E. Gutzwiller & Cie, Banquiers— Bank account opening in Switzerland
E. Gutzwiller & Cie, Banquiers
Philosophy: Legacy of True Bankers
Unlike most modern financial institutions, managing partners invest their own capital and assume unlimited personal liability for the bank's obligations. This eliminates conflicts of interest, as partners cannot shift risk to external investors.
Independence
Free from external shareholders, institutional investors, or parent company directives. Investment decisions reflect only client objectives and market fundamentals.
Continuity
Five generations of family management since 1886. Client relationships often span decades, with second and third generations served by the same advisory team.
Personal Approach
Clients communicate directly with managing partners who are legally responsible for outcomes, rather than relationship managers executing committee decisions.
Core Service Pillars
- • Discretionary mandates (partner-led)
- • Advisory mandates (client authority)
- • Execution-only services
- • Custody & Lombard loans
- • Fiduciary services via Bourcart Treuhand AG
- • Direct investments (stocks & bonds)
- • Open-architecture fund selection
- • Gutzwiller Fonds Management AG
- • 6 proprietary equity funds
- • CHF bond fund
- • Dedicated custody platform
- • Proprietary trading system access
- • Multi-currency account management
- • Consolidated reporting
- • Back-office & tax support
Investment Strategies
Managed tactics adjusted based on risk appetite and market conditions.
Account Opening Process
Initial Consultation
Assessment of investment objectives, risk tolerance, and tax residency status (CRS/FATCA).
Documentation Submission
Submission of identification and financial proof. (See checklist below).
Compliance Review
Enhanced due diligence and Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) verification.
Activation
Typically 1-4 weeks. Available via in-person meeting (Basel/Geneva/Zürich) or video conference.
Required Documentation
Client Profiles
Seeking capital preservation and wealth transfer across generations. Prioritizing personalized attention over brand recognition.
Requiring integrated solutions for holding companies, succession planning, and liquidity events.
Needing co-fiduciary services, investment advice, or administrative platforms without sales pressure.
Maria Werner
Managing Partners
Individuals who bear personal liability for outcomes.
Oversees strategic direction and investment committee. Manages Gutzwiller ONE and EG Global Equities funds.
Responsible for daily operations and risk management. Manages Gutzwiller TWO and EG Swiss Equities funds.
Specialized expertise in wealth structuring, cross-border planning, and institutional relationships.
Dedicated to wealth structuring and maintaining long-term institutional relationships.
Success History
Foundation by Carl Gutzwiller and founding membership of the Basel Stock Exchange.
Contribution to establishing the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel.
Transition to current partnership structure with unlimited liability for general partners.
Launch of Gutzwiller Fonds Management AG for regulated fund management.
Expansion via opening of representation in Zürich through Gutzwiller Partner AG.