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Safra Sarasin — How to Open a Bank Account
Date of last update: January 12, 2026
Your consultant
Adam Abdellaoui
Of Counsel
J. Safra Sarasin represents a distinct model in the Swiss financial landscape: a family-owned private bank prioritizing generational preservation over quarterly targets. Specializing in wealth management for high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients, the bank operates as part of the global J. Safra Group.
With headquarters in Basel and a history spanning over 180 years, it manages CHF 224.2 billion in assets (end-2024). Its Tier 1 capital ratio exceeds 40%—double the regulatory requirement—making it a fortress of stability in volatile markets.
With headquarters in Basel and a history spanning over 180 years, it manages CHF 224.2 billion in assets (end-2024). Its Tier 1 capital ratio exceeds 40%—double the regulatory requirement—making it a fortress of stability in volatile markets.
+41 (44) 5152530
Facts about J. Safra Sarasin
Bank Type
Private Bank
Wealth Management
Founded
1841
Basel, Switzerland
Assets Under Management
CHF 224.2bn
End-2024
Credit Rating
A
SP (Stable Outlook)
Financial Stability: CET1 Capital Ratio
Comparison of Bank J. Safra Sarasin's capitalization versus standard regulatory requirements (Basel III)
Regulatory Requirement (Basel III) ~10.5%
Bank J. Safra Sarasin (2024) 42.7%
● The bank maintains capital reserves approximately 4x higher than required, ensuring protection across market cycles.
Financial Performance 2024
Net Profit
CHF 504.5M
↑ +6.9% YoY
AUM Growth
CHF 20bn
From CHF 204.2bn to CHF 224.2bn
UK AuMA
£18.3bn
As of September 2024
Maria Werner
Of Counsel – specialized in corporate law and tax law
info@goldblum.ch
+41 (44) 5152530
Account Opening Requirements
1
Minimum Balance
EUR 1,000,000
2
Initial Deposit
EUR 200,000
3
Funding Period
12 months
4
Meeting Required
Mandatory
Progressive Funding Schedule
EUR 200,000 in the first month → EUR 200,000 in the second month → continuing monthly until the EUR 1,000,000 balance is reached within 12 months from account opening.
Fees & Transaction Costs
Who The Bank Serves
1
Private Clients & Families
High-net-worth individuals aiming for multi-generational wealth preservation.
→ Succession & Legacy Planning
→ Family Office Services
→ Discretionary Asset Management
2
Institutional Investors
Pension funds, insurers, and charities requiring specialized mandates.
→ Liability-Matching Strategies
→ Custom Fund Solutions
→ ESG & Sustainability Integration
185 Years of Evolution
1841 Foundation in Basel
Establishment of Bank Sarasin (originally Riggenbach & Cie), rooting the bank in Swiss private banking tradition.
1950s Rise of Safra Group
Jacob Safra establishes the family's international banking presence, expanding across Europe and the Americas.
2013 Pivotal Merger
Safra Group acquires Bank Sarasin. The entities merge to form Bank J. Safra Sarasin, combining Swiss reliability with global reach.
Present Global Leadership
A Tier-1 capitalized Swiss bank managing CHF 224.2bn in assets with a distinct focus on sustainability and family legacy.
Global Presence
Europe
Basel (HQ)
Zurich
Geneva
Luxembourg
Monaco
London
Zurich
Geneva
Luxembourg
Monaco
London
Asia
Singapore
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Remarkable growth in 2025
Middle East
Dubai
Doha
Doha
Latin America
Multiple locations
30+
Locations worldwide
ESG & Sustainability Leadership
30+
Years of ESG integration in investment process
AUD 500M
Committed to women entrepreneurs (March 2024)
2024 Award
Named 'Best Private Bank for Social Responsibility' by Global Finance Magazine
Credit Card Services
Available Brands
VISA & MasterCard
Daily Limit
Min EUR 5,000
Insurance
Min EUR 20,000
Internet Banking
Active & Passive
Strategic Differentiators
Family Ownership
Multi-generational perspective with 180+ years of family tradition
Long-Term Focus
No quarterly earnings pressures, counter-cyclical strategies
Conservative Risk
Capital preservation over aggressive growth, 42.7% CET1 ratio
ESG Leadership
30+ years of sustainability integration, UN SDG alignment
Compliance & Regulatory Framework
Member of Key Regulatory Bodies
OECD • FATF • Basel Committee • Egmont Group • FINMA
Multilingual Service
EN
English
Fluent across all offices
DE
German
Multiple European offices
INT
Multilingual Staff
International clients from diverse jurisdictions
Important Disclaimer
This article provides general information about Bank J. Safra Sarasin and does not constitute investment advice, financial recommendation, or an offer of banking services. Banking conditions, minimum requirements, and service availability are subject to change. Prospective clients should contact the bank directly for current terms and eligibility criteria. All investments carry risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results.
Frequently asked questions
J. Safra Sarasin is a leading Swiss private bank specializing in wealth and asset management for high-net-worth clients, part of the global Safra Group with 185+ years of heritage.
The bank is owned by J. Safra Sarasin Group, which is part of Safra Group — a family-owned and managed financial conglomerate controlled by the Safra family.
The headquarters is in Basel, Switzerland, at Elisabethenstrasse 62, Postfach, CH-4002 Basel.
Core services include private banking (comprehensive wealth management), asset management (discretionary portfolio management and funds), and investment advisory for high-net-worth private and institutional clients.
Minimum investment thresholds vary by service line and booking centre. The bank tailors requirements to individual client circumstances. Specific minimums are available on request through the bank's relationship managers.
Initial KYC review typically takes 1–3 weeks following complete document submission. Timeline may vary based on client complexity and jurisdiction-specific requirements.
The bank operates under Swiss regulations and international compliance frameworks. US persons should contact the bank directly to discuss eligibility and applicable reporting requirements under FATCA and other US tax regulations.
The bank serves corporate clients through tailored banking solutions. Specific policies regarding fintech companies and cryptocurrency-related businesses are evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Swiss regulatory requirements.
Client deposits are protected under esisuisse (Switzerland's deposit insurance scheme) up to CHF 100,000 per client per bank. This protection applies in the event of bank insolvency.
Remote onboarding availability depends on the booking centre and client jurisdiction. The bank offers both in-person and remote account opening options where regulations permit. Contact the relevant booking centre for specific procedures.
Adam Abdellaoui
Your personal contact
Of Counsel
Contact us to learn more about opening a Swiss bank account
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