Systematic investing using quantitative factors has become established in modern portfolio theory. One of the best documented and most widely used factors is the momentum factor. It describes the tendency of investment instruments such as shares to continue price trends: Shares with strong relative performance over a defined period of time are more likely to achieve above-average returns in the near future – and vice versa. This scientific foundation is an important pillar of the Everon multi-factor strategy.
Momentum measures the relative price change of a share over a certain period of time. A common calculation formula is
wherePi,t is the price of share i at time t and k is the period under consideration in months (typically 6 to 12 months).
Alternatively, momentum can be formulated as a risk-adjusted return, e.g. using the Sharpe ratio (ratio of return to risk) on a rolling basis. Momentum is one of the factors with a robust historical excess return:
In the USA, the momentum factor generated an annualized excess return of around 5-7% p.a. between 2000 and 2020 (depending on the methodology).
Similar premiums can also be seen in Europe and the emerging markets, albeit with higher volatility.
Compared to other factors – such as value or size – momentum was particularly successful in the late 2010s, especially in phases of low interest rates and clear market trends.
high investor focus on relative strength (e.g. growth phases).
Momentum, on the other hand, shows weaknesses in:
Trend breaks (e.g. after market corrections or political shocks),
strong reversal behavior (e.g. in the Covid recovery phase March-June 2020),
narrowed markets when only a few stocks drive index performance (momentum cluster risk).
Momentum typically has the following characteristics
Negative correlation to the value factor (especially for highly undervalued stocks that are considered turnaround candidates),
Slightly positive correlation to the quality factor (highly profitable growing companies often also perform well in terms of momentum),
Low correlation to the low-volatility factor
These characteristics make momentum an effective diversifier in a multi-factor portfolio approach.
Different momentum definitions
There are numerous variants of the momentum concept:
Price-based indicators:
12M-1M performance (classic)
6M performance, 3M performance, 1M reversal
Average performance rank over several time windows
Technical indicators:
Relative Strength Index (RSI)
Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)
Distance to the 200-day line
Risk-adjusted variants:
Return/volatility over 6-12 months
Momentum score relative to sector or market volatility
The choice of definition depends on the objective of the investment: aggressive timing, defensive rebalancing or neutral stock ranking.
Our approach at Everon
At Everon, we do not integrate momentum as a monolithic metric, but as a component-based score that combines several sub-indicators. For example, our portfolio management engine uses
short, medium and long-term price momentum.
Sector-adjusted momentum rankings,
risk-adjusted momentum values based on rolling Sharpe ratios,
technical trend filters.
These sub-scores are combined into a weighted total value, which flows into our dynamic weighting of a stock’s final score. Momentum does not work in isolation, but in combination with other factors such as value, quality or volatility. Depending on the market phase, the momentum scores can be weighted more or less heavily.
Example: In a stable bull market with clear sector rotation, momentum can be an important criterion for overweighting. In volatile sideways markets, on the other hand, we specifically reduce the relevance of momentum-driven components in order to limit reversal risks.
Momentum is a versatile and proven factor in systematic investing – but it is not a sure-fire success. A robust, multidimensional definition is crucial.
The Swiss economic landscape is characterized by dynamism and change. In this environment, companies of all sizes are faced with the task of optimally managing and deploying their financial resources. However, the demands placed on professional financial management have increased significantly in recent years. Regulatory requirements are becoming more complex, digital technologies are changing business processes and international competition is increasing.
Although many Swiss companies have excellent products and services, they fail to overcome financial hurdles – often due to a lack of strategic financial planning.
Liquidity bottlenecks are the most common financial challenge for Swiss companies – professional treasury planning is essential
The complexity of accounting standards such as Swiss GAAP FER requires specialized expertise
Company-specific financial advice differs significantly depending on the size and development phase of the company
Digitalization of financial processes offers considerable efficiency potential, but also poses an implementation challenge
Choosing the right financial advisor should be based on industry expertise and an understanding of the company’s individual needs
Liquidity management as a foundation
Sufficient availability of liquidity is the foundation of any successful company management. Unlike strategic planning errors, which often only have an impact in the long term, liquidity bottlenecks can put a company in existential distress within a very short space of time.
For small and medium-sized companies in Switzerland, unexpected market fluctuations or payment delays can lead to critical situations particularly quickly.
Challenges in treasury and financial risk management are particularly evident in volatile market phases. Accurate forecasting of cash flows is made more difficult by external factors such as currency fluctuations, changes in interest rate policy and fluctuating commodity prices. Many SMEs in Switzerland also underestimate the importance of professional receivables management.
Effective liquidity management requires the establishment of transparent controlling systems. These must recognize warning signals at an early stage and show scope for action. Please note
Daily monitoring of payment flows
Establish a rolling 13-week plan for short-term liquidity
Regular stress tests for various market scenarios
Build up sufficient liquidity reserves in line with the company’s risks
The demands on controlling and accounting in Swiss companies have increased significantly. The finance department is evolving from a purely internal service provider into a strategic partner for management. It provides decision-relevant information and supports corporate management with meaningful key figures.
Prompt controlling enables preventive action. However, there is often a lack of the necessary database or standardized processes to establish an efficient controlling system. Many companies also struggle with silo structures in which financial information is viewed in isolation instead of being analyzed holistically.
The integration of operational and strategic planning poses a particular challenge. While operational controlling provides short-term management impulses, these must be harmonized with the company’s long-term goals. Well thought-out management accounting therefore takes both time horizons into account and ensures that tactical decisions support the strategic orientation.
Modern controlling approaches include
The development of an integrated planning landscape
The definition of company-specific key performance indicators (KPIs)
The implementation of a systematic reporting system
Establishing leading indicators instead of just looking at the past
Choosing the right accounting standard is a fundamental challenge for many Swiss companies. Depending on the size of the company, industry and international orientation, different standards may be appropriate. While the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) defines minimum requirements, Swiss GAAP FER and IFRS offer more comprehensive sets of rules, which are, however, more complex.
Swiss GAAP FER has established itself for medium-sized companies as it represents a good compromise between transparency and cost. The standard is continuously being developed and adapted to current requirements. However, the changeover from CO to Swiss GAAP FER requires careful planning and often external support.
Compliance with regulatory requirements is becoming increasingly complex. In addition to the accounting standards, further regulations must be observed, for example in the area of financial market supervision or industry-specific regulations. Integrating these requirements into existing processes and IT systems is particularly challenging.
The practical challenges include
The correct valuation of assets and liabilities
The appropriate mapping of complex business transactions
Compliance with disclosure obligations
The integration of sustainability aspects into reporting
Digitalization of financial processes
The digital transformation is fundamentally changing the finance function. Modern technologies offer the opportunity to automate routine tasks, improve data quality and accelerate decision-making processes. However, Swiss companies face considerable challenges when implementing digital solutions.
Business intelligence and analytics solutions provide deeper insights into financial performance. However, this requires a consistent database and clearly defined processes. Many companies struggle with data silos and inconsistent definitions, which limits the informative value of analyses.
The automation of financial processes through robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence offers considerable efficiency potential. However, the use of these technologies requires a thorough process analysis and often also a redesign of existing processes. This is particularly challenging in established structures.
Successful digitalization projects in the financial sector are characterized by
A clear strategy with defined goals and priorities
The early involvement of specialist departments
A step-by-step implementation approach with rapid successes
The requirements of the finance function vary considerably depending on the type of company and its development phase. Tailor-made financial advice takes these specific needs into account.
Start-ups and growth companies
Young companies face particular financing challenges. Access to capital is often limited, while at the same time there is a high need for investment. Establishing solid financial planning is crucial in order to convince investors and control the burn rate.
Swiss start-ups need to establish professional financial management at an early stage. While product development often takes center stage in the initial phase, meaningful financial information and planning are expected during financing rounds. In addition to the actual procurement of capital, the valuation of the company and negotiations with investors also pose particular challenges.
SMEs and medium-sized companies
For established SMEs, the challenge often lies in the balance between day-to-day operations and strategic financial planning. Many SMEs in Switzerland have a solid equity base, but do not exploit all the potential for optimizing their capital structure.
Succession planning poses a particular financial challenge. Timely preparation for company succession, be it within the family or through external buyers, requires careful planning and often also a reorganization of financial structures. Tax aspects play a key role in this.
Large companies and groups
Larger companies face the challenge of managing complex financial structures efficiently. The integration of different business areas, possibly with different ERP systems and processes, requires well thought-out financial management.
The international orientation of many large Swiss companies brings additional complexity. Currency risks, different regulatory requirements and tax aspects must be taken into account. Harmonizing financial processes across national borders is often a lengthy and challenging undertaking.
Financial consulting options for companies
When choosing the right financial advisor, there are various options to choose from. Each has its specific advantages and disadvantages, which must be assessed differently depending on the individual company situation.
Independent financial advisors offer a neutral perspective without conflicts of interest. They are not tied to specific products and can develop tailor-made solutions. Personal support from an independent advisor with a deep understanding of the industry is particularly valuable for medium-sized companies.
Banks and financial institutions have extensive expertise in the area of financing and the capital market. They can make it easier for companies to access various financing instruments. However, there is a risk that advice will be influenced by product interests.
Specialized consulting companies focus on specific sectors or subject areas and bring with them a corresponding depth of expertise. They can contribute best practices from comparable companies and address specific problems.
In addition to traditional auditing,auditing companies also offer comprehensive consulting services. Their advantage lies in their holistic approach to accounting, controlling and tax aspects. For listed companies, however, independence requirements can restrict simultaneous auditing and consulting.
Digital advisory platforms and FinTech solutions are also becoming increasingly important in Switzerland. They offer standardized solutions at attractive conditions, but cannot completely replace individual support from personal advisors.
