8. Pierin Vincenz
Like Konrad Hummler (see second page), Pierin Vincenz was a rare Swiss banker who became well-known to the wider public for being outspoken and folksy. As CEO of cooperative-run Raiffeisen, Vincenz was the primary beneficiary of an exodus of clients disillusioned by big banks after the crisis.
The St. Gallen-based bank stood for solidity, prudence, and proximity to clients (it still maintains the densest branch network in Switzerland, reaching even remote alpine regions, for example). Vincenz's 16-year tenure at Raiffeisen advance to Switzerland's fourth-largest bank and one of systemic relevance for the central bank (because of its massive mortgage book, a source of worry for rating agencies and Swiss watchdogs alike).
Vincenz also hoovered up acquisitions and stakes in a diversification push, fueled by the bank's post-crisis business boom. Not all the investments were successful, but more importantly, prosecutors later accused Vincenz of enriching himself and a close associate via hidden side deals. He spent more than three months in custody in 2018 and is expected to face criminal charges early next year.
