The Association of Swiss Asset and Wealth Management Banks (VAV) has elected Georg Schubiger, Co-CEO of Vontobel, as its new president at an extraordinary general meeting held on Monday. He will succeed Giorgio Pradelli, CEO of EFG International, who is set to become chairman of the Swiss Bankers Association. The appointments will take effect on September 18, 2026.  

The association also appointed Stefan Bollinger, CEO of Julius Baer, as vice-president. In addition, Alexander Classen, chairman of EFG International, and Marcel Rohner, vice-chairman of Union Bancaire Privée (UBP), were elected to the board.  

Continuity at the Top

Schubiger is no stranger to the organisation. Having served as VAV vice-president since 2024, he is expected to provide continuity as the industry navigates a rapidly evolving regulatory and geopolitical environment.  

Both Schubiger and Bollinger bring extensive international leadership experience in wealth management and private banking. According to the association, their expertise positions them well to represent the interests of Swiss wealth management banks vis-à-vis policymakers, regulators and the public.  

«Switzerland is recognised worldwide for the quality and trustworthiness of its wealth management,» Schubiger said following his election. «To ensure this remains the case, we need successful market participants, well-trained professionals, an openness to new technologies, and a regulatory framework that creates stability while guaranteeing international competitiveness.»  

Tribute to Pradelli

The VAV paid tribute to outgoing president Pradelli, who has served on the board since 2019 and led the association for the past two years. The organisation credited him with helping the wealth management industry strengthen its voice during a period marked by growing geopolitical tensions and increasing regulatory scrutiny.  

The association also thanked Guy de Picciotto for his 25 years of service on the VAV board, noting his role in guiding the sector through a period of profound change.  

The VAV represents 23 Swiss asset and wealth management banks, which collectively manage more than CHF 1.4 trillion in client assets and employ over 21,000 people across Switzerland.