You should take this into account when choosing a financial advisor:
The specific industry expertise and references
An understanding of your company’s situation and goals
Independence and potential conflicts of interest
The methodological competence and technological equipment
When is the right time to seek external financial advice?
The ideal time for external financial advice is before acute problems arise. Professional support is particularly useful during growth phases, upcoming investment decisions or structural changes. External expertise can also be valuable when introducing new accounting standards or IT systems. Don’t wait until financial bottlenecks arise – preventative advice is much more effective than crisis intervention.
How do I find the right financial advisor for my company?
The search for the right financial advisor begins with a clear definition of your requirements. Create a requirements profile and obtain several offers. Pay particular attention to industry experience and references. Networks such as the Swiss Association of Business Consultants or industry associations can provide valuable information. Personal recommendations from business partners or other entrepreneurs are often particularly reliable. Conduct in-depth discussions to check their working methods and understanding of your specific challenges.
Which key financial figures are really relevant for my company?
The relevant key figures depend heavily on your industry, company size and current challenges. In principle, you should always keep an eye on liquidity ratios such as the cash conversion cycle. Profitability indicators such as the EBITDA margin or return on investment provide information on earning power. Indicators such as customer acquisition cost or lifetime value are also important for growth-oriented companies. A good financial advisor will help you to develop a customized system of key figures that focuses on the factors that are critical to your business model.
How can I assess the quality of financial advice?
The quality of financial advice is reflected in concrete results and measurable improvements. Pay attention to the transparency of the approach and the comprehensibility of the recommendations. A good advisor will explain complex issues clearly and actively involve you in the decision-making process. Regular progress reports and the achievement of defined milestones are further quality indicators. Last but not least, the consultation should result in a sustainable transfer of knowledge that enables you to tackle future challenges more independently.
Conclusion and outlook
The financial management of companies in Switzerland faces a variety of challenges. Liquidity management, professional controlling, complex accounting standards and the digitalization of financial processes require specialized know-how and a strategic approach. Depending on the type of company – from start-ups to large corporations – there are specific requirements for the finance function.
External financial consulting can make a significant contribution to successfully mastering these challenges. The right consulting partner should be selected carefully and on the basis of clearly defined requirements. Independence, industry expertise and methodological know-how are important selection criteria.
The importance of data-based financial decisions will continue to grow in the coming years. Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics will open up new opportunities to optimize financial processes and make well-founded decisions. At the same time, sustainability aspects and ESG criteria will also become increasingly relevant in the finance function.
Swiss companies need to actively shape these developments and position the finance function as a strategic partner within the company. Professional financial advice can help them to successfully follow this path and set the financial course for sustainable corporate success.
Frauen in der Schweiz erhalten im Alter durchschnittlich ein Drittel weniger Rente als Männer – konkret etwa 20’000 CHF pro Jahr weniger. Gleichzeitig wächst der Anteil der Schweizerinnen, die ihr Geld eigenständig anlegen, innerhalb eines Jahres um fast 20 Prozent. Diese Zahlen verdeutlichen sowohl die Herausforderungen als auch die Veränderungen in der finanziellen Situation von Frauen.
Gezielte Finanzberatung kann entscheidend dazu beitragen, bestehende Lücken zu schliessen und in jeder Lebensphase die Weichen für finanzielle Selbstbestimmung zu stellen.
Eine Studie von Swiss Life (2024) beziffert den Gender Pension Gap in der Schweiz auf rund ein Drittel – Rentnerinnen erhalten jährlich ca. 20’000 CHF weniger als männliche Ruheständler
Hauptursache sind die unterschiedlichen Erwerbsbiografien: Teilzeitarbeit, Erwerbsunterbrechungen und tiefere Löhne schlagen sich in der Rente nieder
In der beruflichen Vorsorge (2. Säule) ist der Unterschied mit 67 Prozent laut Berner Fachhochschule besonders markant
Der Anteil investierender Frauen in der Schweiz wächst laut YouGov/BlackRock (2024) deutlich – dennoch legt nur jede dritte Frau Geld an, während es bei Männern mehr als jeder zweite tut
Eine strategische Finanzplanung in allen Lebensphasen kann Vorsorgelücken minimieren und langfristig zu finanzieller Unabhängigkeit führen
Finanzielle Herausforderungen in verschiedenen Lebensphasen
Die Rentendifferenz basiert vor allem auf den Einkommensunterschieden während des Erwerbslebens. Frauen in der Schweiz verdienen in den Jahren vor der Pensionierung durchschnittlich 40 bis 50 Prozent weniger als Männer – ein Unterschied, der sich direkt in den Altersleistungen niederschlägt.
In der beruflichen Vorsorge (2. Säule) ist die Lücke besonders gravierend. Das Bundesamt für Statistik dokumentiert, dass vier von zehn Schweizerinnen in Teilzeit arbeiten, was niedrigere Pensionskassenbeiträge zur Folge hat. Hinzu kommen häufigere Erwerbsunterbrechungen, die zu fragmentierten Beitragszahlungen führen.
Berufseinstieg: Kapital für späteren Vermögensaufbau
Der Berufseinstieg ist finanziell entscheidend, da hier die Weichen für die langfristige Vermögensentwicklung gestellt werden. Wer früh beginnt, profitiert erheblich vom Zinseszinseffekt. Eine Modellrechnung verdeutlicht: Bei monatlichen Einzahlungen von 300 Franken und einer durchschnittlichen Rendite von 5 Prozent wächst das Vermögen nach 40 Jahren auf rund 400’000 Franken an. Bei gleicher Sparrate, aber nur 20 Jahren Anlagedauer, reduziert sich der Endbetrag auf etwa 120’000 Franken.
Die Familienplanung ist oft der Punkt, an dem sich Erwerbsbiografien von Frauen und Männern deutlich auseinander entwickeln. Eine Auswertung der Pensionskassenstatistik zeigt die langfristigen Auswirkungen: Reduziert eine Frau ihr Arbeitspensum von 100 auf 60 Prozent (bei einem Jahresgehalt von 84’000 Franken über zehn Jahre), entstehen Pensionskassenlücken von über 100’000 Franken. Diese setzen sich aus tieferen Einzahlungen und einer entsprechend tieferen Rente zusammen.
Bei der Familienplanung ist es daher wichtig, die langfristigen finanziellen Auswirkungen zu berücksichtigen und gemeinsam mit dem Partner Strategien zu entwickeln, die eine ausgewogene Beteiligung beider am Erwerbsleben ermöglichen.
Trennung oder Scheidung: Neue finanzielle Realität
Bei einer Scheidung zerplatzt für viele Frauen nicht nur die Vorstellung vom gemeinsamen Leben, sondern oft auch die finanzielle Sicherheit. Das Bundesgericht hat seine Rechtsprechung beim Unterhaltsrecht angepasst (BGE 144 III 481): Es orientiert sich nicht mehr am traditionellen Familienbild mit lebenslangen Unterhaltszahlungen, sondern erwartet eine stärkere wirtschaftliche Eigenverantwortung.
Eine Finanzanalyse nach der Trennung sollte daher zwei zentrale Aspekte beleuchten: die kurzfristige Sicherung des Lebensunterhalts und die langfristige Neuausrichtung der Altersvorsorge. Die Teilung der Pensionskassenguthaben bei einer Scheidung bietet zwar einen gewissen Schutz, reicht aber oft nicht aus, um bestehende Vorsorgelücken vollständig zu schliessen.
Vor der Pensionierung: Letzte Optimierungen nutzen
Fünf bis zehn Jahre vor der Pensionierung bieten sich letzte Möglichkeiten zur Optimierung der Altersvorsorge. Ein Einkauf in die Pensionskasse kann erhebliche Steuervorteile bringen.
Fachleute empfehlen zudem, in dieser Phase eine umfassende Vorsorgeanalyse durchführen zu lassen, um sicherzustellen, dass alle Möglichkeiten zur Optimierung ausgeschöpft werden.
Das Schweizer Vorsorgesystem verstehen und nutzen
Das Schweizer Vorsorgesystem mit seinen drei Säulen hat für Frauen besondere Herausforderungen und Chancen:
Die erste Säule (AHV) wirkt ausgleichend und kennt dank Erziehungsgutschriften und dem Splittingprinzip bei Ehepaaren kaum geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede. Dennoch sollten Frauen regelmässig einen AHV-Kontoauszug anfordern, um Beitragslücken frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu schliessen.
Die zweite Säule (berufliche Vorsorge) stellt für viele Frauen die grösste Herausforderung dar. Die Eintrittsschwelle liegt 2025 bei 22’680 Franken Jahreseinkommen, was insbesondere Teilzeitbeschäftigte benachteiligt. Hinzu kommt der Koordinationsabzug von 26’460 Franken, der das versicherte Einkommen weiter reduziert. Wer für mehrere Arbeitgeber tätig ist und bei keinem die Eintrittsschwelle erreicht, sollte prüfen, ob eine freiwillige Versicherungslösung (z. B. über eine Sammelstiftung) möglich ist, um Lücken in der Altersvorsorge zu vermeiden.
Die dritte Säule (private Vorsorge) bietet Frauen die Möglichkeit, selbstbestimmt vorzusorgen. In die Säule 3a können Erwerbstätige mit Pensionskasse im Jahr 2025 bis zu 7’258 Franken einzahlen und den Betrag vom steuerbaren Einkommen abziehen. Für die langfristige Vermögensbildung empfehlen Fachleute Säule-3a-Lösungen mit einem Anteil an Wertschriften, da sie über längere Zeiträume deutlich höhere Renditechancen bieten als reine Sparkonten.
