Zurich Invest Ltd

Zurich Invest Ltd

Zurich Invest Ltd (founded 1998) is a major player in the Swiss asset management market with over CHF 34 billion in assets under management. We are regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). Our institutional funds conform to the guidelines and standards of the Swiss Funds & Asset Management Association (SFAMA).

We are a wholly owned subsidiary of the Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. Let us show you who we are and what we do.

What we do

Zurich Invest Ltd is responsible for three investment platforms with a broad selection of traditional and alternative investments: 

  • The Zurich investment foundation (ZAST), which specifically addresses the requirements of Swiss pension funds and is managed by Zurich Invest Ltd 
  • The Zurich institutional funds (ZIF), which focus on investment opportunities for institutional customers
  • Zurich Invest Luxembourg (ZILUX), which provides an ideal environment for innovative structures

Alongside pension funds and institutional customers, we also provide private customers with lower net worths access to the advantages of large investors.

Why we are independent

Unlike many banks, we are independent and can freely pick the investment products we recommend to customers. That is because we do not manage the portfolios ourselves but work with the best asset managers in each asset class. As our track record shows, this approach pays off for everyone. Including you.

How we select

1. Needs analysis

We evaluate the long-term potential of an investment solution based on a thorough needs and market trend analysis tailored to the specific requirements of Swiss pension funds.

2. Manager selection

Next, we identify the most suitable portfolio manager by following our structured selection process. Being independent, Zurich Invest Ltd is free to select the ideal solution without any conflicts of interest.

3. Implementation

In the final phase, we jointly implement the investment mandate with the selected partners. Our primary focus at this stage is to ensure a lean structure and an efficient implementation.

Our vision

  • We are committed to helping our customers reach their long-term investment objectives. Our efforts contribute to ensure lasting financial security in retirement.
  • We provide flexible investment solutions for private customers, pension plans and institutional investors.
  • We are part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a global pension and risk management company.
  • Our values: customer centricity, excellence, sustainable value creation, integrity, teamwork.
  • Our promise: independent, competent, personal.

Our promise

  • Independent: Independent, structured and documented investment management process to select and monitor the best portfolio managers based on objective criteria.
  • Competent: Creation of competitive, optimized investment vehicles. Monitoring by specialists and an investment committee. Broad diversification possibilities with traditional and alternative investments.
  • Personal: Holistic, partnership-based support for our customers with extensive services and reports.

Our values

  • Customer centricity: Our business revolves around our customers.
  • Excellence: We strive for the highest quality and continuous optimization in everything we do.
  • Sustainable value creation: We create and sustain value – for our customers, our shareholders, our people and society.
  • Integrity: We treat everyone in a fair and honest manner.
  • Teamwork: We work together as one team... One Zurich.

Part of a leading financial group

Zurich Invest Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. Zurich is one of Switzerland's largest insurance companies. The Zurich Insurance Group operates worldwide, employing a workforce in excess of 55,000 in more than 170 countries.

Management

Martin Gubler, CEO

Martin Gubler joined Zurich in 2000 and has been CEO of Zurich Invest Ltd since 2007. He has many years of experience as a member of executive staff in the investment and capital market business at various banking institutions. Martin Gubler has an Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen and a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Banking from the Swiss Finance Institute.

Tom Osterwalder, CIO

Tom Osterwalder joined Zurich in 2002 after an international career at Novartis and has been the CIO of Zurich Invest Ltd since 2006. He has a degree in banking and finance from the University of Zurich and completed the CFA program and the Executive Program at IMD in Lausanne.

Christoph Hug, Head of Finance & Operations

Christoph Hug joined Zurich in 2004 immediately after graduating from the University of Zurich with a business and computer science degree. After working in management accounting and investment reporting, he became Head Finance at Zurich Invest Ltd in 2014. Christoph Hug is also a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

Markus Binder, Head Institutional Clients

Markus Binder has over 20 years of experience in the Swiss pension fund market and has been contributing his expertise to Zurich Invest Ltd since 2010 as its Head Institutional Clients. Prior to joining Zurich, he worked in asset management at Deutsche Bank, HSBC and UBS. Markus Binder graduated from Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business. He studied law at the University of Zurich.

Dr. Sébastien Dirren, Head Manager Selection/Monitoring

Sébastien Dirren has been working for Zurich Invest Ltd since 2010, where he is responsible for the selection and controlling of asset managers as well as for the development of innovative solutions for institutional clients. He previously worked in Alternative Investments for five years. He brings comprehensive experience in a variety of asset classes. He studied theoretical physics at the ETH Zurich and holds a doctorate in natural sciences. He also holds an Executive MBA from the University of St.Gallen and has obtained the CFA certification.

Marcel Rova, Head Real Estate

Marcel Rova has been with Zurich since 2005 and has headed the Real Estate department of Zurich Switzerland since 2012 as Head Real Estate. As a qualified architect (HTL) and admitted lawyer (lic. Iur. HSG), he and his team of more than 20 employees are responsible for fiduciary real estate investments throughout Switzerland.

Wendelin Brand, Head Mortgage Switzerland

Wendelin Brand has been heading Zurich Switzerland's mortgage department since 2011 and has more than 30 years of credit and mortgage expertise with several Swiss banks and insurance companies. He holds a doctorate in law and is a graduate of the Swiss Banking School.

Partner

Custodian and fund management company of Zurich Invest Ltd/Zurich investment foundation
Two established partners and Zurich Invest Ltd – a strong team

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