INTERVIEW: The Swiss Finance Institute Aims To Raise The Country's Game

Tom Burroughes

9 October 2013

The has launched what it calls its SFI Knowledge Catalyst, described as a “placement programme” that puts Master’s students from institutions partnering with the organisation into local firms as part of their course or thesis work.

This is the kind of development under way at the Zurich-headquartered organisation, originally set up in 2006 and about which WealthBriefing has already written here. This publication recently met with a number of SFI representatives at their offices in the city.

Dr Gabriela Maria Payer, who is head of education, and member of the SFI’s management board, spoke about its work and significance at a time when Switzerland’s financial services industry faces major challenges, such as finding new ways to earn a living now that bank secrecy is under so much pressure.

In broad terms, how do you describe the Swiss Finance Institute?

The Swiss Finance Institute is an institution set up to bring forward research, and engage in research dissemination and knowledge transfer for Switzerland, complemented by executive and specialist education on a Swiss and international level. It is set up to attract and develop great talent, both professors and pHds, and share knowledge as well as training across the finance industry, primarily in Switzerland, but also beyond.

What are its main areas of work?

There are three main areas: research; disseminating knowledge, through projects, conferences and seminars, and other events; and enhancing expertise among professionals in the financial services industry by its education programmes.

Who are members of the SFI and where are they based?

Members are Swiss banks, foreign banks with a Swiss footprint, the Swiss Bankers Association. The government is also a member; there are some “joint venture” organisations such as the Swiss Stock Exchange and of course several leading Swiss universities.

The SFI was set up in part, because, it is necessary for academics to have a “compelling environment” in which to work, share ideas, test their research and listen to the best minds in the business, she said. It was also set up to foster interaction between researchers and practitioners through sharing knowledge and conducting training.

How many academics and institutions are associated with the SFI?

There are about 60 faculty members. When the network of post-graduate students and other affiliated persons are concerned, up to 150 others are involved.

In terms of research, much of it is cutting-edge, academically-focused. How relevant would you say is this research to Switzerland's private banking/wealth management sector, and why?

A lot of it is around asset management and portfolio pricing and construction plus risk management. These innovative ideas also go into education and in turn, this means the education of people going into the financial industry.

Another area is the study of behavioural finance, which is important in the wealth management and asset management services area today. The research is part of the “ingredient” for private banking.

Looking forward, are there areas of study/development that the SFI could tell us about?

The SFI is focusing more on becoming relevant and branded for the current challenges and providing immediate input on topics such as regulation; it has recently forged collaboration with CFA Society Switzerland to foster continuing education for finance professionals in Switzerland.