Julius Baer Group

Bank Overview

Julius Baer Group Ltd., founded in 1890 by Julius Bär in Zurich as a small exchange office, has grown into a leading global private banking and wealth management institution. It was the first Swiss private bank to go public in 1980 and today operates in approximately 25 countries with around 60 locations, including key financial centers such as Zurich, Geneva, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Frankfurt, Milan, Monaco, Tokyo, São Paulo, and Mumbai. The group employs approximately 7,500 to 7,600 staff worldwide. Its current leadership includes CEO Stefan Bollinger (appointed in January 2025), Chairman Noel Quinn (since May 2025), and executives such as Nic Dreckmann (COO), Evie Kostakis (CFO), Oliver Bartholet (CRO), and Yves Bonzon (CIO). The global headquarters is located at Bahnhofstrasse 36, Zurich, with a main contact number of +41 58 888 11 11 and general email info@juliusbaer.com. Each international branch has its own specific phone number and support email, which can be accessed via the bank’s official contact directory on their website.

Services Offered

1. Wealth Planning

Julius Baer provides holistic wealth planning services to help clients grow, preserve, and transfer their wealth. This includes financial planning, liquidity management, wealth structuring, retirement planning, succession planning, relocation advice, and philanthropic strategies. Clients are supported by dedicated relationship managers and a global network of professionals to develop and implement bespoke long-term strategies.

2. Investment Management

The bank offers a range of investment solutions, including discretionary mandates, funds and alternative investments, structured products, and tailored investment strategies. Clients benefit from Julius Baer’s open product platform, providing access to a broad spectrum of financial instruments and proprietary research.

3. Asset Servicing

For clients with institutional wealth management needs, Julius Baer provides asset servicing solutions such as global custody, depositary bank services, and customized reporting. These services are designed to streamline investment operations, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

4. Structured Products and Derivatives

Julius Baer is a leading issuer of structured products, offering clients the ability to invest according to their market expectations and risk-return profiles. The bank provides a comprehensive range of structured products and over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives, catering to both private clients and institutional investors.

5. Family Office Services

The bank assists families in managing, preserving, and passing on multi-generational wealth. Services include developing a family roadmap, establishing family governance structures, connecting with experts, and defining a clear family purpose. Julius Baer leverages its extensive experience and network to support families in achieving their long-term objectives.

6. Real Estate Services

Julius Baer offers comprehensive real estate services, including property search, deal brokerage, and financing solutions. The bank’s real estate capabilities are complemented by its global network and expertise in wealth management, providing clients with end-to-end support in real estate transactions.

7. Digital Assets

In partnership with regulated crypto-specialist SEBA Bank, Julius Baer offers digital asset trading and custodial services. Clients have access to secure digital asset custody, cryptocurrency transaction solutions, and consolidated portfolio overviews that include both traditional and digital assets.

8. Services for Financial Intermediaries

Julius Baer supports external asset managers and financial advisors through dedicated relationship managers, providing access to investment services, wealth planning, financial market services, investment management solutions, financing options, proprietary research, and technology offerings.

Commission and Fees

1. AUM / Advisory & Management Fees
   • AUM-based advisory fee: Typically, between 5 %–1.5 % per year, depending on your portfolio size and the level of service
   • Fee schedules are negotiable—larger portfolios can command lower rates
2. Transaction Fees
   • Brokerage commissions (equities, ETFs):
     • Around 1 % to 1 % per trade, often capped; some report ~0.5 % for ETFs
     • Additional exchange & clearing fees apply (e.g., CHF 1.50 + 0.015 % on EBS ETFs plus CHF 0.08 clearing fee)
   • Custody fees: Roughly 1 %–0.25 % annually, depending on AUM tier.
3. FX & International Transfers
   • FX commissions vary but are generally modest; private FX transactions may include markups—for large deals, rates can be around 47 % retained by the bank.
   • International wire fees could range from CHF 4–40 depending on destination
4. Structured Products & Derivatives
   • Sales charges: Up to 1–3 % on structured products, often capped at 2 %
   • OTC derivatives fees vary and are embedded in the product pricing.
5. Account Maintenance
   • Annual maintenance fees based on your AUM (approx. this applies for non-resident accounts):
     • 0.25 % from CHF 2.5 M,
     • 0.15 % from CHF 5 M,
     • 0.10 % from CHF 7.5 M,
     • 0.075 % from CHF 10 M,
     • 0.05 % from CHF 25 M;
     • Minimum annual fee around CHF 2,500
6. Additional Fees
   • Redemptions of certain funds (e.g. physical gold) can incur 2 %–2 % commissions.
   • Miscellaneous costs: paper statements (~CHF 100/year), VAT and taxes, special deliveries, etc.

Minimum Deposits

Personal / Private Banking Accounts

• Swiss & international HNWIs (High Net Worth Individuals): Minimum deposit typically CHF 1 million (~USD 1.1 M) for discretionary/private banking
• Non-residents: Institutions often require ~€3 million (~CHF 3.2 M) to open an account

 Business / Corporate Accounts

• Business or entity accounts fall under private banking rules, with minimum AUM ~CHF 1 million, and can be higher (~CHF 3 million or more) depending on your company profile.
• Some banks set thresholds around CHF 3 million for non-resident legal entities.

