Interview with Michael Heusser, Head of the Zurich Team for Swiss Nationals Living Abroad
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Michael Heusser, I am a lawyer and certified wealth management consultant and have been leading the Team for Swiss Nationals Living Abroad at the Zurich branch of the Banque Cantonale de Genève (BCGE) for over two years.
I love travelling and have been to all five continents, so I have come into contact with many exciting cultures in my life. Brazil is always a favourite travel destination, and that’s also where I met my wife. Wherever I am in the world, the Swiss values I have embraced and shared are always with me – something that rings true for most Swiss nationals living abroad, whose roots to their homeland run deep. For us Swiss, financial security is a precious asset that we value and maintain. That is why I have been committed to the Swiss nationals living abroad for more than 10 years, and I am happy that I can help them remain securely anchored to a Swiss bank.
Do you have a specific connection to emigration?
I was born in Denver, Colorado, to Swiss parents who were on assignment in the United States. So, as of my first day, I was already a Swiss national living abroad, a citizen of the so-called fifth Switzerland.
This international background, along with my deep connection to Switzerland have shaped me throughout my life. I am very open to other perspectives and life circumstances and can therefore easily put myself in the shoes of my clients.
Our clients are based in over 170 countries all around the world and we always welcome the exciting exchanges that take place on our premises and the interesting stories that cross national borders. That means that I deal with the topics of foreign countries and emigration every day.
Why should Swiss nationals living abroad choose BCGE as their partner?
For decades, BCGE has been offering excellent solutions to Swiss nationals living abroad, wherever they are in the world.
BCGE has extensive experience in advising and supporting Swiss nationals living abroad. For clients domiciled abroad, BCGE has built up expert teams in the areas of cross-border banking and compliance. With these centres of expertise, our clients benefit from a first-class service.
Last but not least, Switzerland’s political stability, the stable Swiss currency and the security of the bank also play a crucial role. In terms of financial solutions, we can offer all our clients in most countries the same solutions that we offer our clients resident in Switzerland, including pension solutions for existing 2nd and 3rd pillar pension plans and the financing of properties in Switzerland.
How actively does the dedicated team support Swiss nationals living abroad?
Cross-border banking is subject to numerous regulatory requirements and provisions. It is therefore important to us that we comply with all laws and regulations to ensure seamless banking operations. As specialists in this international banking business, we know and advise our clients, as well as closely monitor regulations to promote secure cooperation. While there are limits to what you can do in cross-border banking, we offer you our professional solutions and commitment for everything we are allowed to do. Thanks to our international knowledge and experience with Swiss nationals living abroad, we can personally support you when you emigrate or when you are abroad, providing a direct and competent point of contact.
What are the advantages of having a point of contact worldwide?
The advantages are clear: A Swiss bank, offering excellent services, knowledge and many years of experience in cross-border banking and the associated regulations, as well as a personal and close point of contact who is available to assist you as a partner in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner. My team in Zurich and our colleagues in Basel, Lausanne and Geneva are always happy to assist you with your international banking requirements.
Banque Cantonale de Genève (BCGE) Your bank at home and abroad – contact us, we are here for you!
XPATBKING.ch: Banking solutions for expatriates
- Comprehensive pension and wealth analysis
- Tailor-made estate-planning advice for Switzerland
- Review of tax opportunities in Switzerland
- Assistance with real estate projects in Switzerland