Switzerland: Bonds

Published estimates of the total funds under management in Switzerland are in excess of Swfr2,500 billion. It has been further estimated that these funds generate an annual cash flow, in the form of dividends and interest, of between Swfr70 billion and Swfr100 billion.

Between 60% and 70% of these funds are believed to be owned by private individuals. While French, Italian and German individuals have traditionally channelled their savings into Switzerland, investors from all over the world are now making good use of the Swiss financial market. The main international fund managers in Europe are the three big Swiss banks, while the numerous Swiss private banks, notably in Geneva, Zurich, Basle and Lugano also manage large funds. In addition, the insurance companies and pension funds are increasingly investing in international bonds and equity related securities.

Because of the large amounts of funds under management and a broad investor base, Swiss banks have become major players in financial centres such as New York, London, Tokyo and Frankfurt.