UBS Group AG

Bank Overview

UBS Group AG, headquartered in Zurich and Basel, is one of the world’s largest and oldest financial institutions, tracing its roots to 1862 with the founding of Bank in Winterthur and evolving through the landmark 1998 merger of Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation. Led by CEO Sergio P. Ermotti (returned in 2023), the Group’s leadership includes Todd Tuckner (CFO), Markus Ronner (Chief Compliance & Governance), Iqbal Khan (President Asia-Pacific & Co-President Global Wealth Management), Sabine Keller-Busse (President UBS Switzerland), and Thomas Kelleher (Chairman of the Board). UBS employs approximately 110,000–115,000 people and operates about 190 branches across Switzerland, offering services in cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne, Lugano, St. Gallen, and others. Globally, UBS has a presence in over 50 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, Russia, Israel, Egypt, Nigeria, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, and New Zealand. Its global headquarters is located at Bahnhofstrasse 45, 8001 Zurich, with the main contact number +41 44 234 11 11 and general inquiries via info@ubs.com. Each Swiss and international office maintains branch-specific phone numbers and support emails, which are available through UBS’s official website or upon request.

Services Offered

1. Private & Wealth Management
   • Tailored investment advisory, discretionary portfolio management, and wealth planning (liquidity, legacy, succession, trusts) for HNW and UHNW clients.
   • Access to financing solutions, including mortgages, securities-based lending, and structured financing.
   • Global presence, with deep integration across Asia—13 offices in APAC including Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and China.
   • Emphasis on holistic advice via “Wealth Management Way” using proprietary frameworks (liquidity, longevity, legacy).

2. Personal & Corporate Banking (Switzerland & Beyond)
   • Retail services: savings & checking accounts, debit/credit cards, mortgages, personal loans, and deposit products.
   • Corporate & Institutional: cash management, trade & export finance, leasing, syndicated and structured credit, private placements, and global custody.
   • Multi-channel delivery via ~200 Swiss branches and 4,600 advisors.

3. Asset Management
   • Manages traditional and alternative assets: equities, fixed income, hedge funds, real estate, and private markets.
   • Provides customized multi-asset solutions, currency strategies, indexed and alternative-beta services. Also supports institutional investors and intermediaries

4. Investment Banking
   • Full-service capital markets advisory, including M&A, debt & equity underwriting, sales & trading, and risk management solutions.
   • UBS’s capabilities spanned equities, FX, fixed income, prime brokerage, and structured solutions via global trading desks.

5. Asset Servicing & Custody
   • Comprehensive global custody, fund administration, investment accounting, tax services, proxy voting, securities lending, and sophisticated analytics interfaces like UBS Asset Wizard and AssetLink.

6. Services for Financial Intermediaries & “Bank for Banks”
   • Provides infrastructure, research, trading, liquidity provision, and servicing platforms to independent advisors and institutions.
   • Offers multi-bank reporting, aggregated portfolio tools, and third-party asset oversight for institutional clients.

7. Strategic Integration & Cross-Divisional Solutions
   • UBS recently formed GWM Solutions, integrating Wealth Management with Investment Banking and Asset Management to align cross-divisional resources.
   • The Global Family & Institutional Wealth (GFIW) pod model offers holistic services—spanning personal, corporate, and investment needs

Commissions and fees

1. Advisory & Wealth Management Fees
   • Wrap/advisory programs:
     • UBS Advice Portfolio: up to 25% AUM annually.
     • Other flagship programs (Advisor Allocation, Portfolio Management Program, Strategic Wealth, ACCESS, PACE, etc.): up to 5% AUM, sometimes plus additional manager fees.
   • Fees typically include advisory, trading, and account maintenance—all wrapped into a single AUM-based charge. In rare cases, third-party manager fees or brokerage commissions might be additional.
   • Financial planning fee: ranges between USD 500–50,000 depending on complexity, commonly USD 1,000–10,000.

2. Brokerage & Trading Commissions
   • Equity trades (via Wealth Management): high sliding commissions:
     • Under USD 2,000: ~5% of principal (capped); USD 2k–9,999: ~2% + flat; larger trades declining to 7%–1% of principal.
   • ETF, bond, futures fees:
     • ETFs: similar to equity rate (~1% or more).
     • Futures: roughly USD 80–110 per contract.
   • Wealth Management custody trading tiers (Swiss e-banking):
     • Swiss equities: 2–1.2% per trade depending on size, min CHF 80; active trading benefits from ~25% online discount.
     • European/US equities: 75–1.9%, min CHF 120 (25% discount online).
     • Bonds: 2–0.9%, min CHF 80 (same discounts apply).

