What is independent asset management?

In general, an asset manager manages the assets of his/her client and advises them in matters of finance and capital. 
Independent asset managers are additionally distinguished by the manner in which they look after the customer's assets according to their own convictions, meaning, free from third-party influence. One benefit to the customer is that the choice of investment products is not limited.
Furthermore, an independent asset manager often has more time for his/her customers and thus provides more thorough advice and in a more diverse framework. The asset manager acts on behalf of the client through a power of attorney. The customer's capital lies in an account in a deposit bank. 

Source: www.vsv-asg.ch

What activities does an independent asset manger engage in?

An independent asset manager can operate classic asset management or may also be specialised in specific investment categories or products. Many independent asset managers look after all wealth management matters for their clients. That means that they go beyond banking-type asset management and offer additional services, such as tax advising.

Source: www.vsv-asg.ch

What is meant by «classic asset management»?

When practicing classic asset management, the asset manager compiles a client profile on the basis of an extensive personal meeting, which thoroughly mirrors the client's financial situation, ability to bear risk and tolerance for it. Based on this profile, the asset manager defines the investment goals together with the client. The asset manager either constructs a portfolio upon these, which is exactly matched to the client's individual investment goals, or he/she invests the customer's capital according to the investment goals in a standard portfolio. The asset manager makes the investment decisions according to his/her own convictions, however always in the interest of the client within the scope of the investment goals agreed upon.

Source: www.vsv-asg.ch

What specialisations exist?

Some independent asset managers are specialised in specific investment categories, including currencies, private equity investments or specific financial products, such as their own funds or structured products. Such offerings are generally not aimed at private customers, but at other asset managers, banks and institutional customers.

Source: www.vsv-asg.ch

What additional services are offered by independent asset managers?

Oft geht die breite Angebotspalette über die bankmässige Vermögensverwaltung hinaus. Beispiele für weitere Tätigkeiten sind: Jegliche Art von Anlagegeschäften, Steuerberatung, Vorsorgegestaltung, Konsolidierung von Vermögen, Absicherung durch Versicherungen, Entwicklung von Immobilienportefeuilles, Nachfolge- und Nachlassplanung, Regelung von Erbschaftsangelegenheiten, juristische Beratungen, Beratung bei Finanzierungen, Cash-Management, Handelsgeschäfte und weiteres mehr.

Source: www.vsv-asg.ch

How can I make sure, that the asset manager is reliable?

Following guidelines can support you in chosing the right asset manager: 

• Swiss asset managers must be under the direct supervision of the Money Laundering Control Authority (MLCA) or a member of one of the following self-regulating organisations (SRO):
  - ARIF: Association Romande des Intermédiaires Financiers
  - OAD-FCT: Organismo di Autodisciplina dei Fiduciari del Cantone Ticino
  - OAR/ASSL: Organisation d’AutoRégulation de l’Association Suisse des Société de Leasing
  - OAR-G: Organisme d'Autorégulation du Groupement Suisse des Conseils en Gestion 
    Indépendants (GSCGI) et du Groupement Patronal Corporatif des Gérants de Fortune 
    de Genève (GPCGFG)
  - PolyReg: Self-regulatory Association
  - OAR ASG: Organisme d’autorégulation de l’Association suisse des Gérants de Fortune
  - SRO SAV/SNV: Self-Regulatory Organisation of Swiss Bar Association (SAV) and 
    Swiss Notary Association (SNV)
  - SRO STV: Self-regulatory Organisation of the Swiss Fiduciary Association
  - VQF: Verein zur Qualitätssicherung von Finanzdienstleistungen
  More: www.gwg.admin.ch.

• Does the official telephone directory provide the asset manager's address? 

• Is there a real office with a company nameplate?

• Can you arrange a meeting with the asset manager at any time?

• Ask the asset manager for documentation (e.g. company brochures) and agreement samples and verify.

• The asset manager should define an individual investment strategy together with you. For this purpose he has to carefully analyse your financial situation, investment goals, investment horizon and risk profile.

• The asset manager has to sign a written asset management mandate together with you.

Source: www.vsv-asg.ch