Erziehungs- und Betreuungsgutschriften aktiv nutzen
Die AHV kennt spezifische Ausgleichsmechanismen für Betreuungsarbeit: Erziehungsgutschriften werden automatisch angerechnet, wenn Kinder unter 16 Jahren betreut werden. Betreuungsgutschriften für die Pflege von Angehörigen müssen hingegen jährlich beantragt werden. Diese Gutschriften sind besonders wichtig für Frauen, da sie überproportional häufig Betreuungsaufgaben übernehmen.
Unabhängigkeit: Die Beratung sollte frei von Produktverkaufsinteressen sein. Achten Sie auf transparente Honorarmodelle statt provisionsbasierte Vergütung.
Fachkompetenz: Fragen Sie nach Qualifikationen, Berufserfahrung und Spezialisierungen, besonders im Bereich Frauenfinanzen.
Empathie: Eine gute Beraterin oder ein guter Berater hört zu, versteht Ihre individuelle Situation und passt die Empfehlungen entsprechend an.
Transparenz: Alle Kosten, Risiken und Chancen sollten klar kommuniziert werden. Fordern Sie bei Unklarheiten konkrete Erläuterungen.
Spezialisierte Beratungsangebote in der Schweiz
In der Schweiz bieten verschiedene Institutionen spezialisierte Finanzberatung für Frauen an.
Die Frauenorganisationen in den grösseren Städten verfügen über professionelle Beratungsangebote zu Vorsorge- und Budgetfragen. Diese Angebote umfassen in der Regel sowohl persönliche Gespräche als auch schriftliche Analysen der individuellen Vorsorgesituation.
Daneben gibt es unabhängige Finanzberatende mit Spezialisierung auf die Bedürfnisse von Frauen. Diese bringen häufig sowohl Fachkompetenz im Finanzbereich als auch Erfahrung mit frauenspezifischen Finanzthemen mit und können besonders auf Themen wie Teilzeitarbeit, Erwerbsunterbrechungen oder die finanzielle Situation nach Trennungen eingehen.
Entscheidende Fragen für das Beratungsgespräch
Zur Vorbereitung auf ein Beratungsgespräch sollten Sie folgende Fragen klären:
Wie erfolgt die Vergütung der Beratung? (Honorar, Provision oder Kombination)
Welche spezifischen Qualifikationen und Erfahrungen im Bereich Frauenfinanzen bringt die Beraterin mit?
Wie umfassend ist die Beratung – werden alle drei Säulen und zusätzliche Vermögensbildung berücksichtigt?
Welche konkreten Unterlagen werden für die Beratung benötigt?
Welche Nachbetreuung erfolgt nach der eigentlichen Beratung?
Tipps & Mythen beim Investieren
Aufholjagd der Schweizer Anlegerinnen
Die jüngste YouGov/BlackRock-Studie (2024) zeigt eine dynamische Entwicklung: Während der Anteil investierender Schweizerinnen innerhalb eines Jahres um 19 Prozent stieg, bleibt der Gender Gap beim Investieren dennoch deutlich. Nur etwa jede dritte Frau legt Geld in Wertpapieren an, während es bei Männern mehr als jeder zweite tut.
Mit 45 Prozent Anlegern insgesamt liegt die Schweiz an der europäischen Spitze, nur knapp hinter den skandinavischen Ländern. Besonders bei jungen Frauen (18-24 Jahre) verzeichnet die Studie einen starken Zuwachs von 36 Prozent.
ETFs: Optimal für den Einstieg
ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) sind bei Schweizer Anlegerinnen besonders beliebt. Sie bieten mehrere Vorteile, die sie besonders für Einsteigerinnen attraktiv machen:
Niedrige Verwaltungskosten im Vergleich zu aktiv gemanagten Fonds
Hohe Transparenz bezüglich der enthaltenen Wertpapiere
Flexibilität bei Ein- und Ausstieg durch börsentäglichen Handel
Mit populären ETFs, wie bspw. dem MSCI World Index konnten Anleger in den letzten zehn Jahren durchschnittlich 9,4 Prozent jährliche Rendite erzielen – bei deutlich geringerem Risiko als mit Einzelaktien.
Die Annahme, dass Geldanlagen grosse Summen erfordern, entspricht nicht mehr der heutigen Realität. Aktuelle Marktanalysen zeigen, dass durch die Digitalisierung im Finanzsektor die Einstiegshürden deutlich gesunken sind. Zahlreiche Online-Plattformen ermöglichen mittlerweile den Einstieg mit monatlichen Beiträgen ab 10 Franken.
Finanzmodelle verdeutlichen die langfristigen Auswirkungen regelmässiger Kleinbeträge: Bei einem monatlichen Sparplan von 100 Franken in einen breit gestreuten ETF kann über einen Zeitraum von 30 Jahren bei einer durchschnittlichen jährlichen Rendite von 5 Prozent ein Vermögen von etwa 80’000 Franken entstehen. Solche kontinuierlichen Investitionen können somit durchaus einen substantiellen Beitrag zur langfristigen finanziellen Absicherung leisten.
Konkrete Schritte zur finanziellen Selbstbestimmung
1. Finanzielle Bestandsaufnahme machen
Der erste konkrete Schritt zur finanziellen Selbstbestimmung ist eine ehrliche Bestandsaufnahme. Erfassen Sie alle Einnahmen, Ausgaben, Vermögenswerte und Verbindlichkeiten.
Hilfreiche Werkzeuge können Finanz-Apps sein, die eine automatische Kategorisierung ermöglichen.
2. Schutz vor finanziellen Risiken aufbauen
Bevor Sie in den Vermögensaufbau investieren, sollten Sie sich gegen finanzielle Risiken absichern. Dazu gehört ein Notgroschen von drei bis sechs Monatsgehältern auf einem separaten Konto mit schnellem Zugriff. Dieser bietet Sicherheit bei unerwarteten Ausgaben oder Einkommensausfällen.
Daneben ist ein adäquater Versicherungsschutz wichtig. Prüfen Sie Ihre Absicherung bei Invalidität und im Todesfall, insbesondere wenn Sie Familie haben oder allein für Ihren Lebensunterhalt aufkommen müssen.
AHV: Fordern Sie alle drei Jahre einen AHV-Kontoauszug an und schliessen Sie eventuelle Beitragslücken.
Pensionskasse: Prüfen Sie, ob Ihre Pensionskasse Teilzeitarbeit fair berücksichtigt und ob der Koordinationsabzug anteilsmässig reduziert wird. Erwägen Sie freiwillige Einkäufe, wenn Ihre finanzielle Situation dies zulässt.
Säule 3a: Nutzen Sie die Möglichkeit, jährlich bis zu 7’258 Franken (Stand 2025) in die Säule 3a einzuzahlen. Für langfristiges Wachstum empfiehlt sich eine Lösung mit Wertschriftenanteil.
Säule 3b: Ergänzen Sie Ihre Vorsorge durch freies Sparen und Investieren, beispielsweise in ETFs oder Direktanlagen.
4. Erwerbstätigkeit langfristig planen
Die Erwerbsbiografie hat entscheidenden Einfluss auf die spätere Rente. Studien zeigen, dass ein durchschnittliches Arbeitspensum von mindestens 70 Prozent über das gesamte Berufsleben hinweg Vorsorgelücken deutlich reduzieren kann.
Falls eine Reduktion des Arbeitspensums – etwa für die Kinderbetreuung – notwendig ist, sollten Sie gemeinsam mit Ihrem Partner eine faire Aufteilung der Betreuungsaufgaben und Erwerbsarbeit anstreben. Die Swiss Life Studie bestätigt, dass gleichberechtigte Partnerschaften zu einer ausgeglicheneren Vorsorgesituation führen.
5. In Finanzwissen investieren
Fundiertes Finanzwissen bildet die Grundlage für selbstbestimmte Entscheidungen. Frauen mit gutem Finanzwissen investieren häufiger als Frauen ohne entsprechende Kenntnisse.
Nutzen Sie hochwertige Quellen zur Weiterbildung (Fachbücher, Workshops, Kurse, Podcasts) und wagen Sie sich schrittweise an Ihre Finanzplanung.
Fazit: Eigene Finanzen aktiv gestalten
Frauen, die ihre Finanzen aktiv gestalten, können die Weichen für ihre finanzielle Zukunft neu stellen. Die wachsende Zahl von Anlegerinnen in der Schweiz verdeutlicht, dass immer mehr Frauen die Kontrolle über ihre finanzielle Situation übernehmen.
Die wichtigsten Hebel sind eine bewusste Erwerbsplanung, die systematische Nutzung aller Vorsorgesäulen und der frühzeitige Einstieg in die Geldanlage. Eine unabhängige Finanzberatung kann dabei entscheidende Impulse geben und helfen, individuelle Strategien zu entwickeln.
Wer heute aktiv wird, sichert sich langfristig finanzielle Unabhängigkeit und Selbstbestimmung – in jeder Lebensphase.
In the dynamic world of financial investments, Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs) have established themselves as attractive investment vehicles for discerning investors. However, as with all financial instruments, a solid understanding of the regulatory framework is essential. Especially in Switzerland, a global center for wealth management, AMCs are subject to specific regulations that offer both protection and flexibility.
AMCs in Switzerland are primarily subject to the Financial Services Act (FinSA) and the Financial Institutions Act (FinIA)
FINMA acts as the central supervisory authority with extensive supervisory powers
Issuers must ensure transparency with regard to fee structure, risks and investment strategy
Governance requirements protect investors from conflicts of interest and operational risks
Compared to traditional funds, AMCs often offer more flexibility with less regulatory burden
Legal framework for AMCs in Switzerland
The regulatory framework for AMCs in Switzerland is primarily based on the Financial Services Act (FinSA), which regulates the products and associated services, and the Financial Institutions Act (FinIA), which regulates the requirements for the financial intermediaries involved. These legal foundations, which came into force in 2020, have fundamentally modernized the regulatory landscape for financial products and financial service providers. Unlike collective investment schemes (funds), AMCs are not subject to the Collective Investment Schemes Act (CISA), which gives them certain advantages in terms of flexibility.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) monitors compliance with these regulations and ensures that AMC providers have the necessary licenses. In addition, the recommendations of the Swiss Structured Products Association (SSPA) play an important role as an industry standard, especially since the publication of comprehensive AMC guidelines in 2020.
