The business of Switzerland’s independent wealth managers stands at a turning point. Following the sweeping wave of regulation under the FinSA and FinIA frameworks, what was once a relatively unregulated profession has evolved into a tightly supervised segment of the financial industry.

Today, roughly 1,300 wealth managers are licensed by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) – yet no one knows exactly how many small «one-man shows» continue to operate without authorization. Increasingly, the question is being asked: how can this business still be run profitably?

Nationwide Data Collection

Against this backdrop, Christoph Künzle is launching the first comprehensive, nationwide survey on the state of Switzerland’s independent wealth managers. Künzle, a professor at a university of applied sciences and a long-standing expert on Swiss banking, emphasizes: «This study is important because this sector has rarely been analyzed using data-driven methods.»

«Join the survey here»

The goal is to examine the ecosystem of independent wealth managers quantitatively – looking into cost structures, productivity, profitability, and regulatory burden. Aquila, Switzerland’s largest platform for independent wealth managers, is supporting and accompanying the research project.

«By participating, wealth managers have the opportunity to contribute directly to the first industry-wide study of its kind,» notes Carine Frick-Delaloye, Head of Aquila Bank and Corporate & Business Development.

Independent Wealth Manager Summit in Zurich

The findings will be presented on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, during a conference at the «Zunfthaus zur Meisen» in Zurich – the inaugural «Independent Wealth Manager Summit». finews.ch is the exclusive media partner.

«With this study, we want to bring more visibility and transparency to the industry – something that will benefit everyone,» explains Künzle. Frick-Delaloye adds: «The heavy regulatory requirements have fundamentally changed the profession. Anyone who wants to remain independent today must adapt, find partners, and reach a certain scale. Cooperation and platform models are clearly the future.»

New Type of Wealth Manager Emerging

Those who recognize the signs of the times, invest in technology, and pursue collaboration will emerge stronger from this transformation. The study aims to generate valuable insights into a sector in transition – and may well herald the rise of a new type of Swiss wealth manager: digital, cooperative, and more client-focused than ever before.

• Access the survey now.