How can we support you?
Schedule a non-binding initial consultation
We use cookies to provide the best site experience.
Your consultant
Adam Abdellaoui
Of Counsel
HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA - How to Open an Account
Date of last update: 12 January 2026
HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA is a key division of the global HSBC Group, specializing in private banking and wealth management for high-net-worth individuals. With offices in Geneva and Zurich, the bank combines Swiss traditions of confidentiality with international expertise, offering comprehensive banking and investment solutions for affluent clients worldwide.
+41 (44) 5152530
HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA
Parent Group
HSBC Group
Global Network
Entry Threshold
EUR 5,000,000
Minimum AUM (Indicative)
Regulatory Status
FINMA Regulated
Swiss Banking License
Onboarding
In-Person
Mandatory Meeting
Account Opening Process
01
Initial Consultation
Discussion with Relationship Manager to assess financial objectives and service model.
02
Document Preparation
Collection of KYC documents and comprehensive source of funds records.
03
Compliance Review
Personal meeting and thorough due diligence check by the bank.
04
Account Activation
Final approval and formal onboarding. Timeline assessed case-by-case.
Requirements & Criteria
Target Client Profile
HNWI / UHNWI individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners, and family offices.
Financial Threshold
EUR 5,000,000
Minimum Assets Under Management (AUM)
Source of Funds
Strictly documented proof of legal origin required (employment, business, asset sales, inheritance).
Residence Restrictions
Case-by-case basis. Subject to Swiss AML regulations and FINMA guidelines.
Note: In June 2024, FINMA prohibited the bank from onboarding new Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) until compliance reforms are verified.
For Non-Residents
- ✓ Valid passport (min 6 months validity)
- ✓ Certified/notarized copy of passport
- ✓ Proof of address (active within 3 months)
- ✓ TIN & Tax Residency Self-Certification
- ✓ Curriculum Vitae (professional background)
- ✓ Reference letter from current bank
- ✓ Comprehensive Source of Funds proofs
For Swiss Residents
- • Valid passport or national ID
- • Proof of address (utility bill/official mail)
- • Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- • Curriculum Vitae
- • Source of Funds documentation
- • Completed application forms
Maria Werner
Of Counsel – specialized in corporate law and tax law
info@goldblum.ch
+41 (44) 5152530
HSBC Expat vs. HSBC Private Bank
Comparison of service levels and regulatory jurisdictions.
Our Offices in Switzerland
Geneva
Quai des Bergues 9–17
1211 Geneva 1
Switzerland
Tel: +41 58 705 55 55
Zurich
Gartenstrasse 26
8002 Zurich
Switzerland
Contact via Geneva office or online banking support.
Frequently asked questions
The indicative minimum for investment accounts is EUR 5,000,000. This threshold is discussed individually during the initial consultation, as the bank evaluates not only asset size but also the complexity of your financial structure, source of funds, and long-term relationship potential.
HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA requires a personal meeting with prospective clients as part of its onboarding process. While Swiss regulations permit video identification under certain conditions, the bank maintains a traditional approach for private banking clients, reflecting the high-touch service model and enhanced due diligence standards applied to HNWI/UHNWI relationships.
Non-residents must provide: valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), certified copy of passport (for remote applications), proof of address (dated within 3 months), Tax Identification Number and CRS/FATCA self-certification, curriculum vitae, reference letter from current bank, and comprehensive documentation of source of funds (bank statements, investment agreements, business contracts, tax returns). For a detailed checklist, refer to the "Required documents for residents and non-residents" section above.
HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA employs multilingual staff to serve international clients. Services are available in various languages including English, German, French, and others, depending on the office and client needs. Contact your Relationship Manager to confirm language support for your specific requirements.
Client funds at HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA are supervised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and eligible deposits are protected up to CHF 100,000 per client per bank by the Swiss deposit insurance scheme esisuisse.
Typical fees include an annual maintenance fee of approximately CHF 900 and outgoing SWIFT transfer fees of approximately EUR 25. Brokerage and custody services are negotiated individually. All fees are indicative; verify with your Relationship Manager before opening an account.
The timeline varies case-by-case depending on the complexity of your financial structure and completeness of documentation. Standard private banking onboarding typically ranges from 4–8 weeks after submission of complete documentation. Complex structures or additional due diligence may extend this period.
As of June 2024, HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA is temporarily restricted from onboarding new PEP clients following FINMA enforcement proceedings. The status is subject to change upon completion of compliance reforms. Check with your Relationship Manager for current policy.
Clients below the private banking threshold may be eligible for HSBC Expat or HSBC Premier services, which offer multi-currency accounts and international banking without full wealth management. Consult the comparison table in the "HSBC Expat vs. HSBC Private Banking" section for details.
HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA primarily serves individual HNWI/UHNWI clients and family offices. Corporate banking services in Switzerland are handled through separate HSBC divisions. Contact the bank directly to discuss corporate account options or referrals to appropriate HSBC entities.
The bank offers both advisory and discretionary mandates. In an advisory relationship, you retain final decision-making authority over individual transactions, with the bank providing recommendations and market insights. In a discretionary mandate, the bank manages your portfolio within agreed parameters, executing trades and rebalancing allocations without requiring prior approval for each transaction.
HSBC Private Bank leverages the global HSBC network to provide cross-border wealth planning solutions, including estate planning, tax optimization through legal structures, and coordination with international tax advisors. The bank's expertise extends to navigating complex multi-jurisdictional regulatory environments.
HSBC Private Bank provides access to alternative investments including private equity, hedge funds, real estate funds, and structured products. These opportunities are typically reserved for clients meeting specific suitability criteria and are subject to individual risk assessment.
HSBC Private Bank adheres to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), automatically exchanging account information with tax authorities in over 100 jurisdictions. The bank requires self-certification of tax residency from all clients and maintains strict documentation standards.
Account closure procedures are handled through your Relationship Manager. The process typically requires written notice, settlement of all outstanding obligations, and transfer of remaining funds to a designated account. Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your holdings and any regulatory requirements.
Adam Abdellaoui
Your personal contact
Of Counsel
Contact us to learn more about opening a Swiss bank account
Swiss banks
Bank name
Country
Year of foundation
Account opening procedure
Cost of account opening