Financial advisers: Your experts for financial security and success

A financial adviser is a professional who supports you in all matters relating to your finances. This includes advice in areas such as investment planning, pensions, taxes and risk management. Financial advisers analyse your financial situation and help create a plan tailored to your goals. What matters most is that a good financial adviser acts independently and in the best interest of the client.

In Switzerland, financial advisers are subject to certain regulatory requirements. Since the introduction of the Financial Services Act (FinSA), advisers must register with an official adviser registry and meet defined education standards. This ensures that clients can rely on competent advice. However, the title "financial adviser" is not protected, so it's important to consider qualifications when selecting one.

Why is professional financial advice becoming more important?

The financial world is becoming increasingly complex: after years of low interest rates and with new investment trends and regulations, private households in 2025 face major challenges. At the same time, many professionals want to invest their money profitably instead of leaving it idle in a savings account.

Professional advice can make all the difference. Well-informed financial guidance helps minimise risks and take advantage of opportunities.

In addition, personal financial planning often takes a back seat when daily life is stressful. An expert can save time and keep your financial health in focus.

Studies also show that qualified advice pays off: with better financial knowledge and guidance, financial decisions become more efficient and successful.

In short: demand for competent financial advice is rising in Switzerland, as more people want to actively shape their financial future and see the value of professional support.

What makes a good financial adviser and when should you hire one?

A good financial adviser is characterised by expertise, experience and trustworthiness. They take the time to understand your individual situation – from income, expenses and assets to your future plans.

Based on this, the adviser develops a strategy together with you. When choosing your financial adviser, pay particular attention to two aspects: qualification and independence. In Switzerland, recognised certifications indicate expertise – such as the Diploma in Financial Planning IAF or Certified Financial Planner.

Independence is equally important: advisers tied to certain banks or products may have conflicts of interest. It’s often worth checking the compensation model – does the adviser receive commissions or work on a fee basis? The latter usually indicates a more independent approach.

But when is the right time to seek financial advice? There are several life phases and events when expert support is especially valuable:

• Rising income: If your salary increases to 120,000 CHF or more, you may want to invest surplus income more efficiently. A financial adviser can help make smart investment decisions instead of letting your money sit idle.

• Starting a family or buying a home: Major life events like having children or purchasing property can significantly impact your finances. An adviser helps adjust your pension and insurance and plan your financing wisely.

• Retirement planning: The earlier you start saving for retirement, the better. From midlife onwards, many people start thinking about pensions. A planning expert reviews your current savings and investments and shows you options – such as additional payments into Pillar 3a or adjusting your investment strategy.

Key services offered by financial advisers

Financial advisers offer a wide range of services to support your financial wellbeing holistically. Key services include:

• Financial analysis and planning: First, your current status is assessed – income, expenses, assets, debts. The adviser then creates a financial plan showing how to build your wealth and structure your budget. This includes an emergency fund for unforeseen events.

• Investment advice and portfolio management: A core area is investing your savings. Advisers design strategies tailored to your risk appetite and goals, usually through diversified portfolios across multiple asset classes.

• Pension and insurance advice: Advisers check whether you’re making optimal use of tied pension savings (Pillar 3a) and whether flexible savings (Pillar 3b) could benefit you. They also advise on pension fund options during career changes.

• Tax optimisation: Nobody likes to pay more tax than necessary. A financial adviser shows legal ways to reduce your tax burden – from deductions to tax-efficient investments. With significant wealth, smart tax strategies help maximise net returns.

• Estate and succession planning: For high-net-worth individuals, planning for inheritance or gifts is also key. Advisers help implement early strategies to reduce inheritance tax and ensure a smooth transition.

Focus areas vary by adviser. Some focus on investments, others offer holistic financial planning. Clarify at the outset which topics you want covered – a good adviser will be transparent about their expertise.

Benefits of working with a financial adviser

Working with a financial adviser brings numerous advantages:

• Expert knowledge: You benefit from a professional who understands the market and products. Complex topics like pensions or taxes are explained in an accessible way.

• Time savings: Instead of spending hours researching, you can delegate the task. Your adviser monitors the market, informs you of changes and gives concrete recommendations – leaving you more time for work, family and hobbies.

• Objectivity and discipline: Advisers protect you from impulsive decisions – urging caution during booms and calm during crises. This emotional distance helps avoid common mistakes and supports long-term discipline.

• Tailored strategies: Rather than one-size-fits-all advice, you receive a personalised financial plan. Whether it's buying property, funding education or early retirement – your goals shape the recommendations.

• Access to financial products: Advisers often have access to investment products not available to individuals – such as exclusive funds, institutional pricing or innovative digital tools. This can significantly expand your opportunities.

Of course, financial advice comes at a cost (e.g. fees). And no adviser can eliminate all risks or guarantee returns. But a good adviser helps avoid costly mistakes and improves your chances of achieving your financial goals.

How to find the right financial adviser in Switzerland

Choosing the right financial adviser is a process. A step-by-step approach helps:

1. Define your needs: What do you need help with – investment advice, holistic planning or a second opinion?

2. Check qualifications: As mentioned, the title isn't protected. Look for certifications like the Financial Planner IAF diploma or Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Experience matters too – how long have they been in the industry, and do they have references?

3. Assess independence and compensation: Ask how the adviser is paid. Independent advisers do not earn commissions. If you want unbiased advice, fee-based models (fixed fees) are often best. At banks or insurers, advisers may earn commissions – this should be disclosed for transparency.

4. Meet in person: Don’t underestimate trust and chemistry. Book a no-obligation initial meeting and ask questions: What’s their approach? How often do you communicate? Can you reach out anytime? Only move forward if you feel heard and understood.

5. Use digital solutions: The finance industry is evolving. Modern hybrid models combine apps with personal expertise. This gives you clarity while still offering human support when needed. Providers like Alpian combine the efficiency of technology with personalised advice.

Ultimately, you should trust your adviser and feel that they understand your goals. Take the time to compare options – and you’ll find your ideal partner.

Conclusion: Take action now to optimise your finances wisely

Professional financial advice can offer valuable support for working people in Switzerland. Whether building wealth, preparing for retirement or protecting your family – expert advice brings clarity and security.

What matters is choosing the right partner and understanding your needs. Those who seek advice early can avoid mistakes and make the most of opportunities.

Thinking of taking your finances to the next level? Don’t hesitate to get professional support. Alpian offers a unique combination of digital simplicity and personal advice – ideal for those aiming for higher returns without compromising on service.