Stephan Vollert, CEO, Helvetische Bank:

Entrepreneurial freedom, responsible risk awareness: Stephan Vollert. (Image: Courtesy)

I can’t recall a time without challenges. Even amid the current turbulence, advising on wealth matters always means keeping a broad perspective and putting client needs at the center. Interest rate outlooks are a constant concern—especially now, as another phase of negative rates would be toxic.

Other issues are more fleeting—for instance, the ESG hype has clearly faded. Regulation, however, is a constant—and its intensity has grown especially for smaller banks.

Sustainable Performance

For a private bank, the key in any environment is to focus on core strengths and demonstrate stability and reliability.

Our goal is to perform sustainably for our clients—where returns (wealth), service (advice), and costs (fees) align meaningfully.

Clients are also once again valuing personal contact with trusted advisors. Digital offerings may be cheap, but the tradeoff is anonymity and the burden of doing everything yourself.

Speed as a Key Advantage

Our proven strategy relies on motivated, entrepreneurial employees and our independence.

Responsiveness to client needs is a critical advantage in today’s climate. This requires decision-makers who are accessible and decisive.

We see entrepreneurial freedom combined with responsible risk awareness as an excellent foundation for seizing growth opportunities.

Next up: the statement by Christel Rendu de Lint & Georg Schubiger, Co-CEOs, Vontobel.