In a global comparison, the Swiss regulatory approach to AMCs is perceived as balanced. It provides robust investor protection mechanisms without overly restricting product innovation. This differs from the stricter regulation under MiFID II in the EU, where comparable products are often subject to more complex requirements.
Issuers of AMCs must provide comprehensive product documentation. Depending on the target market, this includes a standardized key information document (KID), which presents all key product features, risks and costs in a comprehensible form. These documents must always be made available to potential investors before an investment decision is made.
The documentation must contain precise information on the investment strategy, the permitted asset classes and any investment restrictions. Investors should pay particular attention to the level of detail of this information as it forms the basis for the assessment of investment suitability.
A critical aspect of regulation concerns the disclosure of costs. AMC providers must be transparent about charges, including:
Management fees (typically 0.5% to 2% p.a. on the net assets in the product)
Performance fees (often 10% to 20% of the excess return)
Trading costs and spread fees
Issue fees and redemption costs
Indirect costs due to underlying investments
This transparency obligation enables you as an investor to make a well-founded assessment of the actual cost burden of your investment.
Risk management and governance
Swiss regulations require AMC providers to have robust risk management systems. These must identify, measure and monitor the relevant risks. Those responsible must have sufficient qualifications and carry out regular risk assessments.
Clear responsibility structures between the issuer, asset manager and other service providers are particularly important. This separation of functions minimizes potential conflicts of interest and strengthens control.
AMC providers are obliged to identify and manage potential conflicts of interest. This applies in particular to
Transactions with related parties
Proprietary trading activities of the persons involved
Receipt of retrocessions or kickbacks
Allocation of investment opportunities between different client portfolios
These governance standards form an essential protective shield for investors against possible abusive practices.
Investor protection for AMCs
Swiss regulation offers investors in AMCs several layers of protection. These include the strict separation of client assets from the issuer’s equity. This means that in the event of the issuer’s insolvency, the underlying assets of the AMC should remain protected.
If this is not possible, or only possible to a limited extent, there is a counterparty risk which must be disclosed to the investor. Note: Only works with an SPV setup. Not possible with an on-balance sheet solution with a bank.
Comprehensive appropriateness and suitability tests also apply. Providers must ensure that an AMC fits the investor’s risk profile, investment objectives and financial situation. Stricter requirements apply for private investors with limited experience.
If you have problems with AMC investments, there are various options available to you:
Direct complaint to the provider via established complaints procedures
Involvement of the Swiss ombudsman’s office for financial service providers
Complaints to FINMA in the event of suspected serious breaches of regulations
Civil law actions in the event of financial losses due to breaches of duty
The tax treatment of AMCs in Switzerland differs from other forms of investment. The tax classification depends largely on the specific structure of the certificate and the underlying assets.
For international investors, specific regulations may apply depending on the double taxation agreement. Professional tax advice is recommended here, as the tax treatment can have a significant impact on the net return.
Analyze the detailed investment strategy and investment restrictions
Evaluate the qualifications and track record of the asset manager
Ensure clear responsibilities between issuer and manager
Understand the specific risks, including issuer risk
Review the liquidity conditions and possible restrictions
Consider the tax implications for your personal situation
Ask critical questions if information is missing or appears incomplete. Providers that offer complete transparency signal seriousness and compliance.
Developments in AMC regulation
The regulatory landscape for AMCs in Switzerland has undergone a remarkable transformation since its introduction in 2007. With the implementation of FinSA and FinIA in 2020, investor protection was strengthened and transparency requirements increased. The SSPA recommendations have also contributed to greater standardization in the industry.
Looking back, it can be seen that regulatory development has always followed the balance between investor protection and market flexibility. The originally rather cautious regulation was gradually refined without stifling the innovative power of this investment instrument.
In the future, harmonization efforts with international standards are likely to become increasingly important. This could facilitate cross-border distribution and make AMCs accessible to a wider audience.
Actively managed certificates (AMCs) are becoming increasingly popular with Swiss investors. They offer the advantage of active asset management in a flexible investment product. However, as with all financial products, there are costs that can affect the return. At the same time, the tax treatment of AMCs entails special features that are relevant to your investment decision.
Management fees for AMCs are typically between 0.5% and 2% p.a. of the invested capital
Performance fees usually amount to 10% to 20% of the excess return
AMCs are subject to withholding tax of 35% on interest and dividends in Switzerland
The total expense ratio (TER) can vary considerably depending on the provider and investment strategy
Compared to ETFs, AMCs generally incur higher fees, but with the potential for better performance
Tax reporting is provided by most Swiss AMC providers
Fee structure of AMCs
Here you will find a list of all fees charged on AMCs.
Management fees – the basis of the costs
The management fee forms the basis of the cost structure for AMCs. This annual fee is charged regardless of performance and amounts to between 0.5% and 2% of the invested capital, depending on the complexity of the investment strategy. Actively managed certificates with a focus on niche markets or special investment strategies tend to have higher management fees.
Performance fees – performance-related costs
A characteristic feature of AMCs is the charging of performance fees. These typically amount to between 10% and 20% of the excess return achieved over a pre-defined hurdle rate. The hurdle rate can be defined in absolute terms (e.g. 5%) or relative to an index (e.g. MSCI World).
This fee structure is intended to align the interests of investors and asset managers. However, pay attention to the precise definition of the calculation method, in particular the
Calculation period (annual, quarterly)
High water mark rules
Definition of the benchmark or hurdle rate
Other cost components
In addition to the main fees, AMCs incur further costs that can increase the overall charge:
Administration costs: additional fees for managing the certificate (0.1% to 0.5% p.a.)
Trading costs: Costs incurred when rebalancing the portfolio
Issue premium: One-off fee on subscription (0% to 3%)
Redemption fees: Costs incurred when selling the AMC (0% to 2%)
Total expense ratio (TER) – the decisive factor
The total expense ratio (TER) is the most important key figure for a meaningful comparison of different AMCs. It includes all ongoing costs associated with the management of the certificate. Note, however, that performance fees and trading costs are often not included in the TER (as there is no uniformly regulated TER definition for AMCs as there is for UCITS funds) and must be taken into account separately.
Here you will find further input on the tax treatment of AMCs in Switzerland.
Withholding tax
In Switzerland, AMCs are generally subject to withholding tax of 35% on distributed income such as interest and dividends. In the case of accumulating AMCs, withholding tax is levied on components classified as income, even if these are not distributed but accumulated in the product value. Domestic investors can generally reclaim this tax in full, provided they declare the income correctly.
Income and wealth tax
The following tax regulations apply to Swiss investors:
Income tax: distributions and components declared as income (e.g. dividends or interest) are subject to income tax. Private capital gains are generally tax-free in Switzerland, provided there is no commercial trading activity.
Wealth tax: The value of the AMC on the reporting date (usually December 31) is part of the taxable assets
Capital gains: Private capital gains are generally tax-free, provided the investor is not classified as a professional securities trader
Tax reporting
An important advantage of Swiss AMCs is the detailed tax reporting provided by most providers. This supports you in making correct tax declarations and enables you to reclaim withholding tax in the best possible way. When choosing an AMC, make sure that such reporting is offered.
Cost comparison: AMCs and other investment products
Investment instrument
Typical management fees (p.a.)
Performance fees
Issue premium
Transfer tax (CH)
Special features
AMCs
0.5% – 2.0%
10% – 20%
0% – 3%
35% on earnings
Flexible structures, high adaptability
Active funds
1.0% – 2.5%
Rare
2% – 5%
35% on distributions
Regulated structures, higher investor protection
ETFs
0.1% – 0.5%
None
0% – 0.5%
35% on distributions
Passive strategy, high cost efficiency
Direct investments
None
None
Trading fees
Direct taxation depending on the security
Highest transparency, no management costs
Robo-Advisor
0.5% – 1.0%
Rarely
Mostly none
35% on returns
Digital management, often ETF-based
Structured products
Implicit in product structure
Partially
0% – 2%
35% on bond portion
Complex structures, different risk profiles
The cost efficiency of an investment product depends not only on the absolute fees, but must also be considered in relation to the expected return and the service offered. AMCs are positioned in the mid to upper price segment, but offer
Optimization opportunities for AMC costs and taxes
Careful comparison of providers: Compare the fee structures of different AMC providers carefully. The differences can be considerable and have a significant impact on your returns in the long term. Pay attention not only to the management fees, but to all cost components.
Check discounts for higher investment amounts: Many AMC providers offer fee discounts for higher investment amounts. Above a certain investment volume, you may be able to obtain individually negotiated conditions.
Tax-optimized investment strategy: You can minimize your tax burden with a tax-optimized investment strategy:
Be aware of the difference between accumulating and distributing AMCs
Check the optimum timing for purchases and sales with regard to your personal tax situation
Take advantage of tax benefits by paying into pillar 3a
Consider the investment horizon: With long-term investments, ongoing costs have a greater impact than one-off fees. Conversely, the entry and exit costs play a more important role for short-term investments. Adapt your selection accordingly to your investment horizon.
Regularly review the cost structure: The fee landscape for AMCs is constantly evolving. What seems cost-efficient today may be outdated tomorrow. A regular review of your existing AMCs is therefore recommended.
