The Aquila Group is continuing to expand with the launch of Aquila Investment Partner. This new entity aims to position itself as a key player in the sensitive transition phases of the asset management sector.
With its all-in-one model, Aquila has established itself as a benchmark platform for independent asset managers in Switzerland. More than 85 partner companies are now grouped together, benefiting from pooled access to legal, compliance and risk management services, as well as fiduciary, IT and banking services.
Gradual structuring of a new division
Initially, the business was based on a few mandates from the personal network, mainly from 'friends & family' clients. What began as a one-off initiative has gradually developed into a genuine business model.
The first turning point came when a partner company decided to withdraw from traditional wealth management and refocus on financial planning. This was followed by two other integrations in recent years.
In 2024, Aquila took a further step by creating a dedicated entity: Aquila Investment Partner. "We are a kind of spin-off from the leading Swiss platform for independent asset managers," explains Nicolas Peter, Managing Partner.
The aim is to offer a structured alternative to a situation that is common in the sector, where clients return to the banks when their manager withdraws. For Jürg Furrer, CEO of Aquila AG, the challenge is clear: "Estate planning is becoming a central theme. We want to offer an integrated solution by sharing our experience and drawing on the skills of our ecosystem of partners.
A fragmented market, challenges of trust
The Swiss wealth management market remains highly fragmented. While the big players with more than CHF 1 billion in assets under management attract a great deal of interest, smaller structures often struggle to find suitable succession solutions.
In this context, the key issue goes beyond legal considerations. "Wealth management remains first and foremost a people's business," stresses Nicolas Peter. The relationship of trust with clients remains crucial. Aquila Investment Partner takes a pragmatic approach, based on the experience it has gained from a number of transactions already completed. The company positions itself as a partner for dialogue during what are often delicate transitional phases.
In practical terms, the transfer process is closely supervised. The former managers remain involved during a transitional phase, taking part in discussions with customers and ensuring the transfer of knowledge. This method is designed to limit the risk of capital outflows and stabilise the assets under management.
A broader response to changes in the sector
In addition to the classic cases of succession, Aquila Investment Partner is also targeting relationship managers from the banking sector who are looking for an entrepreneurial solution but do not want to go it alone.
Backed by the Aquila Group's infrastructure, the entity benefits from economies of scale and a solid operational base. Its aim is to position itself as an open platform capable of supporting new career paths. In a changing market, marked by the growing challenges of succession and consolidation, Aquila is making the development of a structured transfer model a strategic lever - and a differentiating factor.