Family-Owned Bank Emphasizes Private Assets as Client Portfolios Evolve

A Swiss banking group has expanded its private assets offerings as clients seek alternatives to traditional public market investments.

Mirabaud provides access to evergreen private equity funds, direct investment opportunities, and specialized vehicles alongside conventional portfolio management. The institution notes that founding family members invest alongside clients in certain alternative offerings.

This co-investment approach aims to align interests between the bank and its clients. When family capital participates under similar terms, the structure theoretically addresses potential conflicts of interest in recommending illiquid investments.

“The Mirabaud family invests alongside clients, ensuring full alignment of interests,” executives noted in discussing the private assets platform.

Hedge Fund Heritage Informs Current Offerings

The bank manages the Haussmann fund, which the institution describes as the world’s first fund of hedge funds, launched in 1974. This historical involvement in alternative investments predates the recent expansion into private equity and direct deals.

The wealth management platform positions alternative assets as part of a broader advisory approach rather than standalone products. Portfolio construction considers client objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs before incorporating private market exposures.

Clients increasingly seek diversification beyond publicly traded securities, according to bank executives. Private equity, direct investments, and hedge funds provide different return profiles and correlation characteristics compared to traditional stocks and bonds.

The institution emphasizes bespoke arrangements tailored to individual client circumstances. Some families prefer evergreen structures providing ongoing access to private equity returns, while others participate in specific club deals alongside the founding family.

Partnership Model Expands Investment Access

Recent collaborations have broadened the range of private assets available to clients. An alliance with AltamarCAM announced in April offers a semi-liquid evergreen strategy focused on private equity investments worldwide.

“These types of collaborations allow us to offer exclusive, tailored solutions to our clients at Mirabaud,” Spanish office executives said.

The partnership model enables the bank to access specialized investment expertise without building internal capabilities across all alternative asset categories. External managers provide sector knowledge and deal flow while the banking group maintains client relationships and overall portfolio oversight.

Private assets require different due diligence processes compared to public market investing. The bank evaluates manager track records, investment strategies, and fee structures before making offerings available to clients.

Entrepreneurial Clients Drive Demand

Many of the bank’s clients have built wealth through private business ownership. These entrepreneurs often understand illiquid investments and longer holding periods compared to investors whose wealth comes primarily from public market portfolios.

“Mirabaud is predominantly entrepreneurs,” according to recent executive commentary. “With Mirabaud, they find a partner who can support them through major transitions, such as selling their company and diversifying into new asset classes.”

The institution’s seven-generation family ownership provides context when discussing private market investments with entrepreneurial clients. The founding family’s continued involvement demonstrates comfort with patient capital and long-term value creation.

Alternative assets form one component of comprehensive wealth management services. The bank combines private market access with traditional portfolio management, estate planning, and succession advisory to serve multigenerational families and business owners.