NCCU Students Explore Swiss Private Banking at UZH

Developed in close collaboration with NCCU, the program combined academic insights, industry perspectives, and exclusive company visits to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of one of the world's most established wealth management ecosystems. Through lectures, panel discussions, and exchanges with industry professionals, participants explored the factors that continue to make Swiss private banking a global benchmark for trust, stability, long-term thinking, and relationship building.

At UZH Executive Education, we believe that lasting learning happens through active exchange. While we brought together leading researchers, experienced practitioners, and industry partners, it was the students who truly shaped the conversations.

Throughout the week, participants engaged speakers with thoughtful questions and challenged industry experts with real-world scenarios. The result was a dynamic dialogue that moved beyond presentations and encouraged critical thinking, curiosity, and open discussion.
In an age of fast-paced communication, this is exactly the kind of learning environment we seek to foster: Ask boldly.

A highlight of the program was the industry panel discussion, Bridging Borders: Lessons from Swiss Private Banking for Taiwan's Financial Transformation. 

Panelists shared personal reflections and practical insights on leadership, talent development, and the future of financial services. Several key themes emerged throughout the discussion:

• Passion fuels ambition and professional growth.
• Openness and collaboration create value for everyone involved.
• A strong workplace culture is essential for attracting and retaining talent.
• Successful relationship managers listen carefully, remember what matters most to clients, and consistently follow up.
• Taking calculated risks is necessary for innovation and progress.
• While strategy matters, culture ultimately determines whether an organization can execute and succeed over the long term.

The discussion became especially engaging when students challenged panelists with nuanced questions and explored complex business development scenarios. These exchanges created valuable opportunities for mutual learning across generations and markets.

Beyond the classroom, students had the opportunity to visit leading financial institutions and gain first-hand insights into different approaches to wealth management. Our sincere thanks go to: 

• J. Safra Sarasin, for sharing their perspective on ESG, thematic investment, and family office services 
• LGT Switzerland, for welcoming the group to the Princely winery in Liechtenstein and sharing the story behind the bank's multi-generational approach to wealth 
• UBS, whose APAC team hosted an exchange on markets and cross-cultural client relationships 

The Executive Education team is grateful to be part of such an ecosystem in Zurich, where institutions invest time and remain curious about the next generation of finance professionals.

The study tour also featured a series of academic lectures addressing key developments shaping the financial sector:

• The Evolution of Swiss Banking: From Tradition to Innovation in Private Banking
• Market Access, Investment Structures, Tax Planning, FX Management and Geopolitics
• Behavioral Finance and Private Banking
• The Future of Sustainable Finance
• The Future of Private Banking

Together, these sessions provided students with a broader perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry in an increasingly complex global environment.

Text: Penny Lee

Interested in creating a tailored learning experience for your students? Explore our customized study tour options and discover how UZH Executive Education can connect academic learning with industry practice. 

More information about tailored study programs can be found here.