 International / Non-Resident Accounts

• For international clients, including those in Asia like Singapore, minimum investable assets are usually USD 3 million (~CHF 2.7–3 M).
• Non-resident Swiss private banking accounts typically need at least €3 million in AUM (asset under management).

Why Choose Julius Baer?

1.  True Pure-Play Private Bank
   • Specializes exclusively in wealth management—no distractions from retail, corporate, or investment banking. This focus delivers unbiased advice, tailored solutions, and deep expertise.
   • Their global scale supports bespoke structuring, yet intentionally avoids internal conflicts posed by proprietary products.

2.  Strong Asia & Singapore Presence
   • Asia now represents ~25% of their global assets under management, with doubling of AUM since 2016.
   • Operating hubs in Hong Kong, Singapore (including an innovation lab), Japan, India, Thailand—plus elite joint ventures with Nomura and SCB—demonstrate serious local commitment and regional insight.

3.  Innovative, Tech-Driven Client Experience
   • High digital readiness: digital onboarding, video ID, e-signatures, integrated messaging via platforms (WhatsApp, WeChat).
   • Heavy investment in tech—SFr1 billion through 2025—for enhanced mobile banking, AI tools, portfolio analytics, and smart advisory support.

4.  Personalized Human Touch & Relationship Focus
   • Dedicated relationship manager + expert teams ensure bespoke wealth planning and personal connections.
   • Recognition as Asia’s Best Boutique Private Bank for 14 years.

5.  Next-Gen & Legacy Planning Leadership
   • Programs like ‘Young Partners’ and summer academies for heirs demonstrate a proactive stance on intergenerational wealth education.
   • Strong support for philanthropy and family governance via the Julius Baer Foundation and global expert networks.

6.  Robust Stability & Risk Discipline
   • Maintains disciplined capital ratios (CET1 ~14%), proven resilience through past market disruption.
   • Ongoing cost-efficiency program (~CHF130M–240M thru 2028) and leadership bolstered by experienced industry executive.

7.  ESG & Responsible Investing Focus
   • Offers sustainable and impact-investing solutions, along with philanthropic advisory tailored for conscientious UHNWIs.

 In Sum

Julius Baer combines deep wealth-management expertise, unmatched Asia-centric focus, cutting-edge digital innovation, and a client-first, generational advisory ethos—all backed by Swiss stability. If you want a boutique yet globally connected private bank that balances personalized service with modern tools and regional strength, they stand out in today’s market.

Requirements:

PERSONAL ACCOUNT – JULIUS BAER

For Non-Residents

Minimum Deposit:

• Usually starts at $1,000,000, depending on client profile and services required.

Required Documents:

1. Valid Passport
    – Must be clear, valid, and government-issued.
2. Proof of Residential Address
    – Recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement (within 3 months).
3. Tax Identification Number (TIN)
    – From your country of tax residence.
4. Proof of Source of Funds / Wealth
    – Income, company ownership, sale of assets, inheritance, etc.
5. Professional Background (CV or biography)
    – Especially for business owners or politically exposed persons (PEPs).
6. Completed KYC (Know Your Customer) Forms
   
7. Bank Reference Letter (optional but helpful)
   
8. Video or In-Person Verification
   

Note: Julius Baer applies enhanced due diligence for non-residents and may decline clients from high-risk countries or sensitive sectors.

For Swiss Residents

Minimum Deposit:

• More flexible, typically $1,000,000 and up, depending on product and service level.

Required Documents:

1. Swiss ID or Passport + Swiss Residence Permit
   
2. Proof of Swiss Address
    – Utility bill, official correspondence.
3. Swiss Tax Number
   
4. Proof of Income or Net Worth
    – Payslips, tax return, investment statements.
5. Completed Application & KYC Documents
   

Benefits for Residents:

• Faster onboarding
• Personalized financial planning
• Access to tax and pension planning

BUSINESS ACCOUNT – JULIUS BAER

For Non-Resident Companies

Minimum Deposit:

• Typically $1,000,000+, depending on risk profile and business model.

Required Documents:

1. Company Registration Documents
    – Certificate of incorporation, company extract from local registry.
2. Articles of Association / Bylaws
   
3. IDs of Directors, Shareholders, and UBOs
    – Valid passports and proof of address.
4. UBO Declaration
    – Identifying ultimate beneficial owners.
5. Detailed Business Activity Description
   
6. Source of Funds Documentation
    – Company financials, contracts, proof of business revenue.
7. TINs for Company and Individuals
   
8. Completed KYC/AML Documentation
   

Important Notes:

• Julius Baer is selective with non-resident businesses.
• Accounts are subject to enhanced screening, especially if from high-risk countries or unregulated sectors (e.g., crypto, gambling).

For Swiss Companies (Residents)

Minimum Deposit:

• Often more flexible, starting from $1,000,000+, depending on activity and size.

Required Documents:

1. Swiss Commercial Register Extract
   
2. Company Statutes / Articles
   
3. IDs of Directors and UBOs
   
4. Swiss Business Address Confirmation
   
5. Business Description
   
6. Swiss Tax ID
   
7. Recent Financials or Business Plan
   
8. Completed KYC Forms
   

Advantages for Local Firms:

• Streamlined compliance
• Strong relationship management
• Access to treasury, investment, and advisory services