Two Chinese banks have opened branches in Zurich so far. The representatives of the French-speaking financial markets in Switzerland now hope to convince the managers in China to soon set foot in the traditional home of private banking as well.

The Greater Geneva Bern Area (GGBa), a business promoter founded in 2010, has Chinese business as its prime target – with a special emphasis on the banking industry. The talks about the opening of branches in Western Switzerland seem to be at an advanced stage.

Opening Up Soon?

«I expect an opening in coming months, be it this year or in 2019,» said Thomas Bohn, the director of GGBa, in an interview with «AWP» news agency (behind paywall).

GGBa is in talks with several Chinese banks in connection with the opening of a branch, he added.

Two Chinese banks have opened branches in Zurich so far. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) moved in last year, while China Construction Bank (CCB) had opened up shop in early 2016.