The motto that applies to our own funds also applies to third-party funds: solid performance, low overall costs. The latter is something we guarantee with low fund costs (total expense ratio) and free custody account management. You will also benefit from a low issue commission with us, and you do not pay any redemption fees.

We select our third-party funds based on certain internal specifications, and following careful consideration. For instance: there are funds with active (usually costlier) and passive (cheaper) fund management. In active fund management, the fund manager looks specifically for promising investments, whereas in passive fund management, they solely follow a specific index. In poorly developed markets, we favour active fund management seeing as the fund manager’s expertise and the higher costs this involves may pay off.

In the case of bond funds, we tend to opt for a product with currency hedging against the Swiss franc. This is different to pure equity funds. We are also always looking for new investment trends, which we then test and potentially add to our range of services.

Working alongside independent fund specialists, we have our third-party funds undergo a quality inspection each year. This involves comparing the funds to products with the same characteristics. The performance is not the only thing that really matters here, it is also the risk involved. We also assess criteria such as fund management consistency, investment process consistency and various other factors.

If a fund does not stand out from similar products and it no longer meets our requirements, we change it. As an investor, you will be notified in writing in good time if this happens. You will then have the opportunity to switch to the new fund, or to retain the current fund you have in your custody account without any future disadvantages. Both options are free.

Third-party funds can help you diversify your portfolio and tailor it to what you’re interested in. For instance, you have the option of investing in certain regions, industries or in sustainability, or you can focus on a specific area such as technology, water or ageing.