Client information on the Financial Services Act (FINSA)
The new Federal Financial Services Act (FINSA) came into force in Switzerland on January 1, 2020. On the one hand, it contains regulations on the offer of financial services and financial products and, on the other hand, protective mechanisms for investors. Even before the FINSA came into force, Aquila Ltd and its partner companies attached great importance to protecting the interests of their clients. Based on the new legislation, existing processes were further revised and adapted to the requirements of the FINSA where necessary within the applicable transitional periods. Below we summarize the most important information for you.
About us
The Aquila E&A Financial Consulting AG (hereinafter "the Company") is an independent asset management company domiciled in Freienbach. It holds a license from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) as an asset manager within the meaning of Art. 17 para. 1 FINIA and is directly supervised by FINMA.
As a partner company of Aquila Ltd, the company can draw on specific expertise in the areas of legal, compliance & risk, accounting and IT (outsourcing). Aquila Ltd holds a banking license and is also supervised by FINMA.
Our services
We offer our clients services in the area of discretionary asset management, investment advice as well as the transmission of orders (execution only).
In addition, we provide other family office services on request, such as the consolidation of additional accounts and portfolios, administrative support in cooperation with custodian banks, and related services.
Our license also allows us to manage occupational pension assets and fund assets up to CHF 100 million. Furthermore, we have the possibility to structure products and to act as asset manager for certain certificates (derivatives).
All services offered as well as the corresponding costs are described in detail in the mandate agreement.
Conflicts of interests
As part of our services, we consider a comprehensive range of products and services, narrowed down by proven selection processes aligned with the client’s needs. Research material from third parties (e.g. custodian banks) may also be used.
We strive to avoid conflicts of interest wherever possible and otherwise disclose them transparently. If third-party research material is used, this is done exclusively after careful examination and selection from the entire market offering and always in the client’s best interest.
All employees are bound by our internal code of conduct, ensuring that client interests are always paramount.
Client segmentation
An important element of client protection under FINSA is the classification of clients into investor protection categories. Clients are divided into private clients, professional clients and institutional clients as defined by FINSA.
Private clients benefit from the highest level of investor protection.
Unless otherwise informed, clients are classified as private clients. A reclassification may be requested at any time. The Company will discuss the available options and corresponding requirements with the client.
Ombudsman
If a dispute cannot be resolved bilaterally after a written complaint, clients may contact the ombudsman’s office. The aim of the ombudsman is to achieve a neutral and independent resolution.
The services are generally inexpensive or free of charge and are available in German, French, Italian and English.
Financial Services Ombudsman (FINSOM)
Avenue de la gare 45
1920 Martigny
https://finsom.ch
Contact
Do you have any further questions? We are at your disposal under the following contact details:
Aquila E&A Financial Consulting AG
Wolleraustrasse 15N
8807 Freienbach
Switzerland