Asset management in Switzerland: process, costs and key benefits

The professional asset management is a central financial service for private individuals, families and institutions. It aims to preserve and increase capital while minimizing risks. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the process, costs, investment strategies and what you should pay attention to when choosing an asset manager.

An overview of the most important things

• Efficient management and growth of wealth — for private and institutional investors.
• Broad investment options — from stocks and real estate to cryptocurrencies.
• expenses — Management fees of between 0.5% and 1% of assets under management are usual.
• Tax benefits — through strategic investments and structured planning.
• selection criteria — Transparency, experience, strategy and FINMA approval are crucial.
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Definition: What is asset management?

Asset management means the professional management of assets by a specialized manager. The aim is to optimize financial resources in line with individual goals and risk appetite — whether through stocks, bonds, real estate or alternative investments.

Expiration of asset management

Structured collaboration usually follows these steps:

1. Goal definition — Clarification of financial goals and risk profile
2. Strategy development — Preparation of a tailor-made investment strategy.
3. investments — Selection of suitable asset classes for diversification.
4. surveillance — Continuous monitoring and adjustment of the portfolio.
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investment options

Asset management covers a wide range of areas:

• stocks — Opportunities for growth but higher risk
• borrowings — Stability and predictable returns.
• realty — Tangible investments with inflation protection.
• feedstocks — Investments in gold, oil, etc.
• liquidity — Short-term, low-risk investments.
• cryptocurrencies — volatile but high-yield options.
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investment strategies

The strategies vary as needed:

• Active — continuous adjustments to market conditions.
• passive — Investments in indices with lower costs.
• Fund-linked — targeted selection of specific funds.
• Sustainable (ESG) — Focus on environmental and social standards.
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Collaboration models

Customers can determine the level of Participation choose:

• discretionary — the administrator makes his own decisions.
• Advisory — Customer makes decisions based on recommendations.
• hybrid — A combination of both models.
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When does asset management start to pay off?

Usually with a net worth of CHF 500,000. Reasons for this:

• complex finances (real estate, international investments),
• lack of time for market monitoring,
• targeted growth and succession planning,
• Risk and tax optimization.
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Responsibilities of an asset manager

• Development of individual strategies
• portfolio management
• risk management
• Tax optimization
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What to look for when choosing?

• Experience & reputation — years of market knowledge.
• Strategy & transparency — clear orientation and open communication.
• Customer proximity — regular exchange.
• independence — no retrocessions or hidden interests.
• FINMA approval — regulatory security.

Tip: An independent asset manager acts exclusively in the interest of its clients — without selling pressure for its own products.
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Wealth management costs

• Administration fee: 0.5% — 2% per year.
• Success fee: 10% — 20% on returns above the benchmark.
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Tax benefits

Tax benefits can be achieved through professional asset management, such as:

• clever use of allowances,
• optimization of capital gains tax,
• international tax planning as part of succession planning.
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Conclusion: Independent asset management with format

Asset management is an effective tool for protecting and sustainably increasing capital. A professional partner is crucial, especially when it comes to larger assets.

Format Vermögen & Anlagen AG offers you transparent, independent and individually tailored asset management — in line with your goals. Schedule a u nowbinding conversation!

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