In a world where digitalisation is transforming every aspect of our daily lives, the wealth management sector faces a dual challenge: integrating new technologies while preserving the essence of a personalised service. While technology offers unprecedented opportunities in terms of automation, access to information and transactional fluidity, it cannot replace the relationship of trust that unites a client with their manager.
The real challenge for wealth managers therefore is to take advantage of technological advances without losing sight of the importance of human relationships and in-depth knowledge of the specific needs of each investor.
Far from being a threat to wealth management, digitalisation becomes a strategic lever when it is seen as a complementary tool designed to streamline and enrich the client experience. This can bring several advantages.
Digital platforms enable real-time access to investments, allowing clients to monitor their assets, carry out stockmarket transactions, analyse their performance and consult detailed reports at any time. These days, more than two-thirds of private investors are understood to use digital platforms to manage their finances.
The optimisation of transactions has made international transfers, stockmarket transactions or QR code payments as simple as a click. This is a trend reinforced by the example of the digitalisation of the Swiss banking system, where more than 80% of banking transactions are now carried out online, according to the Swiss Finance Institute.
Greater security of exchanges, with encrypted solutions, guarantee absolute confidentiality – a crucial aspect in a country where the protection of banking data remains a priority. Meanwhile, at an administrative level, intelligent automation is reducing the administrative burden on managers, enabling them to focus on their primary mission of advising and providing strategic support to their clients.
“The age of ‘phygital’ is here – an intelligent fusion of the human and the digital, where the client experience becomes more fluid, more responsive and ever more tailored to the expectations of investors.
While digital tools improve accessibility and transparency, they cannot replace the intuition and expertise of an experienced adviser.”
Furthermore, artificial intelligence and data analysis are transforming the way wealth managers anticipate market trends. Advanced algorithms make it possible to identify investment opportunities more quickly and with greater precision.
Again looking to Switzerland, the adoption of AI technologies in the banking sector is growing strongly, despite the challenge this represents in terms of risk management and regulatory compliance. In fact, the number of banks implementing AI solutions tripled in 2024, according to EY’s 2025 Banking Barometer.
Human touch
While digital tools improve accessibility and transparency, they cannot replace the intuition and expertise of an experienced adviser. Indeed, understanding the deep aspirations of the client remains essential because a good manager does not simply optimise a portfolio – they also take into account the values, ambitions and wealth issues of each investor.
Creating a close relationship is fundamental because, in times of crisis or uncertainty, clients are looking for human dialogue, tailored advice and reassuring support. According to a 2024 study, 75% of investors turn to their professional financial advisers for major decisions.
Anticipating and supporting future generations is more than ever at the heart of the banking profession. Intergenerational wealth planning, financial education for younger generations and philanthropic choices require a personalised, educational approach.
Tradition and modernity
Digitalisation is not a passing trend – it is part of a structural evolution that affects both investor expectations and new asset classes, such as private equity, cryptocurrencies and tokenised assets. The emergence of tokenisation, for example, provides access to asset classes that were previously reserved for a limited circle of investors, while offering greater transparency and better liquidity.
The transformation witnessed by the Swiss financial market illustrates the need to adopt innovative solutions while preserving the fundamentals of wealth management. According to the latest figures published by KPMG, Swiss private banks manage more than CHF3th (£2.7tn) in assets under management, emphasising the importance of a management approach focused on excellence and adaptability.
With the rapid evolution of client expectations and technologies, financial institutions must continually innovate to maintain their competitiveness in the international market. And, far from being a forced transformation, digitalisation represents a unique opportunity to enrich the client experience and optimise asset management.
The age of ‘phygital’ is here – an intelligent fusion of the human and the digital, where the client experience becomes more fluid, more responsive and ever more tailored to the expectations of investors, while retaining the unchanging fundamentals of trust, expertise and excellent personalised service.
Camille Vial is managing partner of Mirabaud Group and CEO of Mirabaud & Cie SA
