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Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA - How to Open an Account
Date of last update: 12 January 2026
Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA is a leading Swiss private bank founded in Geneva, Switzerland. Since 1969, UBP has focused on private banking and wealth management, combining Swiss banking traditions with innovative approaches. The bank offers personalized solutions for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors worldwide, maintaining independence as a family-owned institution.
+41 (44) 5152530
Union Bancaire Privée (UBP)
Assets Under Management
CHF 172 billion
Q2 2025
Credit Rating
Aa2
Moody's (Long-term)
Founded
1969
Family-owned
Primary Regulator
FINMA
Switzerland
Private Banking Services
Strategic Asset Allocation
Creating diversified portfolios across asset classes with institutional-grade solutions accessible to private clients.
Investment Portfolio Management
Discretionary and advisory mandates tailored to client rules, delivered through relationship managers and e-Banking.
Succession & Estate Planning
Using dedicated funds, life-insurance, and vehicles like DIFC/ADGM Foundations (introduced 2023) for next-generation transfer.
Philanthropy & Impact Investing
Advisory on conviction-driven strategies targeting enablers and solution providers for social and environmental challenges.
Corporate Advisory
Support for entrepreneurs regarding corporate structuring, tax optimization, and cross-border operations.
Account Opening
Standard timeframe: 1-2 weeks pending file completeness.
Minimum Deposit (Private Banking)
CHF 500,000
*Case-by-case evaluation for complex structures
01
Initial Consultation
Discussion of financial goals. A personal meeting is required for account opening.
02
Document Preparation
Gathering compliance docs (KYC/AML), source of wealth confirmation, and CVs for beneficiaries.
03
Activation
Account opening typically occurs within 1-2 weeks after verification, granting full service access.
Investment Philosophy
"Our approach is not about following indices, but finding real value through deep analysis and bold decisions."
Nicolas Laroche
Global Head of Advisory & Asset Allocation, UBP
Alternative Specialist
UBP has pioneered alternative investments since the 1970s. The bank distinguishes itself through:
- → Proprietary hedge fund solutions
- → Private equity and real estate access
- → Active management and rigorous risk control
- → Conviction-driven strategies
Growth Through Strategy
1969
Foundation by Edgar de Picciotto as Compagnie de Banque et d'Investissements (CBI).
2002
Acquisition of Discount Bank and Trust Company from the Riconati family.
2011
Acquisition of ABN AMRO's Swiss private banking business.
2015
Purchase of Coutts International (RBS) adding CHF 30bn+ AUM across Asia and Middle East.
2024
Acquisition of Société Générale Private Banking (Suisse), adding CHF 25bn AUM.
Market Comparison
UBP
AUM
CHF 172 bn
Specialization
Alternative investments, Hedge funds, Convertible bonds
Pictet
AUM
CHF 650+ bn
Specialization
Wealth & Asset management, Asset servicing
Lombard Odier
AUM
CHF 308 bn
Specialization
Sustainable investing, Family partnership model
Maria Werner
Of Counsel – specialized in corporate law and tax law
info@goldblum.ch
+41 (44) 5152530
Recent Awards
Asia's Best for Alternative Investments Euromoney 2025
Best Private Bank in Europe for Alternatives PWM & The Banker 2025
Singapore's Best for Alternative Investments Euromoney 2025
Private Bank – Investment Management Platform WealthBriefing 2025
Swiss Offices
Headquarters
Geneva
Rue du Rhône 96-98
PO Box 1320, CH-1211 Geneva 1
Phone: +41 58 819 21 11
Key Office
Zurich
Bahnhofstrasse 1
Zurich, Switzerland
Private & Institutional Clients
Frequently asked questions
Minimum investment varies by jurisdiction and complexity of needs. For private banking services, typical threshold starts from CHF 500,000, with case-by-case evaluation for sophisticated structures. We recommend discussing this during individual consultation to determine precise requirements based on your financial profile and objectives.
Yes. UBP holds a high credit rating of Aa2 from Moody's (confirmed November 2024), evidencing financial stability. The bank is regulated by FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority), one of Switzerland's strictest regulators, and has a long track record of successful operations since 1969. As a family-owned institution managing CHF 172 billion in assets, UBP maintains conservative balance sheet approach.
UBP serves international clients from diverse jurisdictions through its network of 11 booking centers and 25+ offices worldwide. The bank employs multilingual staff fluent in various languages including English, German, French, and others, ensuring effective communication with clients regardless of origin. Services are tailored to cross-border needs, including multi-currency solutions, international wealth structuring, and compliance with multiple regulatory frameworks.
UBP stands out through expertise in alternative investments — particularly hedge funds and convertible bonds. The bank pioneered alternatives since the 1970s and combines institutional-grade investment capabilities with personalized private banking service. Unlike larger universal banks, UBP maintains entrepreneurial culture inherited from founder Edgar de Picciotto, offering flexibility and conviction-driven approach rather than index-following strategies. The family ownership structure (since 1969) ensures alignment of interests with long-term client objectives.
As with any financial institution, clients should be aware of regulatory requirements including FATCA compliance for US persons, enhanced due diligence for politically exposed persons (PEPs), and restrictions related to sanctioned jurisdictions. UBP maintains strict AML/KYC procedures and may decline relationships that do not meet regulatory standards. Clients from certain jurisdictions or with complex beneficial ownership structures may face extended onboarding timelines or additional documentation requirements.
UBP's policy toward cryptocurrency and digital asset clients requires case-by-case evaluation. The bank typically requires established operational substance, appropriate licensing in home jurisdiction, robust KYC/KYT (Know Your Transaction) procedures, and clear source of funds documentation. Clients in fintech and digital asset sectors should consult directly with the bank to determine eligibility and specific requirements.
UBP offers comprehensive succession and estate planning services using dedicated funds, life-insurance products, and specialized vehicles like DIFC/ADGM Foundations introduced in 2023. The bank structures assets for next-generation transfer while ensuring tax efficiency and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Alternative investment solutions at UBP typically require higher minimums than traditional portfolios, often starting from CHF 1 million or more depending on the specific fund or strategy. Hedge fund and private equity allocations are evaluated based on client sophistication, risk tolerance, and overall portfolio size.
While UBP itself does not provide legal or regulatory consulting services, the bank works closely with clients navigating Swiss financial regulation. For FINMA licensing matters, clients should engage specialized legal counsel such as Goldblum and Partners, which has extensive experience in regulatory compliance and licensing procedures.
For standard cases with complete documentation, account opening typically takes one to two weeks. Complex structures involving multiple jurisdictions, corporate entities, or enhanced due diligence requirements may extend the timeline to four to six weeks. Early preparation of compliance documentation significantly accelerates the process.
Yes. UBP provides e-Banking platforms for portfolio monitoring, transaction execution, and communication with relationship managers. The digital infrastructure supports multi-currency operations and integrates with the bank's discretionary and advisory mandates, allowing clients to access services remotely while maintaining personalized support.
Adam Abdellaoui
Your personal contact
Of Counsel
Contact us to learn more about opening a Swiss bank account
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