Fund placement Switzerland is considered one of the most important financial centres for alternative investments in Europe. According to Preqin (2023), alternative funds in Switzerland now manage over CHF 900 billion, with annual growth of 10 %. Private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, private debt and real estate funds, which have established themselves as a complement to traditional asset classes, are particularly popular.

Institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, foundations and family offices are increasingly looking for alternative investment strategies to secure returns in a challenging market environment. The demand for long-term, stable and diversified investment solutions is growing continuously.

Current developments in the Swiss market for alternative investments

Alternative funds in Switzerland are benefiting from stable market dynamics and strong investor interest:

Private equity & venture capital: Swiss pension funds have increased their allocation to private equity to an average of 12% to secure long-term capital growth (IPE, 2023).

Hedge funds: Switzerland is a global centre for hedge fund strategies. Alternative UCITS funds have recorded an annual growth of 9% in the last five years (EFAMA, 2023).

Real estate & infrastructure: Property and infrastructure funds continue to be in demand as institutional investors increasingly focus on stable, inflation-protected income. This asset class now accounts for 20% of the portfolios of many pension funds (Swiss Funds & Asset Management Association, 2023).

Despite the strong growth, there are regulatory and operational challenges that asset managers must take into account when placing their funds in Switzerland.

Opportunities and challenges in fund placement Switzerland

Switzerland offers attractive market conditions for alternative funds, but is characterised by specific regulatory requirements and a highly selective investor base.

Opportunities for alternative investments in Switzerland

Switzerland offers asset managers numerous advantages that favour market entry:

Excellent access to wealthy investors: Switzerland is home to many family offices, endowments and institutional investors with a high level of interest in alternative investments.

High demand for alternative investments: Pension funds and insurance companies have increased their allocation to alternative strategies by 15 % in the last five years (Swiss National Bank, 2023).

Focus on stability and quality: Swiss investors rely on proven investment strategies with a long-term perspective.

Challenges of fund placement in Switzerland

Despite the advantages, there are also challenges that asset managers need to consider:

Strict regulatory requirements: FINMA has comprehensive regulations for the distribution of alternative funds, which can make market entry more difficult.

High demands on product transparency: Investors attach great importance to detailed due diligence and comprehensive ESG reports.

Selective investor base: Access to institutional investors requires established networks and excellent market positioning.

To operate successfully in Switzerland, asset managers need a customised fund placement strategy that takes into account regulatory requirements, market demands and investor preferences.