3. Account & Custody Fees
   • Global custody:
     • Up to CHF 10 M assets: 35% p.a. + 0.20% for third-party holdings.
     • CHF 10–25 M: 30%, above CHF 25 M: 0.25%, plus VAT in Switzerland.
   • Retail private accounts (Swiss):
     • Management fee: CHF 3–9/month depending on asset levels and paper vs digital.

4. Wire Transfers & Currencies
   • Outgoing international wire: around USD/CHF 45 per transfer.
   • SEPA/ domestic: Often low (~CHF 0.30–5), pricing varies by account type.
   • Cash sweep interest: UBS may offer minimal rates; regulators now pushing wealth managers to raise rates.

5. Other Notable Fees
   • Account transfer (e.g., ACAT): ~USD 95.
   • Bounced check: ~USD 15.
   • Statements/history: Copies >2 years old ~CHF 80–100 per request.
   • Debit card / foreign purchases:
     • Card annual fee: ~CHF 48, plus 75%+ surcharge on online foreign transactions.
   • Family/retail packages: commission-free trades sometimes possible, though infrequent and varies by package.

Minimum Deposits

Personal Accounts (Switzerland)

• Standard UBS Personal Account: No minimum deposit required to open. Monthly maintenance fees apply based on total assets:
  • Assets ≥ $1,000,000:  3/month with e-documents, CHF 7/month without.
  • Assets < $1,000,000: CHF 5/month with e-documents, CHF 9/month without.
• UBS me Package: Designed for individuals aged 24 and above. Requires total assets of at least CHF 10,000, a UBS mortgage, or construction financing. Monthly fees range from CHF 8 to CHF 13, depending on document delivery preferences.

Business Accounts (Switzerland)

• UBS key4 Business: A digital banking package for SMEs. Requires a minimum initial deposit of $1,000,000. A minimum average daily balance of $1,000,000 is needed to avoid a monthly fall-below fee of CHF 50.
• Corporate Accounts: For larger businesses, UBS offers corporate accounts with tailored services. Minimum deposit and balance requirements vary based on the business’s size and needs. Specific details can be obtained by contacting UBS directly.

International & Non-Resident Accounts

• Non-Resident Accounts: UBS offers accounts for non-residents, but these typically come with higher fees. For instance, one user reported an annual fee of CHF 360 for a non-resident account.
• Minimum Deposit for Non-Residents: Opening a non-resident account at UBS generally requires a minimum deposit ranging from $1,000,000 and up, depending on the account type and services desired.

Why Choose UBS Group AG?

1. Comprehensive Wealth Management
   UBS provides a full spectrum of wealth management services, including:
   • Personalized Financial Planning: Tailored strategies to meet your unique financial goals.
   • Investment Management: Access to a wide range of investment options, including equities, fixed income, and alternative investments.
   • Estate and Tax Planning: Expert advice to help manage and transfer wealth efficiently.
   • Philanthropy Services: Guidance on charitable giving and establishing foundations.

   UBS’s approach ensures that your financial plan is aligned with your personal objectives and circumstances.

2. Global Presence and Expertise
   With a presence in over 50 countries, UBS offers:
   • Access to Global Markets: Opportunities to invest in diverse markets worldwide.
   • Local Knowledge with Global Reach: Insights from experts familiar with both local and international markets.
   • Seamless Cross-Border Services: Efficient management of international financial needs.

   This global network is particularly beneficial for clients with international financial interests.

3. Exclusive Investment Opportunities
   UBS provides access to investment options that may not be available to the general public, such as:
   • Private Equity: Investments in private companies.
   • Hedge Funds: Alternative investment strategies.
   • Real Estate Projects: Opportunities in various real estate ventures.
   • Sustainable Investments: Options focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

   These exclusive opportunities can help diversify your investment portfolio and align with your values.

4. Dedicated Relationship Managers
   Each client is assigned a dedicated relationship manager who:
   • Provides Personalized Service: Offers tailored advice and solutions.
   • Coordinates with UBS Experts: Ensures access to specialized knowledge and resources.
   • Serves as a Single Point of Contact: Simplifies communication and decision-making.

   This personalized approach ensures that your financial needs are met with the highest level of service.

