Vontobel

About Vontobel

Vontobel occupies a distinctive position among Zurich's private banks: it is an investment-led institution whose core competency is discretionary portfolio management rather than pure relationship banking. With CHF 210 billion in client assets and headquarters on Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse, Vontobel serves UHNW individuals and family offices with a product set that includes structured products, fixed income, multi-asset strategies, and specialist equity mandates. For clients who value investment performance as the primary dimension of their private banking relationship, rather than lending, lifestyle services, or concierge offerings, Vontobel's investment-first culture is a competitive differentiation. The firm also maintains a significant asset management division serving institutional investors, giving private clients access to institutional-grade research and portfolio construction.

Known For

• Founded in Zurich in 1924 and still controlled by the Vontobel family through a shareholder pooling agreement
• Investment-led private bank whose core competence is discretionary portfolio management rather than lending or lifestyle services
• Large asset management arm serving institutions, giving private clients access to the same research and portfolio teams
• Substantial structured products franchise, one of the largest issuers in the Swiss market

Typical Mandate

Vontobel's private clients are individuals and families for whom investment performance is the main criterion in choosing a bank. Relationships typically start in the low single-digit millions of francs, with UHNW clients and family offices allocating larger discretionary mandates. Typical engagements are multi-asset discretionary portfolios, specialist equity and fixed income mandates, and structured products tailored to a view. Lombard lending is available but is not the centre of the relationship.

How to Engage

Clients usually approach Vontobel through a referral or directly via the offices listed on its website in Zurich, Geneva, Basel and abroad. A first meeting focuses on investment objectives, risk tolerance and existing holdings rather than on structuring or lending. Prospective clients should expect a documented investment profile and mandate agreement, and standard Swiss onboarding including proof of identity and source of wealth for all beneficial owners.

Frequently Asked Questions