In a noteworthy development within Switzerland's wealth management sector, two leading firms, Oddo BHF Switzerland and Carlyle Group, have recently announced significant appointments and expansions aimed at enhancing their services for private clients.
Oddo BHF Switzerland has appointed Thomas Burri as the new head of private wealth management, a role that will take effect from April 1, 2025. In this newly-created position, Burri will be responsible for overseeing all private wealth management activities across Switzerland. He is expected to report directly to Martin Liebi, the CEO of Oddo BHF Switzerland, as well as Joachim Häger, the global head of private wealth management.
Martin Liebi expressed confidence in Burri's capabilities, stating, "Thomas Burri's new role will enhance our private wealth management capabilities across Switzerland." This appointment underscores Oddo BHF's commitment to strengthening its presence in the competitive wealth management landscape.
On another front, the Carlyle Group is establishing a regional private wealth hub in Zurich, Switzerland, signifying a strategic move to enhance its offerings for private investors and wealth management clients. As part of this expansion, Carlyle has appointed Robert Steiner as the Head of Wealth Distribution for Switzerland and the DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) region. Steiner, who will be based in Zurich, has a solid background in financial services, having previously held senior roles at Franklin Templeton and Credit Suisse.
Steiner’s responsibilities will include managing relationships with private wealth clients, family offices, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and intermediaries within the region. Carlyle is reportedly building on its successful strategy to expand its global wealth platform, having witnessed record inflows of $4.5 billion from the wealth channel during 2024. Looking ahead, they aim to build on that success as they move further into 2025.
Robert Steiner remarked on the significance of these developments, stating, "This is a significant step in our strategy to deepen our private wealth reach in the DACH region." Clearly, both Oddo BHF and Carlyle recognize the growing importance of the wealth management market in Switzerland, with its strategic geographical placement and wealth concentration.
The trend of expanding wealth management services comes at a time when the private wealth sector in Switzerland has been experiencing notable growth. Wealth managers are increasingly focusing on tailored solutions for their clients, which range from family offices to HNWIs, driven by a rise in demand for personalized financial advice and investment strategies. With the appointments of Burri and Steiner, both firms are positioned to capitalize on this trend, enhancing their service offerings to address the unique needs of their clientele.
As Switzerland continues to attract wealthy investors, driven by its stable economy and favorable regulatory environment, the competitive landscape for wealth management firms is intensifying. With the increasing need for wealth preservation and growth strategies, firms like Oddo BHF and Carlyle Group are preparing to meet these challenges head-on.
In conclusion, the recent strategic moves by Oddo BHF Switzerland and Carlyle reflect a growing trend of consolidation and specialization in the wealth management industry. As they forge ahead with new leadership and expanded services, the advancements signify an important evolution in how wealth management firms approach client needs in a continuously evolving market.
