J. Safra Sarasin

Bank Overview

J. Safra Sarasin AG, originally founded as Riggenbach & Cie on February 20, 1841 by Johannes Riggenbach‑Huber in Basel, evolved into A. Sarasin & Cie in 1900 when Alfred Sarasin‑Iselin took over, and became part of the Brazilian Safra Group following a controlling acquisition between 2011 and 2013; it was renamed J. Safra Sarasin AG after merging with Bank Jacob Safra Switzerland in May 2013. Headquartered at Elisabethenstrasse 62 in Basel, the bank employs about 2,425 staff and maintains more than 25 global offices—including locations in Bern, Geneva, Lugano, Luzern, Zurich, Doha, Dubai, Dublin, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Monaco, Munich, Nassau, Panama, Poznań, Singapore, Warsaw, and more. The current leadership team is headed by Daniel Belfer (CEO) and Jürg Haller (Chairman). The Basel head office can be contacted at +41 58 317 4444, and general/support inquiries are directed via info@jsafrasarasin.com, while each branch publishes its own phone number and support email in the bank’s official “Contact Us” directory on the website.

Services Offered

Private Banking & Wealth Management

• Bespoke investment advice & asset management for individuals, families, and institutions.
• Discretionary and advisory mandates: You can delegate day-to-day investment decisions or work with specialists to design your portfolio.
• Thematic & sustainable investing: Recognized leader in ESG-driven strategies and thematic funds (e.g., healthcare innovation).

Asset Management & Investment Funds

• Running a suite of in-house mutual and thematic funds, including equities, bonds, alternatives, and absolute return strategies.
• Offers segregated portfolios and customized fund solutions for private and institutional clients.

Trading & Market Access

• Access to a wide range of global markets, with execution for equities, fixed income, FX, derivatives, and OTC structured products.
• FX services: spot, forwards, margin trading in major currencies (including RMB), dual-currency investments, currency options and structured petrocurrency instruments.

Customized Investment Solutions

• Tailored strategies based on individual client needs—each client is treated on a case-by-case basis.
• Themed portfolios designed around long-term macroeconomic and sustainability trends.

Custody, Lending & Banking Services

• Custody accounts, current & foreign currency accounts for structured wealth planning.
• Credit facilities: Lombard loans, mortgages and structured financing solutions.

Institutional & Corporate Finance

• Strategic Advisors unit for private clients, family offices, entrepreneurs, and private equity—specializing in M&A, capital raising, and capital structure advice.
• Asset management for institutions and wholesale markets under the rebranded J. Safra Sarasin Asset Management.

Global Reach & Digital Enablement

• Presence in 30+ offices worldwide (Europe, Asia, Middle East, Latin America).
• Strengthened digital platform via its majority stake in Saxo Bank, enhancing online trading and digital wealth tools.

Commission and Fees

Asset Management Fees (Discretionary & Advisory)

North America (Geneva unit):

• Fee structure based on Assets Under Management (AUM):
  • 35% on first $100M
  • 30% on next $300M
  • 25% on amounts above $400M
• These are standard advisory fees; do not include execution commissions, fund expenses, taxes, or custody charges.

EMEA / Europe Perspective ( Europe, Middle East, and Africa)

• While exact public fee schedule isn’t available, industry norms (including J. Safra Sarasin) typically charge:
  • ~0.50% AUM for discretionary mandates on smaller balances
  • Fee often scales down with AUM to ~0.30–0.50% for larger portfolios

Other Fees to Watch For

Besides advisory fees, expect additional charges such as:

• Execution/trading commissions on equities, bonds, FX, and derivatives.
• Fund-related fees (e.g. fund management expense ratios).
• Custody fees, wire transfers, and account maintenance.
• Performance-based or placement commissions on structured products

Minimum Deposits

Personal (Private) Accounts

• Initial deposit requirements: None to open, but you must reach and maintain a minimum balance of $1,000,000 (or equivalent in other currencies)—typically within 12 months.
  • Some branches (e.g. Monaco, Luxembourg) may publicly state €1M as the standard entry point.

Business (Corporate) Accounts

• Corporate account minimums mirror private accounts: no upfront deposit, but must build up to and maintain at least USD/EUR/CHF 1,000,000 in balances or assets within a year.

