2019 in review
January
Preliminary announcement on annual results
VP Bank announced significantly higher projected net new money inflows and lower Group net income.
Chief Executive Officer
CEO Alfred W. Moeckli left VP Bank Group as from 31 January 2019. Chief Operating Officer Dr Urs Monstein was named interim CEO.
February
Catella transaction closing
Effective 1 February 2019, the acquisition of Catella Bank’s Luxembourg private banking activities by VP Bank (Luxembourg) was completed.
VP Bank Classic Festival
By supporting the “VP Bank Classic Festival” in Switzerland, VP Bank continued to promote the next generation of international musical talent.
March
2018 annual results
In 2018, VP Bank Group recorded Group net income of CHF 54.7 million. Net new money totalled CHF 3.2 billion, client assets under management increased by 2.8 per cent. The tier 1 capital ratio was 20.9 per cent, and the cost/income ratio rose to 75.8 per cent.
April
Highest rating “Risk Indicator 1”
Dun & Bradstreet Worldwide again awarded VP Bank Group the highest rating “Risk Indicator 1” in 2019.
Annual General Meeting
At the 56th ordinary Annual General Meeting, all of the Board of Directors’ proposed resolutions were approved. The dividend of CHF 5.50 per registered share A and CHF 0.55 per registered share B was approved. Markus Thomas Hilti, Ursula Lang and Dr Gabriela Maria Payer were re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Directors of VP Bank. Dr Christian Camenzind chose not to seek another term and stepped down from the Board of Directors.
May
VP Bank Ladies Open
As the principal sponsor of a pro golf tournament, VP Bank promotes women’s golf at the highest level.
Secure connection with VP Bank Connect
As part of on-going upgrades to the client portal, a simple, secure and independent login procedure was introduced with VP Bank Connect.
June
VP Bank Rally
VP Bank is a partner and headline sponsor of a challenging classic car rally.
Client survey
In June and July, VP Bank conducted a client survey on values and advisory quality.
Share buy-back completed
The share buy-back programme launched in June 2018 was successfully completed. At 28 June 2019, VP Bank’s treasury shares totalled 9.58 per cent of share capital.
July
Planned cooperation with Hywin
VP Bank AG and Hywin Wealth Management Co. announced their intention to develop a joint collaboration platform in Hong Kong in order to offer high-quality asset management solutions to wealthy Chinese investors.
Preliminary announcement on interim results
VP Bank Group reported it was expecting significantly higher first-half Group net income of around CHF 35 million.
Growth at VP Fund Solutions
VP Fund Solutions expanded its management ranks and celebrated its 20-year anniversary in Liechtenstein.
August
2019 interim results
With a 20.5 per cent increase in Group net income, CHF 1.2 billion in net new money inflows and a substantial 9.9 per cent increase in client assets under management to CHF 45.6 billion, VP Bank Group recorded a strong first-half performance.
Standard & Poor's rating
Standard & Poor’s confirmed the “A” rating and stable outlook for VP Bank.
September
German market access
The German financial markets supervisory authority BaFin authorised VP Bank (Switzerland) AG to use the simplified exemption procedure. This authorisation provides easier access to the German market.
October
New Chief Executive Officer
Paul H. Arni started as the new Chief Executive Officer of VP Bank Group as from 1 October.
Annual report awards
The VP Bank Group’s 2018 annual report and online annual report was recognised with eight international awards.
November
VP Bank bond
VP Bank Ltd successfully issued its first senior non-preferred 10-year bond totalling CHF 155 million.
Advisory quality recognised
VP Bank’s long-term assessment was ranked 11th in the Top 20 European tables of best asset managers by the private banking audit and assessment firm Fuchsbriefe.
“Lichtblick”
As part of the VP Bank foundation’s annual “Lichtblick” charity campaign, numerous non-profit institutions received a generous grant.