Taekwondo Arncliffe

Description

Third Party Marketing in Switzerland: The Swiss investment fund market is known for its sophistication and stability, offering international asset managers a highly attractive landscape for distributing UCITS* and AIFs. Success in this market requires a thorough understanding of local market structures, investor preferences, and the regulatory environment.

Attractiveness of the Swiss Investment Fund Market

Switzerland holds a unique position in the global investment landscape, with its reputation for financial stability and a strong tradition in wealth management. As of 2024, the total assets under management (AUM) in Switzerland for UCITS and AIFs surpassed €800 bn, reflecting a stable demand for diversified investment solutions. UCITS dominate with around €600 bn, while AIFs account for approximately €200 bn.

In the UCITS segment, equity funds play a key role, managing about €300 bn. This is mainly driven by Swiss investors’ appetite for global equity exposure. Bond funds represent €200 bn, offering Swiss investors more stability amidst volatile markets. Multi-asset funds, managing about €100 bn, are favoured by those investors seeking diversified exposure across asset classes.

Market Structure and Investor Segments

The Swiss investment fund market comprises a diverse investor base.

Private Banks and Wealth Managers: Switzerland is renowned for its private banking sector, which plays a crucial role in distributing UCITS and AIFs to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). These institutions often seek tailored investment solutions, making UCITS a popular choice due to their flexibility and transparency.

Institutional Investors: This segment includes pension funds, insurance companies, and foundations, which prefer AIFs for their ability to access illiquid assets and generate stable, long-term returns. Infrastructure and real estate AIFs are particularly appealing for Swiss institutional investors, given their focus on steady cash flows. Institutional Investors have become important players in the Swiss market.

Independent Asset Managers: These managers are key partners for international asset managers entering the Swiss market, providing access to a broad client base, including family offices and smaller institutions that seek personalised investment solutions.