International / Numbered / Offshore Accounts

• Offshore or international private accounts also have the same €1M minimum balance rule, typically to be achieved within 12 months.

Why Choose J. Safra Sarasin?

1. Stability of a Swiss Private Bank
   • Founded in 1841, with over 180 years of experience in private banking.
   • Backed by the Safra family, one of the most respected banking dynasties globally.
   • Strong capitalization (CET1 ratio ~47%) ensures long-term stability and safety of your assets.

2. Personalized Private Banking
   • Every client is assigned a dedicated relationship manager.
   • Services are tailored to your specific financial goals, whether you need:
     • Wealth preservation
     • Investment growth
     • Tax and estate planning
     • International wealth structuring

3. International Presence with a Boutique Feel
   • Offices in 30+ financial centers worldwide including Switzerland, Singapore, Dubai, London, and Monaco.
   • Combines global reach with local expertise and high-touch service.

4. Pioneer in Sustainable Banking
   • One of the first banks in Switzerland to integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles across all investment strategies.
   • Offers sustainable and thematic investment solutions (e.g., clean energy, healthcare innovation).

5. Security, Confidentiality, and Trust
   • Client assets are segregated and protected under Swiss banking law.
   • Strong cybersecurity systems and discreet handling of sensitive financial information.
   • Offers numbered accounts and enhanced confidentiality services when needed.

6. Sophisticated Investment Solutions
   • Access to:
     • In-house managed funds and portfolios
     • Alternative investments (private equity, hedge funds)
     • Tailor-made structured products
   • Choice between advisory or fully discretionary mandates.

7. Long-Term, Values-Based Philosophy
   • Emphasizes capital preservation, prudence, and ethical conduct.
   • Not driven by aggressive product pushing—your needs come first.

Requirements:

PERSONAL ACCOUNT – J. SAFRA SARASIN

For Non-Residents

Minimum Deposit:

• Generally starts at $1,000,000 (can vary depending on client profile, nationality, and risk level).

Required Documents:

1. Valid Passport
    – Must be clear and current.
2. Proof of Residential Address
    – Utility bill, lease, or bank statement (dated within 3 months).
3. Tax Identification Number (TIN)
    – From your country of residence.
4. Proof of Source of Funds / Wealth
    – Documents such as salary slips, asset sales, inheritance, business ownership.
5. Completed KYC (Know Your Customer) Forms
6. Bank Reference Letter (recommended)
7. Personal Background / Professional Resume (sometimes requested for due diligence)
8. In-Person Meeting or Video Call
    – Required to verify identity and intent.

Note: The bank applies strict compliance and due diligence for international clients, especially from high-risk or offshore jurisdictions.

For Swiss Residents

Minimum Deposit:

• Lower than for non-residents, typically $1,000,000 and up, depending on service level.

Required Documents:

1. Swiss ID or Valid Passport + Residence Permit
2. Proof of Swiss Address
3. Swiss Tax Identification Number
4. Proof of Income or Net Worth
5. Completed Application & KYC Forms

Benefits for Residents:

• Simpler onboarding
• Direct access to investment, pension, and local financial planning services

BUSINESS ACCOUNT – J. SAFRA SARASIN

For Non-Resident Companies

Minimum Deposit:

• Typically $1,000,000+ (case-by-case, depending on business activity and location)

Required Documents:

1. Certificate of Incorporation
2. Company Registry Extract
3. Articles of Association / Bylaws
4. Identification of Directors, Shareholders, and UBOs
    – Valid passports or government-issued IDs.
5. UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) Declaration
6. Business Activity Description
7. Source of Funds Documentation
    – Invoices, financials, investment records, contracts.
8. Tax Identification Numbers (TINs)
9. KYC & AML Forms

Important Note: 
They are selective and may not accept certain industries (e.g., crypto, gambling, shell companies).

For Swiss-Registered Companies

Minimum Deposit:

• Generally $1,000,000 and up, depending on risk and services required.

Required Documents:

1. Swiss Commercial Register Extract
2. Company Bylaws
3. Swiss Business Address Proof
4. IDs of Directors and UBOs
5. Business Activity Overview
6. Tax Numbers
7. KYC Forms and Bank Application
8. Recent Financial Statements or Forecasts

Advantages for Swiss companies:

• Easier compliance
• Quicker onboarding
• Access to tailored corporate investment and treasury solutions