Conclusion
The fee and tax structure of AMCs is complex, but can be structured transparently. To make an informed investment decision, you should carefully examine all cost components and tax aspects and evaluate them in relation to the expected returns and your individual investment objectives. The higher costs of AMCs are particularly significant compared to passive investment products such as ETFs, but active management offers the opportunity for excess returns and more flexible adjustment options.
Your personal risk profile, tax optimization goals and need for personalized service should ultimately determine whether the higher costs of AMCs are worth it for you.
Networking in the financial sector is about more than just making new contacts. It is about building stable and long-term client relationships based on trust and real added value. However, many financial advisors find it difficult to fully exploit this potential. The difference between a successful network and simply collecting contacts lies in the strategy and authentic cultivation of these relationships.
In this article, you will learn how you can secure your client relationships in the long term and advance your career through targeted and strategic networking. We give you practical tips for efficient networking – online and offline.
Networking is the key to long-term success: you can win and retain customers through targeted contact management and relationship building.
Quality over quantity: A successful network does not consist of a mass of contacts, but of valuable, sustainable relationships.
The 70-20-10 rule: 70% of your networking time should be spent helping others, 20% on self-marketing and 10% on seeking support.
Combine online and offline networking: Take advantage of platforms such as LinkedIn and supplement them with face-to-face meetings at industry events.
Strategy and preparation are key: Networking must be targeted and have a clear strategy to be successful.
Problem: Why does networking often not work?
Many financial advisors face the challenge of turning their networking efforts into measurable success. Often these efforts fail because fundamental mistakes are made that significantly limit the potential of networking.
A common mistake in networking is the assumption that more contacts automatically lead to more success. But this is a fallacy. Rather, it depends on the quality of the relationships. A small but valuable network of authentic and well-maintained contacts brings more in the long term than a large number of superficial connections.
Many financial advisors make the mistake of focusing their networking efforts mainly on direct sales. This often leads to the actual goal of networking – building trust and relationships – being neglected. Effective networking is based on genuine interest and a willingness to offer added value without expecting anything in return immediately. Networking should be seen as a long-term investment where trust is paramount.
Another problem is that many consultants do not have clear goals and strategies for their networking. Without a clear idea of what they want to achieve with their networking efforts, many get bogged down in random contacts that bring little benefit.
Successful networking requires precise planning:
What kind of contacts should be made?
How can added value be created for both sides?
Which networking events or platforms are most promising?
Without clear answers to these questions, networking is often ineffective.
The 70-20-10 rule is a proven strategy for effective networking that aims to find the right balance between giving and taking. The rule states:
70% of networking time should be spent helping others
20% of time should be spent on self-promotion
10% of time should be spent asking others for support
This approach fosters trust and creates the basis for long-term, valuable relationships.
So how can this rule be put into practice? An example:
70% – Helping and providing value – most of the network should be focused on giving. This can be done in different ways:
Sharing industry knowledge, providing helpful contacts or answering questions to help a contact with a current problem.
In the financial sector, for example, a financial advisor could help an entrepreneur with tax optimization or recommend a competent tax consultant.
20 percent – self-marketing – part of the networking efforts should be devoted to self-marketing. This means putting yourself and your expertise in the foreground – without appearing pushy.
A financial advisor could share successes in this context, for example an optimized investment strategy that has brought a client high returns.
This moderate amount of self-marketing helps to raise your own profile and strengthen the trust of your contacts.
10 percent – asking for support – the smallest part of networking is accepting help from others.
Financial advisors can ask their contacts for help in recommending new clients or partners.
An example would be getting a referral for a potential new client because you are known as a trustworthy contact.
By consistently applying the 70-20-10 rule, financial advisors can build valuable, long-term relationships based on trust and reciprocity.
Small talk is a valuable tool for getting a conversation started and creating a relaxed atmosphere. Especially when networking, the right small talk can help to build bridges and gain initial sympathy.
But which icebreakers are best suited and how do you master the transition from a casual conversation to in-depth topics?
Specialist topic: At networking events in the financial sector in particular, it is a good idea to address a current, industry-specific topic. An example could be a new regulatory change in Switzerland or current developments on the financial markets.
Current (non-political) topic: Current and neutral topics such as new technologies, a major sporting event or developments in the area of sustainability are often safe conversation starters.
Funny, light topics: Humor can help ease tensions and create sympathy. However, make sure that the humor remains respectful and unobtrusive.
A relaxed and friendly attitude is important when starting small talk. Open questions are particularly suitable for drawing the other person into the conversation and making it easier to get started. Bringing up a neutral topic gives the other person the opportunity to relax and answer freely.
Observations: “I have the impression that everyone here today is full of energy. Did you find the keynote so inspiring?”
Compliments: “I’ve just listened to your presentation. The way you got to the heart of the topic was impressive.”
Event-related questions: “How did you come to this conference? Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to today?”
Once the small talk has facilitated the introduction, it is perfectly legitimate to steer the conversation towards more in-depth topics – especially if the setting is suitable. This can be done in the context of a business meeting or in a confidential conversation.
You can use small talk to create a relaxed and positive basis for the rest of the conversation. Remain authentic, respectful and flexible in order to respond to your counterpart.
The right demeanor
Networking is not just about what you say, but also about how you present yourself. Authenticity, friendliness and competence play a key role in how you come across to others and whether you succeed in building long-term relationships. Your appearance should always be appropriate to the position without coming across as pushy or inauthentic.
Regardless of whether you are just starting out, an experienced consultant or an established figure in the financial sector: Authenticity is the key to success. You should never try to present yourself as someone you are not. People can sense when someone is not authentic and this can undermine trust and respect. An early career professional should emphasize their curiosity and willingness to learn, while an experienced consultant can highlight their expertise and achievements. Be aware of your role and behave accordingly.
Networking is a delicate balancing act between proactive engagement and restraint. The right timing is crucial: don’t start a conversation too brashly, but give your counterpart space. Choose topics that are of interest to both sides and make sure you don’t fall into selling or self-promotion too quickly. The trick is to offer added value without expecting anything in return.
Likeability is the door opener for any successful relationship. A friendly smile, genuine interest and a pinch of humor can work wonders. Make sure you always listen attentively and show interest in the person you are talking to. Humor – used in the right way – lightens up the conversation and makes you appear human and approachable. But don’t overdo it, because too much humor and lightness can come across as unprofessional.
It is important to know your own professional boundaries. Avoid addressing topics that you are not sufficiently informed about or say so openly. Otherwise this could undermine your credibility. Instead, look for topics where you can present yourself confidently and offer genuine insights. In the financial sector in particular, sound specialist knowledge is a confidence-building factor. Also, be prepared to listen and engage with the topics your counterpart raises.
A successful networker is always a good observer. Pay attention to the other person’sbody language and reactions. Is the conversation pleasant or does the person feel uncomfortable? Show empathy by responding to the person’s mood and reacting flexibly to the conversation. This not only shows respect, but also helps you to steer the conversation in the right direction.
Networking at trade fairs, conferences and industry events is one of the most effective ways to build long-term client relationships. Here you have the opportunity to get to know business partners and potential clients personally, build trust and demonstrate your expertise in a direct exchange. To ensure that networking at such events is successful, there are a few points to bear in mind.
Before the event, make a list of the most important people or companies you would like to meet. Research in advance which topics and speakers will be represented at the event and which contacts could be relevant to your goals.
Small talk is the door opener for further discussions. Start with a neutral topic such as the event itself, an interesting keynote or an industry trend.
Once the small talk is underway, you can steer the conversation towards specialist topics . Be careful not to get into detailed technical discussions too quickly. Listen to the person you are talking to, ask open questions and slowly lead the conversation into greater depth.
Only hand out business cards once a relevant contact has been made. Make sure that the exchange of contact details does not come across as intrusive, but takes place in the context of an appreciative conversation.
After the event, it is important to keep in touch. Write a short, friendly message to the people you have met. Thank them for the conversation and follow up on a specific topic you discussed during the meeting.
Relevant trade fairs and industry events for financial advisors:
FINANZ in Zurich: one of the largest financial fairs in Switzerland where financial advisors, investors and financial institutions meet. Here you can make valuable contacts and find out about current trends in the financial sector.
Many companies regularly organize events for their customers or partners. These events are often more informal and provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and make new contacts.
Local financial advisor get-togethers or similar meetings offer a relaxed atmosphere to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas and learn from each other.
Online platforms as a basis for networking
Social networks have become an integral part of networking in the financial sector. They enable connections that would otherwise not be possible, even across geographical borders.
A comparison of social networks
Platform
Contact person (professional/private)
Reach
Activity
Type of content
LinkedIn
Professional
Global, especially strong in international markets
High, especially for B2B
Posts, professional articles, LinkedIn Pulse, videos
Xing
Professional
Strong in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
Medium, mainly active in DACH
Posts, professional articles
Facebook
Both
Global, particularly strong in the private sector
Very high, especially in the private sphere
Posts, group content, videos
Instagram
Both
Global, particularly strong among younger target groups
Very high, especially young users
Images, short videos, stories
TikTok
Private
Global, primarily with young target groups
Very high, primarily young users and trendsetters
Short, trendy videos
LinkedIn is the most important platform for professional networking, especially in the financial sector. It offers the opportunity to make targeted contacts, present professional successes and skills and share specialist knowledge. With its structured interface and tools such as the LinkedIn Sales Navigator, it is ideal for finding and cultivating potential customers and business partners.
Xing is particularly widespread in German-speaking countries. It offers similar functions to LinkedIn, but is more focused on the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Xing is a good platform for networking in specialist groups and finding locally relevant contacts. However, visitor numbers are developing negatively, so this should not be the focus.
