Vontobel

Founded in 1924 and still majority family-owned, Vontobel occupies an unusual position among Swiss private banks: a firm that has remained independent through multiple market cycles while building a globally active investment operation. That ownership structure shapes its orientation toward long-term client relationships rather than short-term balance sheet growth, a distinction that resonates with family office principals evaluating private banking partners.

Vontobel’s private client offering focuses on wealth planning, portfolio management, and structured investment access for individuals and families. The firm also serves financial intermediaries, including external asset managers, who use Vontobel’s platform to access investment capabilities on behalf of their own clients. The asset management division runs separately and targets institutional investors. Key service areas for private clients include:

• Wealth planning and long-term investment strategy
• Active portfolio management across public markets
• Structured products through the Structured Solutions division
• Access to research and CIO-led market insights
• Digital client tools and app-based account access

Vontobel received the Best Private Bank award at the 2025 Citywire Private Banking Awards, including a specific recognition for retirement planning. The firm employs over 300 investment professionals and reports that 85% of clients rate themselves as very or extremely satisfied. Pricing is not disclosed publicly, and minimum asset thresholds for private client relationships are not publicly disclosed. The firm operates across a broad range of countries but the Swiss private banking offering is the primary product visible from the public-facing site. Family offices seeking highly customised multi-entity structures or dedicated family office advisory services may find the offering less specific to their operational needs than a specialist multi-family office would provide.