Core Insights - Edmond de Rothschild has appointed Hamza Hamza as the Head of Investment Advisory for its Dubai operations, indicating a strategic move to enhance its advisory services in the region [1][4] - Hamza brings over 19 years of international experience in capital markets, investment management, and private banking, which is expected to strengthen the firm's capabilities [1][2][3] Group 1: Appointment Details - Hamza will oversee the division's activities in Dubai and report to Xavier Rives, head of Edmond de Rothschild Advisory Switzerland [1] - His previous role was as an Investment Advisor and Executive Director at Nomura International Wealth Management in Dubai since 2023 [2] - Hamza has held senior advisory positions at Deutsche Bank Wealth Management, Standard Chartered Private Bank, and Coutts, with experience in both Dubai and London [3] Group 2: Strategic Importance - Jonathan Atlani, CEO of Edmond de Rothschild Middle East, expressed confidence in Hamza's ability to lead the next phase of development for the investment advisory business in Dubai [4] - Hamza's expertise in portfolio construction, structured solutions, and client development is seen as a key asset for the firm's growth in the region [5] - Edmond de Rothschild focuses on various areas including wealth management, corporate finance, private equity, and real estate, which aligns with Hamza's extensive background [5]

Core Insights - Julius Bär Gruppe AG (JBAXY) is a significant player in the financial services sector, focusing on wealth management and private banking for high-net-worth individuals and businesses [1] Financial Performance - On February 2, 2026, JBAXY reported earnings per share of $0.58, exceeding the estimated $0.46, and revenue of approximately $2.49 billion, surpassing the forecasted $2.39 billion, indicating strong financial health and effective management strategies [2][6] Market Valuation - JBAXY's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is approximately 15.50, reflecting how the market values its earnings, while the price-to-sales ratio is about 3.56, indicating the company's market value relative to its sales [3] - The enterprise value to sales ratio is around 1.10, suggesting a favorable comparison of the company's total value to its sales [3] Financial Stability - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is approximately 0.94, highlighting the relationship between the company's value and its cash flow from operations [4] - JBAXY's earnings yield is about 6.45%, indicating a solid return on investment for shareholders [4] Debt Management - The company maintains a moderate debt level with a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.58, reflecting a balanced approach to leveraging debt [5] - However, the current ratio of around 0.20 suggests a need for improvement in covering short-term liabilities with short-term assets [5]

Core Insights - Blackstone is reportedly in discussions to offer its funds through Revolut's platform as part of Revolut's development of a private banking service aimed at affluent clients [2][3] - The talks between Blackstone and Revolut are in the early stages, and there is no guarantee of an agreement being reached [2] - Revolut's recent valuation reached $75 billion following a share sale, significantly up from $45 billion the previous year, indicating strong growth and ambition in the financial services sector [3][4] Company Developments - Revolut is focusing on expanding its offerings to include private banking services for individuals with over $1 million in liquid assets, positioning itself as a competitor to traditional private banking institutions [3] - The company has recently launched a waitlist for an "ultra-premium" business card and gained authorization to operate as a multiple banking institution in Mexico, showcasing its growth strategy [5] - Blackstone has been active in the private credit market, gaining SEC approval for its private credit solution that will invest across various credit types, indicating its commitment to expanding its investment strategies [6][8] Strategic Partnerships - Blackstone announced a partnership with Phoenix Financial to collaborate on a range of credit strategies, further diversifying its investment approach [7] - The partnership reflects Blackstone's strategy to leverage its scale and insights to capitalize on opportunities in the expanding private credit market [8]

Core Themes in Private Banking - The challenge of realizing value from AI persists, with around 70% of financial institutions struggling to scale AI solutions due to unclear investment priorities and weak alignment with business objectives [1] - The convergence of traditional and alternative asset management is accelerating, driven by greater investor appetite and broader product availability, leading to tangible offerings across markets [2] - A volatile macro environment and new regulations in the UK have prompted shifts in client residency and asset location, increasing the need for agility in serving an international client base [3] Strategic Insights - Incremental change is insufficient; leaders must adopt a dynamic approach to strategy, continuously adapting rather than relying on static long-term plans [3] - Regulatory shifts, while costly, can create opportunities to strengthen business models and enhance commercial outcomes when managed strategically [4] - Success with AI requires robust foundations in data, talent, and governance, alongside a holistic approach to deliver real value [4] Evolving Client Demands - Clients prioritize real-time, multi-channel access to their wealth, a trend accelerated by intergenerational wealth transfer and growing next-generation engagement [4] - Alternatives are increasingly viewed as essential for higher risk-adjusted returns, with a shift from awareness to practical implementation, including considerations for digital assets as a separate asset class [5] - Next-generation clients expect accessibility, personalization, and transparency, driving demand for tech-enabled, holistic engagement models [5] Emerging Trends - Emerging markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, are contributing a growing share of new global wealth and reshaping client demand [6] - Increasingly mobile clients seek solutions that work across jurisdictions and demand frictionless experiences in investment management and service delivery [6]