Facebook is less suitable for professional networking, as it is primarily a private social platform. Nevertheless, it can be useful to be active in special financial groups or business groups. It also offers the opportunity to interact more informally with contacts and share less formal content.
Instagram is not a typical platform for networking in the financial sector, but it can be used to build a personal brand. Financial advisors can share content here that provides insights into their day-to-day work, for example photos of events or visual content on financial topics (e.g. infographics). This can be particularly valuable for addressing younger target groups.
At first glance,TikTok does not appear to be a platform for financial advisors, but it has become increasingly important for addressing young target groups in particular. It is suitable for short information videos, for example to explain financial topics in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way. It can be the first contact with customers who will be your customers in 10 years’ time.
In Switzerland, LinkedIn is the most important platform for professional networking. Specialized networks and industry associations are also important for making relevant contacts in the financial sector.
What content is suitable for sharing expert knowledge?
Specialist articles and analyses: Share articles that deal with new developments in the financial sector. This could be the latest regulations in Switzerland, market overviews or forecasts on economic trends.
Success stories: Use specific examples to show how you have helped your customers. This increases your credibility and gives other potential customers an insight into how you work.
Informative videos and tutorials: Create short explanatory videos on complex financial topics. This content is not only easy to digest, but also offers added value for your network.
Avoid too much self-promotion: Be careful not to advertise your services too much. This can act as a deterrent and weaken trust. Instead, concentrate on offering added value. Remember the 70-20-10 rule mentioned at the beginning.
Factual and helpful comments: Interact with your network, offer added value, respectfully add more details and provide insights into your experience and expertise.
Through the targeted use of online platforms, you can expand your network and build valuable, long-term relationships.
Nurturing relationships for the long term
Building a network is only the first step – maintaining long-term contact is crucial to consolidating and expanding customer relationships. Active and thoughtful contact management ensures that you are remembered and that your connections are successful in the long term.
Stay in regular contact with your contacts without being intrusive. A good tactic is to remember important events or developments in the contact and use these as an opportunity to make contact. These can be birthdays, professional milestones or changes in the market environment. A short message on a topic that concerns your contact can also be very effective.
Avoid mass mailings. Instead, send personalized messages that address the contact’s specific interests and needs. An easy way to do this is to refer back to previous conversations or specific topics to pick up the conversation again.
Make sure every interaction adds value. This can be done by sharing a relevant article, offering a useful tip or inviting them to an interesting event. This way you will be remembered without giving the feeling that you are only looking for something in return.
Comment on and share your contacts’ posts on platforms such as LinkedIn. This shows interest and support for their activities without you having to send a direct message.
Long-term relationships need active and thoughtful nurturing. Use a mix of email, social media and face-to-face meetings to strengthen your contacts and always offer added value to be remembered positively.
Conclusion and FAQ
Long-term and trusting relationships are the key to success in the financial sector. Networking should not be seen as a purely tactical measure, but must always be based on genuine interest and mutual exchange.
The customer and their needs are the focus – not your own interest in closing a deal quickly. An honest and trusting network brings significantly more success in the long term than a superficial collection of contacts. Financial advisors should view their network as a long-term investment that is about building and maintaining valuable relationships and offering real added value.
How can I network successfully as an introvert?
Even introverts can be successful networkers if they focus on quality relationships. Use online platforms such as LinkedIn to make contacts in a more comfortable, digital environment.
Prepare well for networking events by having targeted conversations with a few people rather than focusing on many fleeting contacts. Listen actively and show genuine interest in the person you are talking to.
How often should I contact my contacts?
The frequency of contact depends on the type of relationship. A good rule of thumb is to get in touch with key contacts at least two to three times a year, be it through messages, phone calls or face-to-face meetings. More important than frequency, however, is the relevance of the contact. Make sure that each interaction adds value.
How much time should a financial advisor realistically invest in networking?
The time invested in networking should be in balance with other tasks. A sensible guideline could be around 10% of working time, which equates to around four hours per week. More important than the time, however, is the quality of the networking: it should be strategic and targeted to ensure long-term success.
As a young professional, you are facing an exciting but also challenging time. The Swiss financial market offers many opportunities, but is also characterized by intense competition and rapid technological change. Are you aiming for a career in the financial industry? Is this career path the right one for you and what qualifications do you need?
In this article, you will find out how you can advance your career in the financial sector in a targeted manner. We highlight important skills, strategies for further development and show you how you can assert yourself and position yourself successfully in this dynamic environment.
Diverse opportunities: The financial sector offers ambitious young professionals numerous career paths and specializations.
Holistic expertise: Success is based on a combination of specialist knowledge, soft skills and digital expertise.
Continuous learning: Ongoing training and adaptability are the key to long-term success in the changing world of finance.
Strategic positioning: With the right strategies, you can stand out from the competition and achieve your career goals effectively.
Self-reflection and networking: Know your strengths and build a strong professional network to optimize your career opportunities.
Career paths in modern financial consulting in Switzerland
As a young professional, you have a wide range of opportunities to shape your career in the financial sector. In addition to other career opportunities, there is the possibility of entering financial consulting:
Traditional banking consulting
Entry often as a junior consultant in retail or private banks
Specialization possible, e.g. in asset management or corporate banking
Insurance consulting
Focus on risk management and pension planning
Further development as an insurance broker or underwriter
Career choice, self-assessment and orientation: do I fit into the financial sector?
The financial sector offers many career opportunities, but requires specific skills and personality traits. An honest self-assessment will help you choose the right path.
Specializations in financial consulting include asset management, corporate finance, risk management, sustainable finance and fintech. Each area requires different skills. In asset management, the focus is on customer orientation and building trust, while analytical thinking and attention to detail are required in risk management.
Tools such as the SWOT analysis or the Myers-Briggs type indicator are suitable for self-assessment . Use these to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Ask yourself:
Do you like working with numbers?
Can you explain complex issues simply?
Do you remain calm in stressful situations?
Do you enjoy working with customers/consulting?
Find out all you can about your career opportunities. Visit career fairs organized by Swiss financial institutions and hold informative discussions with industry experts. Analyze job advertisements to understand the requirement profiles.
Internships or taster days give you an insight into everyday working life. Use these opportunities to get to know different areas and test your aptitude.
Hard skills: the basis for success
To be successful in the financial sector, you need a solid foundation of hard skills. These hard skills form the basis for your career as a financial advisor and enable you to advance in the financial sector.
Relevant training and degree courses
Entry into financial consulting begins with a sound education. In Switzerland, numerous universities offer excellent courses of study that will prepare you optimally for your career.
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in economics, finance or banking and finance at renowned institutions such as the University of St. Gallen, the University of Zurich or ETH Zurich will give you a competitive edge. Dual study programs in cooperation with Swiss banks can also be a good choice, as they ideally combine theory and practice.
Important qualifications and further training
After training is before further training. As the financial sector is constantly evolving, continuous further training is essential. Recognized qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) significantly increase your competence and credibility.
Specific Swiss qualifications such as the Federal Diploma in Financial Planning or the Diploma in Banking are also very valuable.
Personal career planning
A well-thought-out career plan is your compass for professional success. Set yourself clear, achievable goals for the next 3, 5 and 10 years. Identify the skills and experience you need to achieve these goals.
Plan strategically which further training and certifications you would like to complete and when. Stay flexible so that you can react to changes in the industry.
Expand your professional expertise
As a financial advisor, you need to master a wide range of core skills. Sound knowledge of financial analysis and advice is essential. You should be able to analyze complex financial data, interpret market trends and derive sound investment recommendations.
Specialize in areas that match your strengths and interests. In asset management, for example, a keen sense of customer relations and strategic thinking are required. In risk management, on the other hand, analytical skills and an understanding of complex mathematical models are required.
By continuously working on your hard skills and expanding your professional expertise, you will create a solid foundation for your professional success. Remain curious, open to new things and willing to keep learning. This will position you as an expert.
Soft skills for advancement and the power of networking
Excellent soft skills are often the decisive factor for professional success in the financial sector. Focus on the following key skills:
Communication and presentation: practice explaining complex financial concepts simply. Take every opportunity to speak in front of an audience. Adapt your communication style to different audiences – from private investors to board members.
Negotiation skills: Develop the ability to create win-win situations. Learn to listen actively and recognize the needs of your counterpart. Remain professional, flexible and goal-oriented in negotiations.
Emotional intelligence: Train your ability to recognize emotions and react to them appropriately. This is particularly important when dealing with customer concerns or in crisis situations. Develop empathy and build trusting relationships.
Networking: Systematically build up a professional network. Attend industry events and specialist conferences on a regular basis. Maintain contacts with colleagues, potential customers and industry experts. Think long-term and offer your network added value. (Tip: connect with our experts!)
Use social media: Keep your LinkedIn profile professional and up to date. Share relevant specialist content and take part in industry discussions. Make targeted use of social media to maintain contacts and build your personal brand.
Mentoring: Actively seek out a mentor in your company or industry. An experienced mentor can give you valuable insights and career tips. Be open to feedback and willing to learn from the experiences of others.
Define specific, measurable goals for your career and review them regularly, for example:
Short-term (3 years): e.g. senior position in wealth management
Medium-term (5 years): e.g. partner in an asset management company
Long-term (10 years): e.g. setting up your own financial advisory firm
Salary structures and negotiation strategies
Salaries in the Swiss financial advisory sector vary greatly. Bonuses and performance-related remuneration can make up a significant proportion of total income.
Starting salaries: CHF 70,000 – 90,000 per year
for experienced advisors: CHF 120,000 – 200,000 and more
Facts count in salary negotiations . Quantify your achievements: State specific sales increases, cost savings or improved customer satisfaction scores that you have achieved.
