable custodian bank. The account and assets remain with the custodian, while investment-management responsibilities depend on the relationship selected by the investor.

Management of the investment account in Switzerland

Once the account and investment mandate have been established, portfolio construction can begin. Strategic asset allocation determines how capital is distributed across suitable asset classes. Depending on the investor's objectives and agreed strategy, the portfolio may include equities, fixed income, cash, and other appropriate investments, with exposure across different markets and currencies. For U.S. persons, individual investments also need to be considered in light of relevant U.S. tax and regulatory factors. Some investment products available outside the United States may have particular implications for American taxpayers. An investment account in Switzerland can therefore hold an internationally diversified portfolio while investment selection takes the requirements applicable to the individual investor into account.

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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone. Discuss your needs with one of our experts. We are happy to assist you personally.

Investment account in Switzerland: different mandates

One investment account in Switzerland can support very different relationships. Some investors prefer to remain responsible for every investment decision. Others value professional recommendations before approving transactions. Some delegate day-to-day portfolio management within an agreed investment mandate. This flexibility reflects the different services offered by Kaiser Partner Financial Advisors Ltd. Clients who choose Hold Only retain responsibility for investment decisions while using international custody arrangements. Portfolio Advisory provides investment recommendations, with each transaction remaining subject to the client's approval. Discretionary Portfolio Management allows experienced portfolio managers to implement the agreed investment strategy while remaining within predefined investment guidelines and risk parameters. The investment account remains the same. The advisory relationship changes.

Investment accounts in Switzerland need coordination

For U.S. persons, opening an account is only one element of a much larger picture. Investment management, custody arrangements, currency exposure, portfolio construction, and U.S. reporting obligations all influence one another. Decisions made in one area often have consequences elsewhere. That is why internationally connected investors increasingly value coordination as much as investment expertise. An investment account in Switzerland is not the destination. It is the starting point. The real work begins afterwards through disciplined portfolio management, thoughtful governance, regular review, and an investment process capable of adapting as financial lives become increasingly international. We can help with that. Reach out over the contact form.