General success factors

• Economic and political stability: Switzerland is renowned for its political and economic stability. Political decisions are made on the basis of broad popular support, while the stable legal system provides a highly predictable and reliable framework. A liberal environment, enduring purchasing power stability, low inflation and costs of capital, and a very good investment climate help make the Swiss economy one of the most competitive in the world.
• High-class infrastructure: Switzerland’s infrastructure is efficient and extensive, with a dense network of road, rail and air connections closely embedded in the European infrastructure. The country also has a comprehensive energy supply system and high availability of postal and communications services.
• Attractive labor market: Switzerland’s job market benefits from social stability and a liberal employment law. The labor force participation rate and productivity are very high, while unemployment is traditionally low. Employees enjoy high levels of pay and good social security.
• First-class education system: The Swiss education system combines top-quality academic education with practical vocational training. This dual system provides the ideal environment for cultivating a highly qualified workforce.
• Favorable tax environment: Switzerland offers businesses and individuals one of the most attractive tax environments in Europe. This is further enhanced by the continuity and stability of its tax policy, the reliable information provided on tax liability, and the overall legal and monetary certainty.
• High quality of life: Switzerland has one of the highest standards of living in the world. In urban and rural regions alike, it boasts outstanding ratings in areas such as income, healthcare, security, personal freedom, and family and working life. This is borne out by the OECD Better Life Index, for example, and no fewer than three Swiss cities feature in the top ten named in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking.
• Central location: Switzerland’s location at the heart of Europe makes it the interface between the north and south of the continent. It is well integrated in Europe, and its cooperation with the EU is cemented in a set of bilateral agreements.

Asset management specific success factors

Switzerland also offers a wide range of special advantages that make it a particularly attractive location for the asset management industry.

• Large domestic market: Thanks in particular to the large volumes of pension assets, Switzerland boasts the highest per capita wealth in the world.
• Traditionally strong as a distribution country: An attractive, easily accessible domestic market fosters a diverse array of investment products and services, further enhancing Switzerland’s appeal for investors.
• High level of education: Switzerland has an abundance of excellently qualified asset management experts, both from home and abroad. Universities (including universities of applied sciences) and specialized educational establishments provide a comprehensive range of basic training and continuing professional development.