Private Wealth — Netting Rich Returns
Bilecen says Sarasin’s model is unusual. In many organisations, portfolio managers and analysts double up as internal consultants to client-facing relationship managers. There is not a dedicated group to make this connection, he says. From 1 April, all of Sarasin’s private banking clients will have their investments screened against sustainability criteria, unless they opt out. Aside from shares and bonds, the bank offers clients alternative investments – in private equity funds for clean technology, and in microcredit.
Post-traumatic shift
Sarasin is clearly banking on a growing demand from high net worth individuals for sustainable investment in the coming years. Bilecen says the financial crisis has boosted demand from private clients for ethical products. “They are asking: what’s happening? How can I avoid this?” he says.