5. Award-Winning Discretionary Portfolio Management
   UBS has been recognized as the world’s best private bank for discretionary portfolio management in 2023. This service offers:
   • Active Management by Experts: UBS’s team of investment specialists actively manages your portfolio.
   • Tailored Investment Strategies: Portfolios are customized to your financial goals and risk tolerance.
   • Sustainable Investment Options: Incorporation of ESG factors into investment decisions.
   • Proven Performance: Discretionary portfolios have outperformed relevant benchmarks.

6. Innovative Digital Banking Solutions
   UBS offers digital banking services that include:
   • UBS key4 Banking: A digital banking package that provides convenient access to your accounts and financial information.
   • Personalized Financial Insights: Tools to help you make informed financial decisions.
   • Secure Online Transactions: Ensures the safety of your financial activities.

   These digital solutions enhance your banking experience, making it more efficient and accessible.

7. Commitment to Sustainable Investing
   UBS integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into its investment decisions, offering:
   • Sustainable Investment Options: Investments that align with your values.
   • Impact Investing: Opportunities to make a positive impact through your investments.
   • Expert Guidance: Advice on incorporating ESG factors into your portfolio.

   This commitment allows you to invest in a way that reflects your personal values and goals.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. PERSONAL ACCOUNT – NON-RESIDENT at UBS

Requirements:

1. Valid Passport or National ID
   • Must be government-issued and not expired.
2. Proof of Address (from your country of residence)
   • Utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement (dated within the last 3 months).
3. Proof of Income / Source of Funds
   
   • Employment contract, payslips, tax return, or other legal documents showing income or assets.
4. Completed Application Forms
   
   • UBS provides a dedicated form for non-resident clients.
5. Initial Deposit
   
   • Typically $1,000,000+ for private banking accounts (amount depends on the UBS service level).
6. Bank Reference Letter (sometimes requested)
   • From your current bank confirming your good standing.
7. Video or In-Person Verification
   
   • Remote onboarding via video is sometimes possible, but in-person verification may be required depending on your profile.

FOR RESIDENT IN SWITZERLAND

PERSONAL ACCOUNT – SWISS RESIDENT

Requirements:

1. Valid Swiss ID or Passport
   
   • If you’re a foreign resident, your Swiss residence permit (B, C, or L permit) is required.
2. Proof of Swiss Address
   
   • Utility bill, rental contract, or official mail (dated within the last 3 months).
3. Proof of Income or Employment
   
   • Recent salary slip, employment contract, or tax return.
4. Completed UBS Account Application
   
   • Provided in-person or online.
5. Minimum Deposit
   
   • Usually CHF 0 to $1,000,000, depending on the type of account:
     • UBS Personal Account: often no minimum
     • UBS Wealth Management: $1,000,000+
     • UBS Key4 (digital): often no minimum, available via app
6. Swiss Mobile Number and Email
   
   • For digital banking setup (especially with UBS Key4).

2. BUSINESS/CORPORATE ACCOUNT – NON-RESIDENT at UBS

Requirements:

1. All Company Formation Documents
   
   • Certificate of Incorporation
   • Articles of Association
   • Company extract from the registry
2. List of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)
   
   • Names, passports, and ownership percentages.
3. Passport Copies of Shareholders and Directors
4. Proof of Business Activity
   
   • Contracts, invoices, website, or business plan.
5. Proof of Source of Funds / Wealth
   
   • Company financials, tax returns, or statements showing fund origin.
6. UBS Compliance Review
   
   • Your company will go through a due diligence check to comply with AML laws.
7. Minimum Deposit
   
   • May start at CHF 500,000+ depending on the risk profile and type of business.
8. Explanation of Business Purpose
   
   • Clear overview of what your company does and expected transaction flow.

BUSINESS/CORPORATE ACCOUNT – SWISS RESIDENT

Requirements:

1. Swiss Company Registration
   
   • From the Commercial Register (Registre du Commerce / Handelsregister).
2. Articles of Association / Company Statutes
3. List of Beneficial Owners (UBOs)
   
   • With identification documents (passport or Swiss ID).
4. ID of Signatories & Directors
   
   • Swiss ID or residence permit if applicable.
5. Business Activity Description
   
   • What the company does, how it earns revenue, who are the main clients.
6. Initial Deposit
   
   • Usually $1,000,000+, depending on the account type and business activity.
7. Swiss Business Address
   
   • Required even if some operations are international.