Swiss banking secrecy 1. Swiss Accounts 2. Communication 3. Swiss Private Banking 4. Invest-Partners Wealth Management AG

1. Swiss Accounts
 
Q: Do I need to come to Switzerland to open an account?
A: No. See How it works in practice.
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Q: Swiss bank accounts are only for very wealthy people?
A: No. While some banks insist on very high customer balances, others are happy to open accounts for more modest sums. Our service includes helping you select a bank that is suitable for your particular situation.
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Q: What is the minimum amount needed to open an account through you?
A: We have no minimum, but our service is aimed at those with more than CHF100,000 (US$80,000) or equivalent to deposit.
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Q: I already have a Swiss bank account but am not happy with the service I am getting. Can I keep my existing account but be advised by you in future?
A: In many cases, yes, but this depends on which bank you are currently with. We will be happy to advise on a case-by-case basis.
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Q: Will I have to pay tax on my Swiss account?
A: There is normally no taxation by the Swiss government of assets held in a Swiss account belonging to a non-Swiss resident (but see Benefits for international clients).
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Q: Can I open a joint account?
A: Clients have the choice between a sole account (one account-holder only) or a joint account (where two or more people have signing authority). With most joint accounts, the bank will accept instructions from any one account-holder individually (in other words without needing all account-holders to sign).
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Q: What happens in the event that the account-holder dies?
A: In the case of a joint account, even if one account-holder dies the surviving account-holder can continue to run the account without interruption.

In the case of the death of a sole account-holder, or the death of the last surviving joint account-holder, Swiss banks will generally freeze the assets in an account (even if another person holds a Full Power of Attorney). They will then await the death certificate and evidence of the legal heirs before passing ownership to those named legal heirs. Please note that the banks are prevented by Swiss banking secrecy from contacting any authorities in or outside Switzerland with regard to these documents.
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Q: How can I avoid the freezing of my account?
A: To bypass problems caused by account-freezing, and to ensure a smooth succession upon death, many clients choose to place their account in a legal structure such as a Foundation or Trust, which we are happy to advise on and help set up. Foundations are a type of “living will”, where the account-holder retains absolute control over his assets during his lifetime and specifies to whom these assets should be given upon his death. Trusts, though different, serve a similar purpose and are often used by nationals of Anglo-Saxon countries.
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Q: How can I withdraw money from my bank?
A:
  1. by wire transfer to any bank of your choice
  2. via any participating ATM worldwide
  3. using a credit or debit card to pay for goods or services in Switzerland or abroad
  4. in cash from any branch of the bank in Switzerland
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2. Communication

 
Q: How do I receive information about my account?
A: Your bank will send you regular statements as well as written confirmation of every account transaction.
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Q: In what language will bank correspondence be written?
A: Clients can usually choose to receive bank correspondence in English, German, French, Italian or Spanish.
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Q: What if I have a question concerning my account?
A: Please contact us. Invest-Partners receives a copy of all client correspondence regardless of whether or not the client chooses to receive it.
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Q: How do I contact you or the bank?
A: Invest-Partners will normally take care of all contact with the bank on your behalf, although you are welcome to meet a member of the bank’s staff if you visit Switzerland. Clients are free to communicate with us in any way convenient to them; via telephone, fax, letter or email.
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3. Swiss Private Banking

 
Q: How safe is my money?
A: The Swiss banking tradition goes back over 200 years. In this time Swiss banks have built an unrivalled reputation for security, discretion and trust. The custodian banks we deal with have been chosen for their excellent credit ratings and top-level service.
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Q: How can I find out more about Swiss Private Banking?
A: The best way to learn more is to visit Switzerland and see the banks for yourself. We are very happy to arrange introductory visits for clients who are considering banking in Switzerland.
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4. Invest-Partners Wealth Management AG

 
Q: Which banks do you work with?
A: Currently we work with five top-rated banks, including one of the major global Swiss banks and a AAA-rated institution. See our Partner Banks.
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Q: How can I meet you?
A: We welcome visitors to our offices which are located in the central banking district of Zurich. If you are changing planes at Zurich airport, we will gladly hold a meeting with you there.

In addition, we make frequent trips abroad each year, so it should not be difficult to find a convenient place to meet.
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