Ex-CEO of Bank of America Merrill Lynch Becomes Alpen Partners Chairman

Alpen Partners has appointed former Bank of America Merrill Lynch CEO & Country Head Switzerland, Christian De Prati, as chairman across its group of companies. The move marks a strategic expansion step as the firm responds to increasing global demand, particularly from the United States. Alongside De Prati, governance and compliance expert Stephan Welti has also joined the boards, signaling a strengthened leadership structure for the independent asset manager and its affiliated entities.

A Strategic Leadership Shift for Global Expansion

Alpen Partners, Alpen Partners International, and Goldbach Capital—all founded and owned by Pierre Gabris—are reinforcing their governance framework as they scale in key markets. The firms, headquartered in Schwyz, specialize in wealth management and private-market strategies for international and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Their growing presence in the U.S. and Europe has prompted the need for seasoned leadership with deep experience in cross-border banking, investment advisory, and regulatory compliance.

By bringing in two senior industry figures, Alpen Partners aims to enhance oversight while positioning itself for its next phase of global growth.

Christian De Prati: From Wall Street to Alpine Wealth Management

Christian De Prati’s appointment marks a significant addition to Alpen Partners’ leadership bench. With more than a decade of senior management experience at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he oversaw Swiss operations and served institutional and UHNW clients, De Prati brings extensive insight into global financial markets and corporate governance.

He currently sits on the board of Rothschild & Co. in Zurich and the agricultural company Adecoagro (AGRO). His background in investment banking, wealth advisory, and strategic management is expected to support Alpen Partners as it strengthens its international platform amid rising client demand for sophisticated investment solutions, digital banking features, and diversified portfolios across credit, deposits, and alternative assets.

Pierre Gabris noted that De Prati’s “expertise in governance, investment banking, and cross-border advisory work brings strategic depth as we scale and strengthen our market presence.”

Strengthening Regulatory and Risk Capabilities With Stephan Welti

Joining De Prati is Stephan Welti, an experienced specialist in financial regulation, legal frameworks, and risk management. Welti currently serves as COO and partner at 2Xideas and previously founded the legal and compliance consultancy WSP.

His career includes serving as general counsel and group head of legal and compliance at Sygnum Bank, where he played a critical role in securing FINMA’s first banking license for a digital asset bank. His experience with fintech regulation, digital assets, and governance adds substantial value as Alpen Partners’ clients seek more robust oversight, enhanced transparency, and future-ready investment structures.

Gabris emphasized that both appointments will “support growth, strengthen governance, and help shape the firms’ next chapters.”

Closing Insight

The addition of Christian De Prati and Stephan Welti reflects a broader industry trend: wealth managers scaling operations must now blend traditional banking expertise with strong regulatory oversight and innovation-driven strategy. As client expectations evolve—particularly in areas such as digital banking, global portfolio diversification, and private-market access—firms with agile leadership and cross-border capabilities will be best positioned to thrive. Alpen Partners’ enhanced board signals a proactive move to compete in a rapidly transforming financial landscape.

Previous Post SKN | LGT Capital Partners Teams Up With Invesco to Accelerate U.S. Market Entry

Next Post SKN | EU Plans to Charge Market Players for Expanded ESMA Role