2016 IFC POWERWOMEN TOP 200

Interview
Tell me about your time at Bank J Safra Sarasin?
I have been with the bank nineteen years and
the majority of my team members have been
with me anywhere between eight and fifteen
years. This stability enables us to work closely
with our clients and trustees with a long-term
objective.
How has your work changed over the years?
Originally our team’s main focus was private
UK and Asian clients, but as many of the
clients and families we looked after had trust
structures, we added an additional part to
the team in 2003. This enabled us to offer a
team of experienced staff dedicated to trustees
wanting custody in Switzerland. Even the best
trust structure can be weakened by a banker
who doesn’t truly understand trusts.
banks are often more USA investments and US
Dollar focused.
Do your clients get involved in philanthropy?
Yes. Philanthropy is also an active part of Swiss
culture, so we see many charities, as well as
clients preferring sustainable investments.
How do you unwind after a long day?
Homework with my thirteen-year-old daughter
and cooking.
Are your clients concerned about Brexit?
Generally our clients have been very calm with
the subject of Brexit, remaining confident in
the UK’s ability to continue to remain a global
financial power.
What other concerns do your clients have?
Clients have become comfortable with
transparency, however with the Common
Reporting Standard there are a lot of concerns
about who will report what to whom, and how
in the end this information will be protected
from misuse.
What’s the secret to your professional success?
Hard work, tenacity, and always knowing who
is better than me in something and going to
them for their support and guidance. You can’t
rush experience but you can definitely benefit
from the wisdom of others.
You lived in the US for a long time. What major
differences do you see between the US and
Switzerland?
“Our clients have
been very calm with
the subject of Brexit,
remaining confident
in the UK’s ability to
continue to remain a
global financial power.”
Belinda Ferré,
managing director and team head
external trusts, UK and Far East,
Bank J. Safra Sarasin
In Switzerland we have a global approach to
service and investments, whereas the US