RBC BlueBay Asset Management has appointed Stephan Eckstein head of its Swiss business, effective 1 October. He brings 30 years of industry experience and has worked for the asset manager since 2020, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

Before joining RBC BlueBay, Eckstein spent 19 years at asset manager Schroders in Zurich and around nine years before that at ZKB.

In his new role, he is expected to continue expanding the Swiss business. According to RBC BlueBay, the company’s assets under management in Switzerland have more than doubled over the past five years.

The firm sees further growth potential, particularly in actively managed bonds. While the trend towards passive investments among Swiss investors remains intact, interest is also growing in specialist providers and in the opportunities to generate additional returns through active management.

Investors Look Beyond the US Dollar

RBC BlueBay expects several changes in the investment behaviour of Swiss investors in the years ahead. These include increasing diversification away from US dollar-dominated investments. In particular, demand for emerging-market bonds and equities is rising, the company said.

At the same time, RBC BlueBay points to the international orientation of the Swiss financial centre. The major Swiss banks have extensive activities, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. As a result, relationships with headquarters in Switzerland could increasingly serve as a starting point for global partnerships.

Against this backdrop, RBC BlueBay sees further growth potential for its business in Switzerland. Eckstein is expected to further strengthen the company’s position in the Swiss market.