SKN | Swiss Investors Bet Big on Crypto and Private Markets for 2026

Swiss institutional investors are entering 2026 with a level of confidence that significantly outpaces their global counterparts, according to a new survey by Natixis Investment Managers. With a distinct pivot toward digital assets and private markets, these sophisticated players are adopting a strategy that balances Swiss traditional stability with aggressive modernization, a move that is relevant to everyone from fund managers to individual savers.

The Mainstream Adoption of Digital and Private Assets

The most revealing data point from the survey is the profound shift in how Swiss institutions view cryptocurrencies. Approximately 67 percent now consider digital assets a legitimate investment class, far higher than the global average of 49 percent. This suggests that crypto is moving beyond speculative trading and into the core portfolios that secure long-term wealth.

For the broader economy and businesses, the surge in interest regarding private markets is equally impactful. With 80 percent of investors optimistic about private equity and 77 percent bullish on private debt, companies may find it easier to secure funding outside the traditional banking system. This influx of capital allows businesses to expand and innovate without relying exclusively on standard bank loans or public market listings, creating a more diverse and resilient funding landscape.

Pressure on Traditional Banking and the Credit System

This shift in asset allocation presents a direct challenge to the traditional banking model. As institutional capital flows into private debt and digital assets, banks face intensified competition. They can no longer rely solely on the spread between the interest rate they pay on a deposit or checking account and the rate they charge for credit. To remain relevant, banks must accelerate their digital banking innovation, creating secure custody solutions for crypto assets to service these institutional needs.

Furthermore, the survey notes a sharp decline in sentiment toward the financial sector itself, with only 13 percent of investors viewing bank stocks positively. This lack of confidence suggests that investors believe traditional banks may struggle with profitability as they navigate regulation and the decoupling of private financing from the legacy credit system. Consequently, banks may tighten lending standards for the average consumer seeking a mortgage, as they grapple with capital constraints and the need to compete with agile fintechs.

Active Management and Global Diversification

Swiss investors are largely rejecting passive investment strategies, with 67 percent favoring active management to navigate 2026. They are looking specifically toward European and Asian markets for growth, bypassing the global average expectations. For brokers, this signals a demand for high-touch, specialized advisory services rather than simple index tracking. The clear preference for sectors like defense, technology, and healthcare implies that economic activity—and brokerage volume—will cluster in these high-growth areas, requiring intermediaries to facilitate cross-border capital flows efficiently.

Ultimately, the Swiss strategy for 2026 is characterized by “selective diversification.” By leveraging the structural resilience of the Swiss economy and the strength of the Franc, these investors feel empowered to take calculated risks in new asset classes. This maturity sets a benchmark for the rest of the world, demonstrating that embracing innovation like crypto is not reckless, but a necessary evolution of portfolio management.

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