This competitive environment is a source of permanent innovation. Switzerland's electronic stock exchange is the first international market for securities, bonds and options to be entirely automated from client order to delivery. Geneva's dynamic drive as a financial centre is given additional scope by some 2500 investment companies, asset managers, international brokers, fiduciary and fund-management departments, as well as consultancies and service companies. As result, an increasing number of major foreign banks are now running their international private-banking operations from Geneva. Above all, Geneva bankers have had a global investment outlook for two centuries.
Skills extend beyond the traditional management of private wealth.
Today more than a third of the assets under management are institutional, mainly pension funds. You will find acknowledged specialists in the most sophisticated banking areas, including financial engineering, capital markets, interest-rate and currency operations. Knowing you're safe In Geneva as in Switzerland, centuries ago, democracy was founded on the respect for individual rights. Citizens who decide by popular vote whether to accept or refuse any new tax or law, hardly allow the state to interfere in their private affairs. Peoples' sovereignty has brought Switzerland and Geneva prosperity based on a social and political stability that is today unique.