Standing Apart From Traditional Banks: Swissquote's EAM Service Model

Editorial Staff

11 April 2025

In our series covering what firms such as banks are doing to work with Singapore’s and Asia’s external asset managers more generally, we have already looked at a few new players in the frame, such as Interactive Brokers (see the article here). Another player that does not conform to the standard bank model is Swissquote. We recently talked to Mathias Dalla Valeria, who is CEO and executive director of Swissquote Pte, Ltd, in Singapore, and part of the business that is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, with offices around the world, including Singapore and Hong Kong. (Picture shows the Gland HQ.)

(Nominations are open for the Fourth WealthBriefingAsia EAM Awards, 2025, with the public announcement in Singapore on 16 October.)

Does your firm offer custody services to EAMs and what do these services consist of?
Yes, we are a booking centre in Singapore and provide access to nearly four million financial products across multiple asset classes, both listed and OTC. Clients can trade through our award-winning platform with just a few clicks.

How many EAMs, in approximate terms, do you serve?
We serve around 60 clients, comprising a mix of EAMs, single-family offices, MFOs, and Variable Capital Companies (these are set up by the aforementioned entities). We also work with institutional clients.

When dealing with EAMs, what are the main tasks and forms of support they ask for the most and why, in your experience?
This is one of our biggest differentiators compared with incumbent banks. As mentioned earlier, we offer an award-winning platform through which EAMs can manage all their clients – whether it's trading, settlement, corporate actions, or API connections, to name a few. At the same time, we have a highly talented and dedicated team of experienced relationship managers who are always ready to assist. EAMs want the best of both worlds – efficient online platforms and a human touch when needed. I believe Swissquote represents the ideal blend between traditional private banks and digital-only players.

How important has the rise of VCCs (Variable Capital Companies) been in driving what EAMs do and the services they need?
Based on client activity, it’s clear that VCCs have been a success. Thanks to our infrastructure, our platform is well suited for VCCs. In fact, we currently have several large VCCs executing trades on our platform, trusting us as their custodian of choice.

Regulatory issues remain important, and Singapore is of course no exception, along with Southeast Asia more generally. Are there topics that are particularly front of mind?
I think what many regulators in developed countries have in common is a strong emphasis on AML and KYC. While it can feel burdensome at times, these regulations are essential for keeping Singapore a safe and attractive hub for storing, growing, and investing wealth.

With the rise of cryptocurrencies and digital assets, regulators in Singapore (and Southeast Asia) are closely monitoring the regulation of digital exchanges and the use of digital currencies in financial systems. Singapore’s Payment Services Act (PSA) and the Financial Sector Technology & Innovation (FSTI) grant framework are among the key regulatory measures in play in Singapore.

How is digital technology shaping the sort of custody services you provide, for example affecting its cost, range of service, etc?
It’s more relevant than ever. With the largest generational wealth transfer underway, being digital is, in my view, a must. Clients expect to handle much of their business online – on their terms, at any time, and from anywhere in the world.