Core Insights - The 10th Annual Private Banking Awards Switzerland highlighted the innovation within the private banking industry, showcasing a strong standard of entries this year [1] Winners Summary - Digital Solution of the Year awarded to BBVA [2] - Family Office/ Boutique Bank of the Year awarded to Banque Cramer [2] - UHNW Offering of the Year awarded to Henley and Partners Switzerland AG [2] - Wealth Management Technology Platform of the Year awarded to Prometeia [2] - Wealth Management Technology Provider in Switzerland of the Year awarded to Addepar [2] - Wealth Transfer Initiative of the Year awarded to Wellthspan [2]

Core Insights - The hedge fund industry, valued at $5 trillion, is facing a cash crunch due to capital being tied up in illiquid private equity and venture funds, creating an opportunity for growth from private wealth [1][7] - Private wealth, including funds from private banking divisions and family offices, is eager to invest in hedge funds, with significant capital available [2] - Goldman's report indicates that less than $500 billion of the $50.7 trillion in private wealth assets are currently allocated to hedge funds, suggesting a potential increase of over $4 trillion if private wealth follows investment recommendations [3] Investment Trends - A survey by Goldman Sachs revealed that 68% of private bank advisors and registered investment advisors (RIAs) want to increase hedge fund investments, contrasting with only 31% of pension and insurance investors [5] - The demand for hedge fund exposure is particularly strong among private wealth managers, who have historically avoided hedge funds due to perceptions of high fees and mediocre performance [6] Market Dynamics - Notable hedge fund managers, such as Millennium and Jain Global, have begun to tap into private wealth channels for capital, indicating a shift in fundraising strategies [4] - The hedge fund industry is shifting its focus from traditional institutional investors to wealthy individuals, as institutions are currently constrained by illiquid investments [7]

Group 1 - Sword Group has announced the acquisition of Bubble Go, a company specializing in high value-added IT services, headquartered in Geneva with a nearshore platform in Lisbon [1] - Bubble Go generated revenue of CHF 6.1 million in 2024 and is forecasting revenue of CHF 7 million in 2026, while maintaining profitability in line with Sword Group standards [1] - The acquisition will enable Sword Group to strengthen and expand its nearshore offerings for Swiss and European clients [2] Group 2 - Sword Group employs over 3,500 IT/Digital specialists across more than 50 countries, focusing on technological and digital transformation [2] - The company has a solid reputation in managing complex IT and business projects [2]

Wealth Management Industry Growth - The number of billionaires and multi-millionaires is projected to grow to over 400,000 in the next few years [1] - Private bankers and wealth managers are benefiting from the increase in high-net-worth individuals [1] Key Players - Karan Bhagat of 360 One is at the top of the list of bankers [1]

Group 1 - The professional background includes experience in private banking, corporate finance, and strategic advisory across multiple continents [1] - A private banking department was developed and led in Dubai, focusing on tailored investment solutions for affluent clients in the Middle East [1] - Involvement in managing cross-border M&A transactions in Indonesia, with a successful track record in emerging markets [1] Group 2 - The goal is to provide well-researched commentary on various industries and asset classes, including high-growth technology equities and undervalued blue-chip stocks [1] - Insights aim to help readers navigate complex global markets while adhering to a risk-aware, fundamentally driven investment approach [1]

Core Viewpoint - StepStone Group Inc. has expanded access to its private market evergreen funds through a partnership with Bergos AG, a Swiss private bank managing CHF7.3 billion in assets, enhancing investor access to institutional-quality private market investments globally [1][3]. Company Overview - StepStone Group Inc. is a global private markets investment firm with approximately $698 billion in total capital, including $179 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024 [3]. - The firm provides customized investment solutions and advisory services to a diverse client base, including large pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and high-net-worth individuals [3]. Fund Details - The following StepStone funds are now available through Bergos AG: - **SPRING Lux**: A venture and growth strategy fund with $341.7 million in assets under management (AUM) and a total net return of 59.92% since its inception in November 2022 [5]. - **STRUCTURE Lux**: A private infrastructure fund with $79.9 million in AUM and a total net return of 24.91% since its inception in September 2023 [5]. - **SCRED Lux**: A private credit fund with $43.6 million in AUM, focusing on various credit-related strategies since its inception in June 2024 [5]. - **SCRED Europe**: A newly launched private credit fund with over €250 million in seed capital, targeting senior secured direct lending in Europe [5]. Partnership Significance - The partnership with Bergos AG aligns with StepStone's mission to provide broader access to private market investments, reflecting shared values between the two institutions [1].