Find out about the current market salary for your position using salary reports, e.g. from UBS or Credit Suisse. Plan the interview according to measurable successes, e.g. the completion of an important project. Present your arguments briefly and concisely, for example: “I have expanded the customer base by 15% and increased sales per customer by 8%.
In addition to the basic salary, also consider bonuses, share options or training budgets as negotiating points.
Future prospects in financial consulting
The financial advisory industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological innovation and changing client needs. Emerging niches such as sustainable investments, cryptocurrencies and digital wealth management offer new opportunities for specialization. To be successful in these areas, financial advisors need to constantly expand their expertise and adapt to new market realities.
Financial advisors should focus on developing skills that are difficult to automate, such as complex problem solving, emotional intelligence and creative thinking. At the same time, it is important to understand and utilize technological developments to improve your work and make it more efficient.
Lifelong learning and continuous adaptation are the keys to long-term success in financial consulting. This means not only keeping up to date with new financial products and regulations, but also constantly educating yourself and acquiring new skills. Financial advisors should be open to change and willing to adapt their way of working to new market conditions.
As Warren Buffett once said:“Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing“. Only those who constantly expand their knowledge and stay up to date can make informed decisions and offer their clients the best possible service.
Are you fascinated by the world of finance and would you like to help other people achieve their financial goals? Then a career as a financial advisor could be just right for you. But what does everyday life look like and what are the tasks of a financial advisor?
This article sheds light on the diverse tasks of a financial advisor, shows typical daily routines and provides an insight into the qualifications required.
The profession is suitable for analytical and communicative personalities with a high level of integrity and an interest in the financial markets.
Typical tasks as a financial advisor
As a financial advisor in Switzerland, you will take on a variety of demanding tasks that go far beyond pure investment advice. Your day-to-day work is characterized by the responsibility to positively shape the financial future of your clients.
One of your core tasks is to carry out an in-depth financial analysis and needs assessment.
You record the current financial situation of your customers
Analyze income, expenditure and assets
Determine their financial goals and individual risk appetite.
On this basis, you will develop customized financial strategies. To do this, you will create detailed financial plans and develop strategies to achieve short, medium and long-term goals. You will always take risk management and diversification aspects into account.
Another important area is advising on various financial products:
Ongoing customer care and acquisition round off your range of tasks. You maintain long-term relationships, regularly review financial strategies and adjust them as necessary. At the same time, you are always on the lookout for new clients to expand your business.
The day-to-day work of a financial advisor in Switzerland is varied and dynamic. This is what a typical working day might look like:
In the morning, you prepare for upcoming client meetings. You analyze market developments and adapt your financial strategies accordingly.
Over the course of the day, you conduct several advisory meetings:
Initial contacts with potential new customers
Detailed analysis meetings on the financial situation
Presentation of individual financial strategies
Follow-up meetings to review existing plans
Between appointments, you will carry out administrative tasks such as documenting client meetings, drawing up financial plans and processing client inquiries.
The biggest challenge in everyday working life is often the balance between customer advice and administration. You have to find enough time to provide high-quality advice and at the same time meet all regulatory and administrative requirements.
You also have to keep up to date at all times: At the end of the day, you reserve time for further training to stay informed about current market trends and new financial products.
Qualifications and skills
A sound education in finance is essential. This can take the form of a degree in economics, business administration or specific training in finance.
In addition, certain certifications are an advantage in Switzerland:
SAQ certification (Swiss Association for Quality)
Chartered Financial Planner (CFP)
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
These certifications underline your expertise and create trust with potential clients.
In addition to the certifications already mentioned, the Dipl. Finanzberater IAF qualification is also a valuable qualification in the financial sector. This qualification is awarded by the IAF (Interessengemeinschaft Ausbildung im Finanzbereich). Our partner offers training courses for this certification, so that interested parties can obtain further information and support directly from us in order to achieve their professional goals. Feel free to contact us!
But it’s not just technical know-how that is important. Distinctive soft skills are also crucial for your success:
You must be able to explain complex financial topics in an understandable way.
Strong analytical skills are essential for developing customized financial strategies.
Empathy for the client’s situation and needs is essential.
As the guardian of your clients’ financial interests, you must radiate absolute reliability.
In the ever-changing world of finance, lifelong learning is essential. Regular training will help you to keep up to date with financial products and technologies. Also keep up to date with legal and regulatory changes.
Specialization options & forms of employment in financial consulting
There are specialization options and different forms of employment in financial consulting. Depending on your interests and strengths, you can concentrate on certain specialist areas and deepen your specialist knowledge:
The type of advice can vary greatly depending on the employer or form of employment. For banks, the focus is often on in-house products and services, while insurance advisors primarily offer insurance and pension solutions. Independent financial advisors, on the other hand, can choose from a wider range of products and providers.
In terms of the form of employment , there is a choice between dependent employment and self-employment. Both variants have their advantages and disadvantages.
The profession of financial advisor is demanding and not suitable for everyone. It requires a special combination of specialist knowledge, personal qualities and soft skills.
Ideally, you should be interested in financial markets and economic relationships. You should enjoy working with figures and at the same time be a strong communicator. A strong customer focus is essential, as success in this profession depends largely on the ability to build and maintain trusting relationships.
The most important skills include
analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
excellent communication and presentation skills
high integrity and ethical behavior
Resilience and the ability to work under pressure
Willingness to learn continuously
The profession is less suitable for people who have difficulty processing or communicating complex information. Those who do not like taking responsibility for the financial decisions of others or who cannot cope well with uncertainty and market fluctuations should also consider alternative career paths.
As a financial advisor in Switzerland, you face a major challenge: how do you acquire clients in a highly regulated market? Client acquisition requires not only professional know-how, but also strategic skill and a deep understanding of the needs of your target group.
In this article, we present effective methods for acquiring new customers that take both traditional and innovative approaches into account. After reading it, you will know how to make the most of your network, use digital channels successfully and position yourself skillfully in the Swiss financial landscape.
Customer acquisition in Switzerland requires a balanced mix of traditional and digital methods of customer acquisition.
Networking, events and presentations are proven offline strategies, while a strong online presence, SEO and social media cover the digital side.
Cold calling is subject to strict legal regulations in Switzerland. It is better to try to convince through expertise, customer care and co.
A clear target group definition and niche strategy will help you stand out from the competition and strengthen your personal brand image.
Continuously measure your acquisition success, optimize your strategies and adapt flexibly to market changes in order to successfully acquire customers in the long term.
Types of customer acquisition
As a financial advisor in Switzerland, you have various options for acquiring clients. It is important to know these and use them in a targeted manner in order to successfully acquire new clients.
Offline vs. online
The classic offline methods of customer acquisition are still relevant:
Use of personal networks
Participation in trade fairs and congresses
Organizing presentations and workshops
Local advertising (print, radio)
Digital strategies are becoming increasingly important:
Establishing a professional internet presence
Content marketing and search engine optimization (SEO)
Social media marketing (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
Email marketing
Online advertising (Google Ads, social media ads)
Forms of acquisition
The customer contacts you after becoming aware of your content/offer – this is also known as inbound marketing. This often happens through
Recommendation from existing customers
Findability in search engines
interesting content on your website or in social networks
In contrast, outbound marketing involves actively approaching potential customers. This is highly regulated in Switzerland and includes
Telephone contact
Sending e-mails
Direct mailings
Personal contact at events
Legal framework conditions
In Switzerland, the regulation of cold calling has been tightened in recent years. Of particular importance are the amendments to the Telecommunications Act (TCA) and the Unfair Competition Act (UCA) of 2020.
Restrictions on cold calling
Telephone: Cold calling is only permitted if the person contacted has given their prior consent or a business relationship exists.
Email: Unsolicited advertising emails are only permitted if the recipient has consented or is a customer.
SMS: The same applies to advertising by SMS.
Letters: Direct mail is permitted unless there is a prohibition on the letterbox.
Despite increasing digitalization, traditional methods of customer acquisition are still relevant. They enable personal contact and the building of trust, which is particularly important in the financial sector.
The personal network is often the best starting point for customer acquisition:
Family and friends: Let your immediate circle know about your services. Do not ask for orders directly, but ask for recommendations from people who could benefit from your expertise.
Former colleagues and business partners: Reactivate old contacts and inform them about your new field of activity.
Former networks: Use contacts with former fellow students or school friends.
Local clubs and organizations: Get involved in your community to make new contacts.
Present yourself at trade shows as a participant or exhibitor and tap into new contacts.
Attend regular events organized by chambers of commerce or business associations.
Use platforms/suitable event formats for cross-industry networking.
Position yourself as an expert with your own events:
Organize lectures on current financial topics at local educational institutions or libraries.
Offer practical training courses, e.g. on retirement provision or investment strategies.
Combine traditional and digital methods with online seminars.
Present yourself with an information stand at local markets or city festivals.
Use traditional media to reach your target group:
Place advertisements or write guest articles on financial topics.
Place advertisements in publications that your target group reads, e.g. business magazines.
Distribute information material at strategic locations such as banks, insurance offices or local stores.
Use local advertising space, especially in places where your target group frequently spends time.
Further ideas and methods
Cooperation with complementary service providers: Work together with lawyers, tax consultants or estate agents and recommend each other.
Sponsoring: Support local sports clubs or cultural events to raise your profile.
Open day: Invite interested parties to your law firm to make your working methods transparent.
Charity events: Organize or support charity events to show your social commitment and make new contacts.
Customer advisory board: Set up an advisory board made up of satisfied customers who act as ambassadors for your services.
Important: With all these methods, it is important to appear authentic and value-oriented. The aim should be to convince potential customers of your expertise and build trust rather than appearing pushy. Combine these traditional approaches with digital strategies to achieve holistic and effective customer acquisition.
