Get the bigger picture – with strategic advisory
Finding the best solution for ultra-wealthy clients – no matter how complex their needs. In this interview, Philippe Leuenberger, Head of Strategic Advisory & Structured Financing Solutions at Credit Suisse, explains how the bank delivers the very best for its clients.
Mr. Leuenberger, broadly speaking, what do ultra-high net worth clients expect from your bank?
Bespoke, trusted advice tailored to their individual requirements is crucial for ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) and single-family offices (SFOs). That's why it's so important for advisors to work closely with their clients and obtain a comprehensive overview of their situation. They're the primary point of contact for clients, provide access to the bank's comprehensive offering, and offer proactive solutions.
You mentioned the Premium Clients area, where you work. How does the department satisfy these high expectations?
Premium Clients comprises a dedicated team of experienced client advisors who are backed up by specialists. With their expertise and extensive networks, they can offer clients a wide range of solutions. To enable them to provide the best possible service, they have access to the full potential of Credit Suisse as an integrated, global bank.
Strategic Advisory – which you lead – is a key element of the comprehensive Premium Clients offering. What does this approach mean in concrete terms?
The Strategic Advisory team specializes in offering individual advice for single-family offices and ultra-high net worth individuals in Switzerland on complex corporate and capital market situations. Our teams of experts have many years' experience in investment banking and benefit from a close network with the Swiss Investment Bank and the Premium Clients advisors. This enables us to take all individual requirements into consideration.
As a global full-service bank, what services can Credit Suisse offer its clients in this regard?
We advise our clients on complex issues in particular, for example with regard to selling companies and succession plans. We also offer a full range of customized lending services, for example in the form of structured lending. In this way, we can provide clients with additional financial flexibility through higher liquidity.
What added value does this approach create for UHNW clients and SFOs?
Because we work closely with client advisors, we are highly familiar with clients' personal circumstances. As a result, we are able to advise them at an early stage in their career or wealth accumulation process. Thanks to the broad experience and extensive expertise of Strategic Advisory employees, we look at the bigger picture and find innovative solutions for complex needs – including those our clients haven't thought about. The solutions are then implemented together with the advisory teams and other experts. Our clients value this comprehensive service.
Thanks to the broad experience and extensive expertise of Strategic Advisory employees, we look at the bigger picture and find innovative solutions for complex needs.
Philippe Leuenberger, Head of Strategic Advisory & Structured Financing Solutions at Credit Suisse
What is particularly important to you personally in terms of advising UHNW clients?
It's about creating mutual trust and maintaining an open dialogue with our clients. At the end of the day, our aim is not only to provide advice but also to build a relationship of trust over the long term – and consequently be a trusted advisor on all financial matters.
