Recently, finews.ch reported that Cité Gestion had strengthened its Zurich office by hiring new talent from Lombard Odier. At that time, we estimated the bank’s assets under management (AuM) to be around 7 billion francs, based on the last known figure from the end of 2022.

Since then, several sources have indicated that client assets have increased significantly. In response to an inquiry, a bank spokesperson confirmed: «Assets under management and supervision totaled 9.5 billion francs at the end of 2023.» The bank has not yet provided an updated figure.

Likely Surpassing the CHF 10 Billion Milestone

Given the overall asset growth and recent personnel expansions, it is expected that Cité Gestion will surpass the 10 billion francs mark this year.

Behind these figures lies an intriguing success story. Cité Gestion was founded in 2009 within Lombard Odier as an independent asset manager. Eight years later, with 2.5 billion francs in client assets, the firm achieved full independence through a management buyout led by future partners Nicolas Geissmann and Guy Barbey, the latter of whom remains CEO.

Acquisitions and Mergers

The bank has also grown through acquisitions and mergers, including Ultra Finanz in 2018 and Sartus Capital in 2022, as previously reported by finews.ch. However, the majority of the firm’s growth has been achieved organically. Two years ago, Cité Gestion secured a Swiss banking license.

In early 2024, the bank, now with around 80 employees and offices in Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, and Lugano, joined the prestigious Association of Swiss Private Banks (ASPB).

A Dual Role as Bank and EAM

Market observers attribute Cité Gestion's rapid growth to its dual approach: functioning both as an independent private bank and in its traditional role as an external asset manager (EAM), allowing it to serve clients who have relationships with other banks.

As it expands, Cité Gestion has also demonstrated a notable interest in the crypto space. Last year, the bank tokenized its share capital with the help of digital asset firm Taurus. This year, it participated in the world’s first tokenization of wine in collaboration with Màquina & Tabla from Castile.