Concept
CIM Banque (Compagnie d'Investissement Marc Faber, now Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique-related) is a Swiss commercial and private hybrid based in Geneva, specializing in multi-currency accounts for international clients. Type: commercial for non-residents plus light-private wealth—without the top-tier private banking level of Pictet, Lombard Odier, or Julius Baer. Known for a relatively low entry threshold by Swiss standards and for serving non-resident clients.
Regulation
- FINMA—Swiss regulator;
- Esisuisse—Swiss deposit insurance scheme (CHF 100k cap);
- license covers universal banking operations, but focus is on wealth management and multi-currency banking.
For Whom
- international clients requiring a Swiss multi-currency account without an UHNW-pure-play focus;
- non-resident clients with moderate capital ($100k – several million) for whom traditional large Swiss private banks are inaccessible or undesirable;
- HNW clients requiring diversified currency exposure and Swiss booking.
What it offers
- Multi-currency accounts in 20+ currencies;
- Brokerage services for investment-grade securities;
- FX trading and hedging;
- Lombard credit against portfolio (small scale);
- Online banking with a relatively user-friendly interface by Swiss standards;
- Custody of assets.
CIM Banque does not offer full-scale private banking with discretionary mandates at the level of Pictet or Julius Baer.
Minimum thresholds
CIM Banque has historically had a lower entry threshold than mainstream Swiss private banks—account opening for non-residents is available with relatively smaller deposits. Exact terms vary and should be verified directly with the bank.
What is important to understand
- Not a UHNW pure-play: for full private banking with an advisory team—Pictet, Lombard Odier, Julius Baer, or Mirabaud;
- Smaller scale: fewer investment products, fewer alternative investments;
- KYC after 2022: the bank has tightened KYC for clients from sanctions-sensitive jurisdictions and profiles;
- Business-operational needs: not designed for operating company transactions—this is a personal/wealth account.
Where CIM Banque is suitable
- international client with a need for Swiss multi-currency banking without UHNW pricing;
- diversification jurisdiction after primary banking relationship in other countries;
- portfolio holding in Swiss booking with relatively low entry.
Where not suitable
- UHNW with need for premium advisory and alternative investments—premium Swiss PB is better;
- business operational payments – not an operational bank;
- crypto operations – limited offerings;
- clients with sanctions-sensitive nationality without strong mitigation.