On the one hand, making inroads among Ticino customers, trusting in the presence of numerous wealthy people in the area. On the other hand, serving Italian clients who – with a view to diversification – hold a share of the portfolio in Switzerland. This is the dual target addressed by BG Suisse Private Bank, the new private entity of Banca Generali specialized in asset planning and protection services which has opened its first branch in Lugano.
After 15 years, an Italian bank in Lugano
The company received the banking license from Finma at the end of 2023 (the first for an Italian bank since 2009) and in the past months has started the preliminary phases of operations led by CEO Renato Santi. “This innovation is a significant stage in our growth path”, underlines and explains the CEO of Banca Generali, Gian Maria Mossa. “We believe that our model of innovation and quality in the service available to customers with the figure of a nearby banker can respond to the needs of families for planning and valorisation of savings also here in Ticino and in Switzerland”. While Sarti underlines the characteristics of the project “which opens up to a renewed approach in the relationship with customers and in the dynamics of the offer”.
The headquarters are located in the central Piazza della Riforma, in cohabitation with BG Valeur, a boutique specialized in investment management – former Fiduciaria Valeur – taken over in 2019 by the Leone institute.
The target clientele
The new reality aims on the one hand to serve customers in Ticino with local bankers, offering its own advisory, planning and asset protection services, through investment services and with the advantage of the synergies built with the parent company Generali, Banca Generali reports .
On the other hand, to offer new opportunities to Italian customers who have long chosen to maintain part of their diversified positions on the Swiss market. “Thanks to the innovative multi-booking model approved by the regulator, customers who sign an advisory contract can have their banker follow them conveniently from Italy on the savings held at BG Suisse,” explains Mossa. Which highlights that the new reality offers the typical advantages of a startup in terms of advanced digital technologies, innovative approaches to investments and decision-making agility, and at the same time a qualified team of professionals, thanks to long experience in the Swiss market.