EFG International is a Zurich-based private bank built around the banker rather than the product: its Client Relationship Officers operate with high autonomy and bring their own client books into the bank. EFG calls itself an entrepreneurial private bank — a rare case where the slogan accurately describes the business model (efginternational.com).
The CRO model
The idea: a CRO joins EFG with an existing client book and runs it like an entrepreneur, with broad discretion over decisions. For the client, that means negotiating with a person who holds real authority — not with a shopfront of standardised packages.
The flip side: service quality depends on the individual banker more than in rigidly standardised houses. Choosing the right CRO is half the decision.
Minimum investment
There is no official minimum. Third-party sources cite entry from EUR 1m (gsl.org), while others quote from ~USD 500,000 depending on the client profile — all market estimates the bank does not confirm. Data as of July 2026.
| Parameter | Value | Confirmation |
|---|---|---|
| Entry threshold | Not published; ~USD 0.5–1m benchmark | Market estimate, on request |
| Headquarters | Zurich | efginternational.com |
| Locations | 40 | efginternational.com |
| Model | CRO — autonomous bankers with own client books | efginternational.com |
Locations
Forty locations (efginternational.com, data as of July 2026): Switzerland — Zurich, Geneva, Lugano; Europe — London, Luxembourg, Monaco, Liechtenstein; Asia — Hong Kong and Singapore; Americas — Miami, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands; Middle East — Dubai and Bahrain.
For a Swiss bank this is an unusually offshore-heavy map: the Bahamas and Caymans sit inside the group's own perimeter, not with partners. Combined with the Asian offices, it gives clients a wide booking choice within a single group.
Compliance and difficult passports
EFG has historically been more flexible than classic Swiss houses towards non-standard and international clients — a consequence of a model in which the banker is motivated to get their client onboarded. That said, the bank publishes no policy by citizenship: onboarding is case by case, sanctions restrictions apply in full, and residency plus source of funds decide the outcome.
Who it suits
International clients with complex income geography who want a banker with real authority and a booking choice from Switzerland to Singapore. Also those unimpressed by the standardisation of large machines like UBS; family-owned alternatives in the same segment are LGT and J. Safra Sarasin. The segment context sits in private banking.
It does not suit portfolios well below ~USD 500,000, or clients who expect maximum institutional standardisation — much here rides on the individual CRO.
FAQ
What is the minimum to bank with EFG?
The bank publishes no threshold. Market benchmarks run from ~USD 500,000 to EUR 1m depending on profile and booking centre; exact terms only on request.
What is the CRO model?
A Client Relationship Officer is a banker who joins EFG with their own client book and manages it with high autonomy. The client gains negotiating flexibility — and a dependence on that particular banker.
Where can EFG book an account?
The group spans 40 locations: Switzerland, London, Luxembourg, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Hong Kong, Singapore, Miami, the Bahamas, the Caymans, Dubai, Bahrain and more. The choice depends on the client's residency and goals.
Does EFG work with Russian citizens?
There is no public policy. The bank has historically been more flexible than most towards non-standard passports, but sanctions compliance is mandatory — every decision is individual and turns on residency and source of funds.