Digital strategies for customer acquisition
In Switzerland’s increasingly digitalized financial landscape, online strategies have become essential for financial advisors. An effective digital presence makes it possible to reach potential clients where they are looking for information and solutions. Here are the most important digital methods for client acquisition:
Create a strong online presence:
Create a professional and user-friendly website.
Create an informative blog with regular posts.
Develop target group-specific landing pages.
Social media marketing plays a central role in digital customer acquisition. Use platforms such as LinkedIn for B2B contacts and professional networking, Facebook for a broader target group approach and Instagram to reach younger target groups with visual content. Don’t forget the importance of Xing in German-speaking countries. PS: Follow us!
Content marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) are other key components:
Create high-quality, relevant content that showcases your expertise.
Optimize your content for relevant search terms.
Build backlinks from trusted sites.
Use different formats such as blog posts, infographics and videos.
Online advertising and automated acquisition can significantly increase your reach:
Use Google Ads to target ads to relevant search queries.
Use the precise targeting options of social media ads.
Use retargeting strategies to address website visitors again.
Automate email campaigns for effective lead nurturing.
Develop acquisition strategy & priorities
An effective acquisition strategy is the key to success for financial advisors in Switzerland. Here’s a detailed guide on how to develop and prioritize your strategy.
Think in channels
Identify the appropriate channels for your offering and target audience:
Target group analysis: create detailed personas of your ideal customers. Take into account age, profession, income, life situation and financial goals.
Media usage behavior: Research which media your target group prefers to use. (Examples: Young professionals: Instagram, LinkedIn, financial apps; Established business people: LinkedIn, trade magazines, business podcasts; Affluent seniors: local newspapers, trade fairs, personal networks)
Tailor your message, formats and content to each channel:
LinkedIn: share professional articles and industry insights
Instagram: Use visual storytelling for financial topics
Local newspapers: Place ads or offer expert columns.
Combine different channels to achieve greater reach. Ensure a consistent message across all channels.
Master and expand acquisition strategies
Make a list of your current strengths and weaknesses in customer acquisition. And focus on improving your strongest acquisition methods first.
Develop a structured plan to learn new strategies and attend courses and workshops on sales techniques and digital marketing. Test new strategies on a small scale and analyze the results before implementing them fully.
Use your own network
Regularly provide your network with useful information and insights without selling directly. Social media and your own blog posts are excellent ways to do this.
Build up your expert status:
Give talks at local events.
Publish specialist articles in industry magazines.
Share your knowledge in LinkedIn groups or local business networks.
Develop a structured program to reward existing customers for referrals . Also schedule regular meetings with key contacts without being intrusive.
Local focus
Strengthen your regional presence first before thinking bigger. Use Google My Business and optimize your profile with up-to-date information, photos and regular posts. Use local search terms on your website and create location-specific landing pages.
Local advertising can hit the spot:
Google Ads: Use location-based ads
Meta Ads: Target Swiss regions and cities
Local print media: place advertisements in local newspapers
Social commitment is sometimes highly valued regionally:
Sponsoring local sports clubs or cultural events
Participation in community or city festivals
Offer free financial literacy workshops in local libraries.
Local partnerships for win-win situations: Collaborating with other local businesses such as lawyers or real estate agents to provide mutual referrals.
Quality and communication
Always ensure good quality to keep your clients satisfied by strengthening your expertise through continuous training:
Regularly attend professional conferences and seminars.
Complete recognized certifications.
Keep up to date with current financial trends and regulations.
Building trust and customer loyalty are of central importance when it comes to financial topics.
Discretion and reliability form the basis for a successful customer relationship. To gain the trust of customers, it is important to demonstrate competence and integrity from the outset. During discussions, you should actively listen in order to understand the individual needs and goals of your customers. Show empathy and avoid presenting hasty solutions. Instead, develop customized proposals that are tailored to the customer’s specific situation.
Explain the advantages of your service using concrete examples and scenarios. Explain complex financial concepts in understandable language and show how your advice creates added value for the customer. Transparency is the top priority: Inform your customers clearly about possible risks and costs.
Effective communication and aftercare are crucial for long-term customer loyalty. Establish regular points of contact with your existing customers without being intrusive. A quarterly update may be appropriate, but should be tailored to individual customer preferences. Use this opportunity to provide information on relevant market developments and to review the customer’s financial strategy.
Note: Be aware of the legal framework: Unsolicited contact for advertising purposes is strictly regulated in Switzerland. Make sure that you have your customers’ consent for regular communication.
In multilingual Switzerland, it is an advantage if you can offer your services in several national languages. However, the effort and potential return must be clearly weighed up and is usually not practical for many. You should also take into account regional cultural differences in your communication, pricing, etc. What is considered appropriate in Zurich may be perceived differently in Geneva or Lugano. Sensitive and appropriate communication makes a significant contribution to building trust.
Ultimately, successful customer loyalty is based on consistency and reliability. Keeping promises, keeping appointments on time and offering high-quality advice.
In the highly competitive Swiss financial advisory sector, it is important to stand out from the competition. The following three tips can help you do just that:
Tip 1: Develop a niche strategy
With a niche strategy, you position yourself as an expert for a specific target group. One example is positioning yourself as an advisor specifically for families.
Define your target group precisely: young families, large families, patchwork families or multi-generational households.
Analyze the specific needs of this group: retirement provision, education financing, real estate financing or intergenerational wealth transfer.
Develop tailor-made solutions and communicate them in a targeted manner. For example, offer a “family finance package” that covers the following aspects:
Budget planning for the growing family
Strategies for financing the children’s education
Cover for the family in the event of illness or death
Strategies for long-term wealth accumulation for the whole family
To set yourself apart from the competition, focus on the unique selling points of your offer. This could be special expertise in Swiss family law or innovative financial products specifically for families. Communicate your unique selling points clearly and consistently across all channels.
Build a personal brand image that reflects your expertise and your focus on families. This can include
A family-friendly presence on social media
Regular articles on family finance topics in local media
Organization of family finance days or workshops for parents and children
Tip 2: Networks and collaborations
Effective networking and strategic cooperation can significantly increase your reach and credibility:
Build up a network of complementary service providers. For a Family Financial Planner, these could be
Lawyers who specialize in family law
Real estate agents who specialize in family real estate
Insurance experts for family insurance
Tax advisors with expertise in family taxation
Organize joint information events or create co-branded content.
Form partnerships between experienced and young advisors. This allows you to combine traditional and modern approaches and appeal to different generations of customers.
Work together with Swiss financial influencers or local personalities. These can be well-known business journalists, successful entrepreneurs or experts on family issues. Joint webinars, podcast episodes or social media campaigns can significantly increase your reach.
Tip 3: Measure and optimize your acquisition strategy
A data-driven approach is crucial for long-term success:
Implement a robust tracking system for key metrics such as:
Number of new customers per month
Conversion rate from prospects to customers
Average customer value
Customer retention rate
Referral rate
Use tools such as Google Analytics for your website and CRM systems for your customer management.
Conclusion and outlook
Successful customer acquisition requires a versatile and future-oriented approach. Key strategies include developing a niche specialization, building a strong digital presence, intensive networking and integrating innovative consulting formats.
A balanced mix of traditional and digital methods is crucial to appeal to different customer groups and to be able to react flexibly to market changes. Don’t forget to nurture your existing customer base. Maintain regular contact, offer added value and continuously adapt your services to their needs.
The tools and technologies required to start a new business can be overwhelming, even for the most experienced financial advisors. With so many options covering different aspects of a consultant’s work, where do you start?
Financial advisors need different software and tools to manage their day-to-day operations. Let’s take a look at the most commonly used software for financial advisors:
Financial advisors need a custodian to manage their clients’ assets and execute and settle trades, but not all custodians are the same. Custodians are also referred to as depositories. When choosing a custodian, there are several important considerations: access, minimum amounts, available products, customer support, digital experiences, automation, costs, and customer experience.
Portfolio management software
A portfolio management software helps financial advisors manage client portfolios efficiently and accurately. This software allows for monitoring investments, analyzing risks, and tracking performance in real-time. Most portfolio management software also generates performance reports, which are an important tool for showing clients how their portfolios are performing over time. With this tool, advisors can discuss goals and needs throughout the course of their relationship with clients.
CRM and client portals
A CRM system is important for keeping track of clients and their progress. Such a system allows all client information to be stored centrally and accessed at any time, significantly improving the quality of advice. Through the CRM tool, the advisor can track client interactions, preferences, and historical data to provide tailored and personalized advice.
Client portal software enables clients to access their accounts, transfer funds, and view their holdings and costs. The software can vary in terms of technology and features.
Reading tip: How to become a financial advisor in Switzerland?
Compliance and document retention/archiving
Every financial advisor must comply with legal and regulatory requirements. This includes various areas such as data protection, anti-money laundering (AML), and financial reporting. One key aspect is adherence to anti-money laundering guidelines (AML), where financial advisors must ensure they know their clients (Know Your Customer, KYC) in order to detect and prevent suspicious activities.
Data protection is another essential element of compliance. In Switzerland, financial advisors must ensure that data protection regulations are adhered to in accordance with the Swiss Data Protection Act. Compliance software helps financial advisors meet these and other regulatory requirements efficiently. Such tools offer monitoring systems that identify potential risks and trigger alerts when suspicious activities are detected. Additionally, they enable comprehensive documentation and reporting.
At Everon
At Everon, we strive to make independent financial advising more efficient. We have combined many of the technologies listed here into one platform. On an intuitive, integrated platform, advisors can open accounts, manage portfolios, and create reports—at a fraction of the ever-increasing technology costs. We can help you streamline operations, reduce overhead, and improve the client experience. To schedule an appointment, contact us.
